The show began its ten-year run on Saturday, January 7, 1989, with Gilbert Gottfried as host, and the first two movies shown that night were Cheerleaders Beach Party (1978) and Stuck on You! (1983).
Because of its instant popularity with USA Network viewers, a Friday-night version was added. Unlike the Saturday one, which was based in New York City, this one was based in Los Angeles. 'Caroline Schlitt' )qv_, fresh off of the short-lived Camp Midnite (1989), was originally the host of each edition, and it premiered on June 30, 1989, with the first two movies being The Pom Pom Girls (1976) and Student Confidential (1986).
Host Caroline Schlitt was let go after one season because producers said she just wasn't working out. They then hired Rhonda Shear who became an immediate hit and helped increase ratings substantially.
In 2015, Rhonda Shear for "USA Up All Night," was inducted into "The Official Horror Host Hall of Fame."
Rhonda Shear posing fully nude for Playboy in Oct. 1993 helped ratings skyrocket for the episodes after that issue was released.