“TV Thrills or Chills? A Review of Disney+’s ‘Goosebumps’ Series”

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

By Aramide Tinubu

For those of us who grew up in the ’90s, R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” books were childhood staples. The novelist knew how to center horror and thrills in books aimed toward tweens. He brilliantly swirled in elements of comedy so the plot points weren’t overwhelmingly dark. A literary phenomenon, Stine’s books spawned a popular TV show in the ’90s and two feature films starring Jack Black in the mid-2010s. With “Goosebumps” feature film director Rob Letterman onboard for the pilot, Disney+/Hulu is trying its hand at a new “Goosebumps” series that promises some of the same iconic characters and adventures for a new generation.

A Shift in Focus

The 10-episode first season promised to be scarier than fans remember, but it’s much more cumbersome than compelling. Instead, the show focuses on the adultification of teens at the hands of their awful parents. This shifts the series away from the trials and tribulations of teenhood and the fun of Stine’s work, forcing viewers to focus on the selfish misdeeds of dull adults.

A Synopsis of the Show

“Goosebumps” opens in 1993 in the fictional coastal town of Port Lawrence. A teen boy named Harold Biddle is home alone one evening when a tragedy occurs. Some 30 years later, five students at Port Lawrence High School find their lives intertwined as they prepare for a Halloween party. However, the party takes a dark turn when long-buried monstrosities are unleashed from the abandoned Biddle House.

A Disorienting Start

The first five episodes of “Goosebumps” open on the day of the Halloween gathering, with each episode following a different teen as they navigate the day. However, the series premiere and second episode, “Say Cheese and Die!” and “The Haunted Mask,” which follow Isaiah and Isabella, are disorienting and bizarre. The show doesn’t settle into itself until Episode 3, “The Cuckoo Clock of Doom,” which is told from James’ perspective.

Too Many Plot Points, Too Little Scare

Fans of Stine’s novels, the original show, and the “Goosebump” movies will note that many of the episode names and themes are ripped directly from Stine’s extensive catalog. However, this is where the series falls short. With five main characters and a narrative that jumps between the present and the past, “Goosebumps” already had too much material to handle. The numerous plot points and characters make the show feel dull and ridiculous, delivering more slime than shivers. The CGI effects are comically bad, and the young characters are left running around trying to solve problems caused by their terrible parents.

A Missed Opportunity

“Goosebumps” has been universally beloved for decades, but this new series fails to capture the essence of what made the original books and TV show so successful. Instead of streamlining the storylines for a refined first season, the show is a lump of bland YA themes with a sprinkle of Halloween for flair. It lacks the specificity and uniqueness that would make it resonate with Gen Z viewers.

Editorial: A Lesson in Adaptations

Adapting a beloved book series like “Goosebumps” is no simple task. It requires a delicate balance of capturing the essence of the source material while also bringing something new and fresh to the screen. Unfortunately, Disney+/Hulu’s “Goosebumps” misses the mark.

One of the major pitfalls of the series is its shift in focus from the teenage experience to the adult world. By centering the story on the misdeeds of parents rather than the trials and tribulations of the young characters, the show loses its connection with its target audience.

The excessive number of plot points and characters also weighs the show down, making it feel disjointed and confusing. Instead of using the original books and TV show as a starting point and expanding upon them gradually, the series attempts to cram too much into its first season, resulting in a lackluster viewing experience.

Furthermore, the show fails to deliver on the promised scares. The CGI effects are subpar, and the horror elements are overshadowed by the focus on gross-out moments and slime. This is a missed opportunity to introduce a new generation to the genuinely creepy and thrilling world of R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps.”

Advice for Future Adaptations

When adapting a beloved book series or franchise, it is essential to stay true to the spirit of the source material while also bringing something fresh and engaging to the screen. By focusing on the core elements that made the original works successful, and streamlining the storylines to create a cohesive narrative, adaptations can resonate with both existing fans and new audiences.

In the case of “Goosebumps,” a more focused approach could have been taken, perhaps following one or two main characters closely and gradually introducing additional storylines in later seasons. This would have allowed the show to delve deeper into the horror and thrills of Stine’s world, rather than diluting it with unnecessary plot points.

Furthermore, investing in high-quality visual effects and practical effects can elevate the scares and make the horror elements more believable and immersive. This attention to detail can greatly enhance the viewing experience and create a stronger connection between the audience and the story.

About the Author

Aramide Tinubu is a current affairs commentator and TV critic. She focuses on analyzing the impact of popular culture on society and offers insights into the world of television and entertainment. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of the industry, Tinubu provides thoughtful commentary and reviews that engage and inform readers.