“Spine-Chilling Success: A Review of Disney+’s ‘Goosebumps’ TV Series Adaptation”

Disney+’s ‘Goosebumps’ Is a Bland YA Drama With More Slime Than Shivers: TV Review

A Disappointment for Fans of R.L. Stine’s Iconic Books

For those of us who grew up in the ’90s, R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” books were childhood staples. The novels were a perfect blend of horror, thrills, and comedy, aimed at the tween audience. The popularity of Stine’s books even led to a successful TV show and a couple of feature films in the mid-2010s. With Disney+/Hulu’s new “Goosebumps” series, the hope was to bring back the iconic characters and adventures for a new generation. Unfortunately, the show falls flat and disappoints fans of the original source material.

An Overemphasis on Adultification and Dull Characters

The new “Goosebumps” series opens in 1993 in the fictional coastal town of Port Lawrence. The story revolves around five high school students who are dealing with their own personal struggles while preparing for a Halloween party. However, instead of focusing on the trials and tribulations of teenhood and the fun elements of Stine’s work, the show shifts its focus to the adultification of the teens by their awful parents. This narrative choice takes away from the essence of “Goosebumps” and forces viewers to concentrate on the selfish misdeeds of dull adult characters.

A Lackluster Plot and Unfulfilled Potential

The first five episodes of “Goosebumps” introduce various plot points and characters, making the narrative seem disjointed and overwhelming. Each episode follows a different teen as they navigate the day of the Halloween party, revealing more about their desires, family lives, and the secrets they stumble upon at the abandoned Biddle House. However, the series doesn’t settle into itself until Episode 3, which is told from James’ perspective. This inconsistency in storytelling and the overwhelming number of storylines make “Goosebumps” feel dull and ridiculous.

More Slime Than Scares

One major disappointment of the new “Goosebumps” series is its lack of scares. The CGI effects are poorly executed, and the show relies more on gross-out moments involving slime rather than delivering genuine shivers. The young characters are left running around, trying to solve problems caused by their terrible parents, making the show feel like a watered-down version of real horror. It lacks the intensity and fear that made the original books and TV show so beloved.

Missed Opportunity for a Modern-Day Teen Audience

While “Goosebumps” understands that a significant part of teenhood is about finding your tribe, the show fails to capture the specific essence of Gen Z or provide a distinct identity for itself. It lacks the uniqueness and relatability that would resonate with today’s young audience. The series feels more like a generic young adult drama with a sprinkle of Halloween-themed elements, rather than a fresh and thrilling adaptation of Stine’s iconic books.

Editorial: A Misstep in Adapting a Beloved Franchise

The new “Goosebumps” series on Disney+ and Hulu falls short of living up to the legacy of R.L. Stine’s iconic books. It disregards the essence of the original stories and instead focuses on adult characters and convoluted storylines that detract from the heart of “Goosebumps.” The lack of scares and the overemphasis on gross-out moments make the show feel like a missed opportunity to deliver genuine horror to a new generation.

Advice: Stick to the Original Books and TV Show

For those who are fans of R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” universe, it’s best to stick to the original books and the ’90s TV show. While the new series attempts to bring back the nostalgia and thrill of the beloved franchise, it fails to capture the essence that made the books so enticing. Instead, dive into Stine’s original works and experience the true magic of “Goosebumps.”