Be Afraid Media buys CREEPY and taps Jon Grilz to lead podcast network

Be Afraid Media has acquired CREEPY, the long-running creepypasta podcast created and hosted by Jon Grilz, and named him head of the Be Afraid Podcast Network. The move deepens Be Afraid’s push into horror audio as internet-born horror continues breaking into mainstream film and entertainment. Why it matters: - Be Afraid Media is locking up a marquee horror podcast as creepypasta grows from niche internet storytelling into a bigger commercial category. - The deal gives Be Afraid full ownership of a show that already draws more than 10 million downloads a year and anchors what the company calls the largest fan-owned podcast network in the genre. - Jon Grilz’s expanded role gives Be Afraid a single leader overseeing both the flagship show and the broader network. What happened: - Be Afraid Media acquired CREEPY, the chart-topping creepypasta podcast created and hosted by Jon Grilz. - Grilz will become Head of Podcasts for the Be Afraid Podcast Network. - Grilz will continue as host and showrunner of CREEPY. - The announcement was made June 11, 2026, from Los Angeles. The details: - CREEPY has built a catalog of more than 1,200 episodes over nearly a decade. - The show sources original stories from the creepypasta community on Reddit and beyond. - CREEPY produces episodes with sound design and a full team of narrators. - The show pays and credits creators behind every episode. - CREEPY holds a 4.5-star rating across more than 6,000 listener reviews. - The podcast routinely charts among the top horror podcasts in the U.S. - CREEPY now anchors the network formerly known as the Dread Podcast Network. - The Be Afraid Podcast Network includes more than a dozen shows spanning creepypasta, scripted horror, watch-along comedy, true crime, and the paranormal. - The roster includes Creepypasta and Internet Horror; True Crime and Paranormal; Horror Discussion; Comedy and Watch-Along; Industry and Filmmaker Conversations; Scripted Audio Horror; and Horror Lifestyle and Culture. - Be Afraid Media said the network is the largest fan-owned podcast network in the genre. - CREEPY’s calendar centers on Creepaway Camp and 31 Days of Horror. - This October’s 31 Days of Horror will be the tenth annual edition and the first under Be Afraid ownership. - Be Afraid plans to integrate its podcast portfolio with Dread Central and Be Afraid TV through premium memberships, exclusive content, and cross-platform initiatives across audio, editorial, and streaming. - Be Afraid Media said its audience has grown from 16 million fans at launch to more than 30 million today. - The company said film studio clients are showing stronger interest in access to horror audiences. - The Be Afraid Media family includes Dread Central and the Be Afraid Podcast Network. - Be Afraid’s first feature is “The Heretiks,” a Halloween-set witch horror from “Dance of the Dead” director Gregg Bishop. - The film is produced by Be Afraid partner Brad Miska with Chris White, executive producer of “Backrooms,” A24’s creepypasta hit. - Be Afraid Media was founded by Bloody Disgusting founder and “Terrifier 3” and “V/H/S” producer Brad Miska. - More information is available at BeAfraidMedia.com . Between the lines: - The acquisition shows how horror companies are betting on audience-built IP, not just traditional studio development. - Grilz’s promotion suggests Be Afraid wants a creator-led network structure, not just a larger podcast slate. - The company is positioning audio, editorial, TV, and film as one combined horror ecosystem to sell to fans and advertisers. What’s next: - Be Afraid will use Grilz to steer network growth while keeping CREEPY as its flagship. - The company plans more premium and cross-platform offerings tied to Dread Central and Be Afraid TV. - The tenth annual 31 Days of Horror will serve as the first major event cycle under Be Afraid ownership. - Be Afraid is likely to continue using podcast success to support broader horror media and film ambitions.