Disney's 2023 adaptation of the iconic R.L. Stine book series gave '90s kids a blast from the past as well as a true-to-form horror reboot. While season one was undeniably a grown-up Goosebumps experience that made all the right moves, can the sequel stand on similar legs?
Right from the first few minutes of the pilot episode of season 2, viewers are treated to familiar trappings seen in 2023, as well as a familiar flavor seen with Netflix's Fear Street movies. That's not necessarily a bad thing, especially in an anthology series, but does Goosebumps rely on repetition, or have we just read these stories before?
A second scare?
A group of parents with a supernatural secret wreaking havoc on their children decades later is an arc we saw last season, but Disney/Hulu up the ante in this latest installment with a fusion of demonic possession and sci-fi horror tropes worthy of an Alien film.
Although the new season pulls elements from Stine's novels like Stay Out of the Basement, Monster Blood, and Welcome to Camp Nightmare, the series ups the scares by being upfront and personal with some of its grotesque imagery. Fans of the books will certainly have a respect for the series, but this is far from the kid-friendly version we saw way back when.
Without going into too much spoiler territory too soon, the new season feels more like an equal than a sequel. It follows a similar blueprint but tweaks it in the right places to be considered an upgrade from season 1.
One thing that should be noted is the distinct sprinkling of '90s nostalgia utilized in both seasons. Goosebumps was undeniably one of the most successful kids' brands in the decade, and Disney certainly knows how to utilize the nostalgia factor to a high degree. That said, having one of the stars of Friends (David Schwimmer) certainly helps.
The biggest thing this writer took away from Goosebumps: The Vanishing was that Disney and Hulu know their audience and know what worked right the first time. Right from the first episode, it sets the bar for how ghoulish and gory it will get but also pays enough tribute to the original books to recognize the source material.
Both seasons of the new Goosebumps series can be streamed on Disney+ and Hulu