48 - Renovations

June 1, 2014 - StrexCorp begins massive renovations on the radio station and all of Night Vale. Plus, updates from the Company Picnic of Indeterminate Length, free floating cats for anyone who wants them, and a strange new art print.
The voice of Lauren Mallard was Lauren Sharpe.
The voice of Kevin was Kevin R. Free.
Weather: "High Tide Rising" by Fox, foxtheband.bandcamp.com.
Become a member on Patreon today to help us keep making Welcome to Night Vale and get cool stuff, like Director’s Notes, bonus episodes, and even a new character named after you.
/ welcometonightvale
Music: Disparition, disparition.info
Logo: Rob Wilson, robwilsonwork.com
Produced by Commonplace Books. Written by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor. Narrated by Cecil Baldwin. More Info: welcometonightvale.com, and follow @NightValeRadio on Twitter or Facebook.
HEY WHY'S THERE NO VIDEO? Welcome to Night Vale is a audio podcast. All standard episodes have no video component. To subscribe to the podcast, go to iTunes, Stitcher, or find our RSS feed at nightvale.libsyn.com/rss

[@mj8026]

"and he is holding a cat" is perhaps the most bad ass line in history.

[@chocolateanders8572]

Same, I nearly just fell out of bed listening to this kind out of sheer joy! Thank the smiling gods!

[@ginnyleonard8537]

yeASS

[@HirundoArvensis]

Our God is not a smiling God

[@chocolateanders8572]

+Gwenavire Hirundo Arvensis well sORRY

[@HirundoArvensis]

+Chocolate Anders it's not to me you should be saying that...

[@BlancheNeigefan]

"Telling sad people to cheer up is like a whole new level of kindness" This is when I knew I hated Kevin.

[@auroraeve3327]

I knowwww. I got so pissed at that

[@klillym1461]

BlancheNeigefan I hated him from the beginning, and when he said that I was ready to stab him in the face

[@MySerpentine]

Pretty sure Kevin has no clue what he's saying at any time, though, so . . .

[@butteredbananas1394]

@@MySerpentine he has black eyes he's pure evill

[@schujust9919]

There are some languages where that is a polite phrase

[@sandracaraballo9830]

"...if he's tall or short" Cecil?? How did you- Cecil????? He is holding a cat. CECIL??? *music* CECIL??????????? Thank you, Erika CECIL!!!!! *jumps in the air*

[@Partially_Noided]

I didn't jump I just started flailing my fists around laughing out of pure joy

[@Felix-ul3mu]

Anthony Thompson I was in a room with my sleeping sister, so I couldn't shriek, but I almost did!

[@anneriana8356]

i was just squealing and screaming " YES CECIL " while my mom just rolls her eyes

[@roundishwhale]

I was laughing like a maniac at that Moment with a wide smile on my Face. Oh how I like this turn of events...

[@windrunnerradiant4776]

Sandra Karr I got so excited I start jumping up and down.

[@cornishphilosopher]

"He is holding a cat." Never before, and never again will those 5 words be used in context that means so much to so many.

[@PickledThyme1]

I want to like this, but there are exactly 666 likes right now and I don't want to ruin it.

[@cornishphilosopher]

@@PickledThyme1 thank you for keeping it at 666!

[@sequoiamerritt4309]

I actually threw myself back in my chair, both fists raised in a triumphant form, and shouted "Yes!!" When that happened

[@Maeglin7936]

@@sequoiamerritt4309 same!!

[@a.b.6689]

@@cornishphilosopher 888

[@AnvilPro100]

I love the image of Cecil running up to every Angel and screaming at them and telling them they don't exist

[@notpoland2809]

And I'm sure Dana's in the back facepalming

[@aluminiumcan8566]

Now im going to draw this

[@meumundosecreto7694]

@@aluminiumcan8566 please share

[@adrienne-ukulelecraftsandm559]

@@meumundosecreto7694 yes , please do

[@CheziahKatt]

But do y'all realize.. Khoshekh means Darkness in Hebrew. Cecil literally brought darkness to the radio station.

