Max Renn is a sleazy television executive looking for the next big thing to boost his struggling TV station, Civic TV. He stumbles upon a pirated satellite transmission called "Videodrome", which purports to be a show featuring real-life sadomasochistic torture and murder.
Max thinks the show is perfect for his station, and soon, he is broadcasting it to a growing and fascinated audience. Meanwhile, he meets and becomes involved with radio host Nicki Brand, who is obsessed with the show and tries to audition for it.
Max's obsession with "Videodrome" begins to affect him mentally and physically. He begins to have hallucinations and a growing fascination with the show's themes of violence, torture, and melodrama.
As he becomes more involved with "Videodrome", Max discovers a sinister conspiracy surrounding the show and its creators. A shadowy group called Spectacular Optical is behind the production of the show, using it to brainwash and control viewers.
As Max's reality becomes increasingly warped and distorted, he becomes determined to uncover the truth about Videodrome and put an end to its disturbing influence over him and his viewers.