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Comedy Cult Classic

A monstrous mutant from space invades suburbia via the Putterman family's satellite dish.

TERRORVISION

People of Earth, your planet is about to be destroyed... We're terribly sorry for the inconvenience.

1986 · 1h 23m · R · Comedy / Horror / Science Fiction / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

A carnivorous alien creature is accidentally beamed to a family’s house from space via their new satellite dish and goes about eating everyone in sight.

Quick Answer

What is TerrorVision about?

TerrorVision is a 1986 United States comedy, horror, science fiction, and thriller film directed by Ted Nicolaou about a carnivorous alien creature accidentally beamed into a family's home via their new satellite dish.

Programmer's Pick

TerrorVision is what happens when 1980s consumer culture gets a radioactive jolt from outer space. With a monster beamed straight into the living room and a cast of oddballs, it’s a wickedly satirical send-up of family TV nights gone horrifically wrong.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

On the far-off planet Pluton, a mutant called the Hungry Beast is transformed into energy and shot into space as cosmic garbage. Meanwhile, the eccentric Putterman family is busy installing a DIY satellite dish in their 1980s suburban home. Their television troubles take a bizarre turn when an alien energy surge zaps the dish, supercharging the reception. Sherman Putterman and his survivalist grandfather hunker down for a night of horror movies hosted by the sensational Medusa, while the rest of the family pursues their own misadventures. Unbeknownst to anyone, something very hungry is about to emerge from the TV, setting the stage for an outrageous blend of horror and satire.

Details & Specs

Director
Ted Nicolaou
Writer
Ted Nicolaou
Release
1986
Runtime
1h 23m
Country
United States of America
Language
English, Portuguese
Also Known As
奪命凶電視

Why This Matters

This early collaboration between the Band family and director Ted Nicolaou foreshadowed their later work at Full Moon Features, and its later cult status as a 'so bad it's good' film highlights its enduring appeal among genre fans.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Ted Nicolaou Writer: Ted Nicolaou

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Why Cult

Alien via Satellite Dish

The central threat arrives through the Putterman family's new satellite antenna, merging sci-fi absurdity with domestic comedy.

Madcap 1980s Family

The film revels in its wild, dysfunctional household—complete with swinger parents, a metalhead boyfriend, and a TV horror host.

Satirical Horror Comedy

TerrorVision gleefully skewers American pop culture and television addiction, blending slapstick, dark comedy, and body horror.

Practical Creature Effects

The Hungry Beast is brought to life with gooey, over-the-top monster effects that ooze 1980s practical charm.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Alien energy beam hits satellite dish

Threat

Carnivorous alien creature (Hungry Beast)

Effect

Eats family members and visitors

Setting

Suburban family home

Questions from the Vault

Who directed TerrorVision? +

Ted Nicolaou directed TerrorVision.

How long is TerrorVision? +

TerrorVision has a runtime of 83 minutes.

What genre is TerrorVision? +

TerrorVision is a blend of comedy, horror, science fiction, and thriller.

When was TerrorVision released? +

TerrorVision was released in 1986.

How does the Hungry Beast arrive at the Puttermans' house? +

Energy carrying the Hungry Beast is accidentally beamed into the Puttermans' home through their satellite dish after an alien garbage disposal on Pluton sends it into space.

Trailers & Clips

TerrorVision trailer
Official Trailer
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