[@Acrodents]

I thought it meant Cat or Kitten in Russian? Hmm

[@AnvilPro100]

CheziahKatt He didn't bring darkness to the radio station, he brought it back home

[@CheziahKatt]

Acrodents Both are correct. =D It can mean kitten, but in Hebrew it means Darkness.

[@Acrodents]

It's the dark kitten.

[@MangoAnimates]

+Acrodents No. Cat in russian is KOT. Not, Khoshekh. Although it does sound russian, because it can be written in Cyrillic.

[@jessmclean8352]

"And he is holding a cat" has never made so many people punch the air so hard before

[@korncobb6826]

That was a tumblr post XD

[@mistwraith8260]

I KNOW

[@mothysjar]

I actually punched the air when it happened and yelled bruh

[@a.b.6689]

I was literally _almost_ sleeping and woke up at this exact line and am wide awake

[@beilbell772]

The fact that I actually punch the air

[@nicolelizbith2264]

kevin: *menacing voice* He is holding a cat. me: *dies of laughter and screams* CECIIIIIL

[@juless8832]

THE ARBYS. CECIL AND CARLOS' FIRST DATE ARBYS, OH HELL NO.

[@loganisanerd5566]

+Julia Suzanne They don't understand the lights. What would you expect from Desert Bluffs? They are *terrible...*

[@sarav6977]

Julia Suzanne THEY MESS WITH THE ARBYS AND THE CATS THEY MESS WITH ALL OF NIGHTVALE

[@lets_get_illuminaughty6351]

Anyone want to help me rip out some jugulars?

[@butteredbananas1394]

@@lets_get_illuminaughty6351 I'd be delighted

[@AlmostMilk.]

@@lets_get_illuminaughty6351 we will.

[@msp654]

I legit starting crying/laughing when I heard cecil's voice forgot how much i missed him over two episodes

[@keiduu6731]

Onward Markus Velafi's Conga Line for Peace! ONWARD!

[@maddiestringer4137]

+Austin Hunt Conga line represent

[@sofearb9065]

We all missed Cecil.... we missed him too much

[@mariahdean8362]

WolfCat-Hybrid actually same. I just slid off my bed and started to sob and laugh. I was so relieved and like his voice is so calming

[@tessmurphy1263]

sAME I MISSED HIM SO MUCH

[@fsasser20]

Kevin: he is holding something... he is holding... he is holding a CAT! Me: CECIL YOU'RE BACK! *Nightvale theme plays*

[@laurens.8940]

"He is holding a cat!" The most inspirational words I have heard in days. Cecil is back, Night Vale! Cecil is back!

[@griffinverified6241]

The instrumental part of the weather was the most accurate representation of the level of "f@*k yeah!" I felt when Cecil returned.

[@michelleheidler983]

Sheer perfection

[@melvintime]

the amount of hype I felt was so fucking strong, I wish I could expeience it again

[@HailTheRegent]

*HE IS HOLDING A CAT*

[@Veledeen]

AegisArc *HE IS HOLDING A CAT*

[@mrssmurf55]

*CATS DO NOT EXIST, ITS SEEMS LIKE ITS THERE, AND IT MAKES MORE SENSE TO BE THERE BUT ITS NOT THEREFORE CATS DONT EXIST*

[@mrssmurf55]

Not my account btw

[@KlozetKaseLove]

Dying because Lauren is so bad that the Whispering Forest that compliments people cant even find anything to compliment her about.

[@tingtinglin232]

Immense kudos to Kevin's voice actor when he said 'He's holding a cat' I got so many chills omg

[@a-fox-shaped-marshmellow3199]

"He is holding a cat" *fist pumps the air vigorously and squeals*

[@dexeron]

When this episode came out, I literally jumped out of my chair and gave a little shout of joy at: "He is holding a cat."

