[3] The show features horror and science fiction films and is hosted by the character Svengoolie, who was originally played by Jerry G. Bishop from 1970 to 1973, before Rich Koz succeeded him in the role from 1979 on.

Before and after commercial breaks, Svengoolie presents sketches, tells jokes, and performs parody songs related to the films being aired.

The show is a long-running local program in the Chicago area and in recent years expanded nationally, airing Saturday nights on MeTV.

The show airs both low-budget and classic horror and science-fiction movies, with host "Svengoolie" – a portmanteau of the words Svengali and ghoul – played by Rich Koz[4] (pronounced "Koze"), who wears thick skull-like makeup around his eyes and cheekbones, a moustache, goatee, and long wig, all black, and a black top hat with a tuxedo jacket over a bright-red, open-collared, pleated tuxedo shirt.

Just before and after commercial breaks, Svengoolie presents sketches, tells corny jokes, and performs song parody spoofs of the film being aired.

[1] Some shows were presented in what was later dubbed "Sven-surround" – a pun on "Sensurround", a brand name theater audio system – in which Svengoolie would joke as the film aired sometimes with humorous sound effects.

By December 2006, the show featured four episodes of the Abbott and Costello "Meet" series, with Universal Studios Monsters and several Hammer Film Productions that were distributed by Universal-International.

"[2] Another recurring gag involves rubber chickens thrown at Svengoolie after a weak joke, usually at the end of an episode's opening and closing sketches.

Many other incidental characters throughout the show's run have been voiced by Rich Koz and – during his tenure – Jerry G. Bishop, as well as WFLD staff announcer Jim Barton (during the "Son of" years).

[10] Field Communications re-purchased WFLD back from Kaiser Broadcasting in 1978, which led Jerry Bishop and Rich Koz to discuss the show's resurrection.

In the series, Sventoonie reviewed classic horror films and took part in comedy sketches with his own cast, including occasional appearances by Svengoolie himself.

[28] A special four-part crossover story in two-page parts featuring Svengoolie with the various DC Comics superheroes ran through the month of October 2019.

DC Comics editor Dan Didio said the idea for this was a "fun mash-up" featuring the Justice League alongside elements of the Svengoolie show.