Dead Meat is an AmericanYouTube channel dedicated to horror and horror-adjacent media. It is known mainly for the web seriesTheKill Count, which covers the body count of horror media, along with comedic commentary and behind-the-scenes information.[2][3][4] The channel was created on April 7, 2017 by partners (and later spouses) James A. Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca, who met as film students at the University of Michigan.[5]
James A. Janisse, the host of the Kill Count, at VidCon in 2024
The channel is known primarily for its Kill Count series, where Janisse summarizes horror films, counts the number of deaths, and offers behind-the-scenes insights. At the end of each episode a breakdown of the kills, known as "the numbers", is shared including a final tally, a gender breakdown, and awards for the coolest kill (Golden Chainsaw) and lamest kill (Dull Machete).[6] The channel is mainly hosted by Janisse, with Rebecca and channel co-writer Zoran Gvojic occasionally serving as auxiliary hosts.[6]
In 2018, Rebecca launched the Dead Meat Podcast, with Janisse as a co-host. The podcast explores horror films, industry trends, and cultural significance, featuring reviews, interviews, thematic discussions, and games based around the horror genre and related trivia.[3][5] Content on the Dead Meat Podcast includes behind-the-scenes information and research, such as the “Final Girl” episode of the podcast which drew on the work of Carol Clover.[8] In 2025, the Dead Meat Podcast became part of Bloody Disgusting’s BloodyFM podcast network.[9]
California wildfires charity stream
In early January 2025, Dead Meat announced some videos would be delayed as members of their team had to evacuate due to the Los Angeles wildfires.[10] They hosted a livestream on January 11, 2025, and raised over $20,000 USD for wildfire relief.[11]
Reception
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Justina Bonilla of The Hollywood Reporter described The Kill Count as “giving viewers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art and technicalities of horror.” Mike Flanagan, a critically acclaimed horror director, praised the channel, saying “It’s not just commentary, it’s not just critique, it’s excellent entertainment in its own right, and beautifully produced by James and Chelsea”.[2]
Other activities
In 2018, Janisse played the role of Raymond in the second season of Crypt TV's Look-See.[12] Janisse and Rebecca had a cameo in the 2022 film Scream as two fictional YouTube movie critics for a YouTube channel called Film Fails.[13] On October 29, 2024, Janisse and Rebecca executive produced and featured in a music video for musician T-Pain for the song "Does She Know?"[14] In 2024 it was announced that Janisse would be appearing in an upcoming horror anthology called Grind.[15][16][17]
In 2022, Dead Meat partnered with Shudder to host the annual Dead Meat Horror Awards, which celebrates achievements in the horror film genre of the year. The Dead Meat Horror Awards have occurred every year ever since.[2][5][18]
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