[@grayfruit]

fuckin' chills down my spine with that line. "I cannot tell if he is short or tall" ohthat'sgottabececil "there is a light blinking on the mountain" OHMANIT'STOTALLYCECIL "He is holding a cat" WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@shanesullivan460]

Gray Fruit The music gently building to that point was a nice atmospheric touch too.

[@Davidmadden19]

And the theme starts! I squee and get chills every time. No joke. Lol

[@Davidmadden19]

I just read the other two comments that pretty much sum up my feelings. I'm leaving the comment though as it still stands. Lol

[@glitchy_blu9820]

okay, the angel was holding a light bulb. In the first episode, when Old Woman Josie fist saw them, one of the angels changed her light bulb.. I don't know where I was going with this

[@dr.altoclef9255]

It was specifically the black angel, if that sweetens the pot for anyone.

[@lets_get_illuminaughty6351]

Could the angel have taken the lightbulb out of the radio booth and that’s why it all went dark?

[@atillafiliz6591]

@@lets_get_illuminaughty6351 I think the Angels' light bulbs radiate darkness, not light.

[@dr.altoclef9255]

@@lets_get_illuminaughty6351 Possibly. Or Erika just likes to keep the lightbulb from Josie's house for old times sake.

[@annalucas2215]

Kevin: They've also torn down the Arby's Me: Nuuuuuuu! Kevin: And put in a contemporary sculpture which is a 1 to 1 scale model replica! Me: Oh? Um, OK then.

[@null_verdict]

13:23 "Neither tall nor short"...? 13:50 (light drum and snare intro plays) *gasps* "Noo..." 14:01 (theme music plays) "YES!!!"

[@EarthlyMaidenLita]

"Does it? I rarely feel anything. I rarely feel anything at all." Oh. Kevin. Bby. Hun. I'm sorry. Bby.

[@summoner2279]

Are you siding with Desert Bluffs?

[@anactualbird6801]

@@summoner2279 no but Kevin has been brainwashed and I also feel bad for him

[@pinhead8433]

"I'll send our producer Daniel in there to take some pictures of the little guys." Me: lol. Have fun with that. Why don't you and Kevin join him? Seriously though I can't be the only one who grinned and thought that.

[@kingofpoliwhirls7464]

I did not, mainly because I forgot what happens when you photograph cats.

[@baguetteofchaos7083]

King of Poliwhirls please tell me you have not photographed any felines recently...

[@vanillaicecreamcheesefries]

@@baguetteofchaos7083 but they're so cute when they sleep in wierd poses :(

[@Break-the-glass-and-kill]

​@@vanillaicecreamcheesefries I'll hold your funeral. What do you want the theme to be?

[@conraydo]

"Telling sad people to cheer up is an extra level of kindness" I never wanted to punch a fictional character more.

[@airistal]

How about Dolores Umbridge

[@Jessica-ch1yi]

@@airistal she is bad, but I hate Lauren more now.

[@Reefthedog2]

Am I the only one who instantly reaches for the nearest knife whenever anyone but Cecil is in Cecil's rightful place?

[@spacetrashpile7199]

I hope so

[@freylaverse]

Certainly not.

[@dr.altoclef9255]

I would not mind seeing Carlos trying to fill in for Cecil though. That would be funny.

[@umbrawolf6085]

I felt extremely wrong

[@satarupagingerkolay]

@@dr.altoclef9255 That is the only thing I'll tolerate.

[@D.C.T.23]

OUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED, OH GLOW CLOUD!

[@Emilx311]

All hail

[@shaggmiester3196]

AAALLLLLL HHAAIILL!!

[@juno6624]

All hail

[@justeundonut-moi.7979]

ALL HAIL THE MIGHT GLOW CLOUD !!!

[@satarupagingerkolay]

All Hail the Mighty Glow Cloud!

[@Drace90]

"Science is not a thing", scientists recently found out scientifically. "We scientifically checked twice but, uhm, it just doesn't seem to be there. Atleast not anymore. It once was there but it seemed to... stop working. Hm... so, we're all fired now, or...?"

[@fangirltothemax1356]

The weather was so fitting for what kickass thing just happened

[@smol_chilli_pepper]

When they said the light went out I whispered to myself "cecil" and omg when the night vale theme tune came on I audibly squealed I couldn't contain it

[@raizensamson6723]

Lol I did the same exact thing. I'm pretty sure any fan of nightvale did this.

[@johnniallen502]

Shut up Lauren and Kevin I'm actually cold

[@arunistrying]

I see you on all the wtnv videos I like ur name

[@johnniallen502]

thanks lol

[@saigayatrivemuri9034]

Johnni MCRX same I've come to expect your comments XD

[@johnniallen502]

I was super late coming to the fandom and even if i'm listening to the podcast i have the youtube comment section open in another tab

[@lunaalice3646]

Johnni MCRX I'm late two all the comments are months old and I'm just like oh but at least I get to listen to them all in a row

[@savannamitchell3278]

"We are the only thing boot owned by Strex, and I swear, I swear, it will stay that way" *Flashback to The Auction* But we never found out who bought Cecil.

[@requiem8841]

carlos

[@mechanicaltitanrenegade5272]

It was Hiram's violet head

[@curemacherie5208]

Savanna Mitchell Carlos bought Cecil. And won his heart.

[@carolinea3899]

I squealed in public when Cecil came. Only one person noticed... XD

[@kaylamcdonald3024]

I love your profile picture

[@jasonbeaven8050]

When Kevin said "he is holding a cat" I cheered CEEEEEEECIL!!!!!! This program now has its slender hooks lodged deep in my meaty chest. and will have a place their for the foreseeable future.

[@AbbiXIII]

OOoooo BABY I'M TAKING MY TICKETS TO HELL! *epic guitar solo* Fuck yeah we need more badass Cecil

[@TheFearChannel]

Now who's going to clean all the blood and teeth out of the radio station?

[@katiemccracken4860]

The intern of course.

[@emilyo9533]

"He is holding a cat." I might have screamed

[@chaoschild0317]

HE IS HOLDING A CAT. (I legit almost screamed at this part. I missed Ciecl's voice.)

[@chaoschild0317]

*Cecil's

[@wyrmoffastring]

I was driving while listening to this, I swear I almost crashed my car. xD Ok maybe not almost. I'm a very careful driver.

[@chaoschild0317]

Lol that scene would definitely cause me to crash my car. You just get so excited!!

[@Andriak2]

I shouted in triumph when he said "I take you *NIGHTVALE* to the weather"

[@Lucy-rd2bj]

I swear when Kevin said "he is holding a cat" a chill just went down my spine

[@torchstelechos8368]

As soon as I heard that Daniel went to take a picture of the kittens my immediate response was realizing that everything was going to hell for Kevin and Lauren.

[@NovaStella_]

Do you people UnderSTAND how HARD IT IS to LISTEN TO THESE FOUR EPISODES while in CLASS?! I might just EXPLODE with RESTRAINED FEELS!!!

[@ThePiscesmMended]

+Laura Moore > four? FOUR?! IM ONLY ON THE THIRD AND I CAN'T STAND LAURA AND KEVIN. OH SMILING GODS MAKE IT STOP.

[@Musshiss]

I gave the most non human screaming when Cecil appeared, that was so epic.

[@klillym1461]

Nekuro Shits me too, my pets looked so concerned XD

[@spammonster]

They're talking about how "cold" I am and I'm just like "b*tch I live in Florida I'm the opposite of cold right now lol".

[@BATTLEVAN]

:33

[@thermickestrel9435]

HI IS HOLDING A CAT! *Theme starts*

[@Biowoman.]

I love how genuinely attached we all are to Cecil.

[@sersastark]

and Carlos and Tamika N Dana and Pamela Winchell and Hiram and Janice and Larry Leroy and Carlsberg and old woman Josie and faceless old woman and-

[@littleststarlit1658]

tbh right here Kevin's like "he is holding a cat" is my favorite line because of it delivery. and if you listen closely you can her the drums to the theme as that little speel is taking place and it just makes me giddy every time. Kevin has to be my 5th favorite character in the series.

[@katherineleavitt]

Carlos is a smart man he'll be fine

[@jessmclean8980]

He's a scientist, of course he will be fine.

[@lonelylittledot]

AND BEFORE HE WAS YOUR FRIEND, HE WAS MINE!

[@sunny8604]

dot I love you.

[@lonelylittledot]

Neat ^^

[@nicole.-.3]

This is old but I think that I love you

[@crabbshaveabs3142]

CECIL'S BACK BABY!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!! DOWN WITH THE SMILING GOD! DOWN WITH STREXCORP! RISE NIGHT VALE!!!! RISE!!!!!!!!!!

[@bryanosteen3515]

There could not have possibly been a more perfect song for the weather. Right as the revolution begins.

[@lougert]

I can imagine such an amazing confrontation and fight during the weather. Such a cool song.

[@benbalko2656]

Don't you dare touch those kittens!

[@floofmcgoof8196]

When Cecil said Erika I screamed

[@ishperson2580]

oh crap I actually left the coffee pot on thanks for reminding me

[@littleststarlit1658]

I met Kevin R Free this weekend and told him that he says my favorite line. He is a beautiful human being.

[@D.C.T.23]

MAYOR WINCHELL! I LOVE YOU!

[@dathmach8745]

I'm getting a picture with a light house in it

[@corneliusmargony4200]

Even the trees are right. High branch!

[@klillym1461]

Cornelius Margony those evil eyes

[@MacTechG4]

They are us!

[@fightingonisiononsight8185]

"That forest never whispers anything to me" Yeah, not even trees like you Lauren

[@cherrysda7815]

*Night Vale intensifies*

[@madigkeller]

Wait. WAIT. THEY TORE DOWN THE ARBY'S?! NOOOOOOOOOOO

[@juniperblank8201]

I had to pause and cry. That was Cecil and Carlos's place

[@GreenDrkness]

14:00 will now and forever be the moment that all WtNV listeners have jumped for joy after a drought of Cecil's voice

[@luke-jf6td]

when lauren asked, "are you cold?" the window next to me blew a cool breeze. i am now throughly chilled.

[@jessicasoesanto5046]

That change from Kevin's voice to Cecil's made me a bit scared. It went to a cheerful and high voice to a low and omniscient voice.

[@nochill1233]

Kevin: *Talks* Me: NOT THIS NIGHTMARE AGAIN

[@ashleightompkins3200]

I was doing a victory dance when Cecil came back!!

[@peggles727]

"he is holding a cat" *cue fangirly squeal* !!!!

[@mbubble6189]

i still cackle a little when Lauren says that the forest never compliments her

[@pablokult248]

Thank goodness Cecil is back, I can finally leave the panic room

[@johnniallen502]

Kevin couldn't go in the forest but Cecil probably could....not that he should! But he could.

[@enic4529]

I started laughing when things started changing and I sounded evil

[@MidnightSunna]

Who gets to help Cecil clean up his studio?

[@nopeg5730]

MidnightSunna I wish I could

[@klillym1461]

Dana?

[@piratehalfdroid7370]

I would love tooo

[@whatdoyouwantyoutwat4133]

What none nightvale fans will not understand: "And he is holding a cat"

[@curemacherie5208]

Whatdoyouwant Youtwat KOSHEK

[@saltyjr8139]

favorite line "apparently no one told him of the deadly consequences of taking pictures of cats."

[@sapnasetia9142]

"he is holding a cat" CECILLLLLLL

[@ViridianAubergine]

[theme music plays] **squeals of triumph**

[@minty7945]

14:00 "He is holding a cat." God, only in this context can those words spark so much joy

[@king_crown_prince6256]

YES YES YES YAAAAS CECIL! *sprouts wings and fain girls away*

[@imacommenter1255]

When they described a man holding something I kept repeating, “is it a cat? Is that Cecil??” And when they finally said it was a cat he was holding, I screamed “YESS!!!” Very hysterically

[@moniquea2611]

The townspeople need ya they been sad for a while. They march around, try to frown but always seem to smile. And if feel like helping we'd appreciate it a lot if you get up there and beat Kevin to a big red spot. Alright Everyone, welcome to Night Vale~ CECIL!!!!

[@rem4197]

i'm 6 years late to this but this joke was not appreciated enough it's beautiful god bless this mlp reference

[@8footverticalleap]

Ok high tide rising is like Cecil's entrance music here and it is SO bad ass.

[@walrusbane1010]

I know i am very late to this, but i have to say it. I have never seen a phrase like "He is holding a cat" feel so overwhealmingly badass as i felt here in this episode.

[@kennywilliams3035]

"Nobody wants to leave!" "Nobody can leave!" "But they wouldnt want to!" "Not with all the fun activities like....work" When teachers try to convince you school is fun.

[@antonialunarius9564]

CECIL!! ^.^ THANK YOU ANGELS!!

[@antonialunarius9564]

Yes they are Patch Cain *Secret Police break into my home and take me away*

[@emilypowell1251]

+Antonia Lunarius they're real and very dangerous

[@antonialunarius9564]

Very true Emma Rose

[@prernag]

14:01 "HE IS HOLDING A CAT" this has to be the most triumphant moment of my life

[@meganpastor7675]

our baby is back

[@insertcleverusename8965]

"He is holding a cat" YAS CECIL YOU GO DESTROY STEXCORP GO GO GO

[@llamapeeps2775]

OH MY GOD WHEN CECIL VOICE OMG I MISSED IT

[@autumnh2233]

Cecil gave me chills and I just can't

[@christopheregger1091]

I found a new stage of murderous intent in my heart when Lauren started dismissively talking about "the stray cats in the men's restroom" and them being "dealt with." Literally nothing could be too cruel a punishment for them.

[@TheSunCoyote]

I punched the air and hollered "YES!!!" when the Night Vale theme started playing I think I freaked my mom out XD

[@littlebearbradick9263]

OMG ME TOOO.

[@allegedparadise88]

"We're even completely re-doing the bathrooms!" Me: DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH KHOSHEKH AND HIS KITTENS YOU VILE AWFUL PEOPLE!!!! I actually gasped audibly at work XD

[@amandak9685]

I shrieked at "He is holding a cat." Kevin's voice got so dark and sinister and I was just like yassss Cecil!!!! Sweet boy!!!

[@tidalrose26]

After the past few episodes, any upbeat acoustic guitar music sets off my fight-or-flight response.

[@specificdaughter]

"I rarely feel anything. I rarely feel anything at all." Kevin I'm trying not to like you, stop being relatable.

[@dr.altoclef9255]

Like...oh, honey. You poor broken thing.

[@Taylermaed]

i got goosebumps when kevin said cecil was holding a cat :o also the weather is lovely

[@iridescentmothasmr]

NO NOT THE ARBY'S

[@dreamingoutloud8009]

CECIL CECIL CECIL AHHHHHHHH YYYYAAAYYYYYY HE IS HOLDING A CAT CECIL CECIL!!!!

[@spiwolf6998]

Lauren: "So many fun activities! Like work...." Kevin: "....Yes...."

[@micah8439]

YEESSSS CECIILLLLLLL "He is holding a cat" such a strangely badass line, this weather is perfect

[@solreziforever3375]

I never realized how much I missed Cecil's voice