If you grew up in the ’90s, chances are you were captivated by R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” books. These thrilling and comedic stories targeted towards tweens became a literary phenomenon, even inspiring a popular TV show and two feature films starring Jack Black. Now, Disney+/Hulu is venturing into the world of “Goosebumps” with a new series helmed by director Rob Letterman. While the 10-episode first season promised to be scarier than ever, it unfortunately falls short of expectations. Instead of focusing on the trials and tribulations of teenhood and the fun of Stine’s work, the show puts the spotlight on the misdeeds of dull adults, shifting the series away from its roots.
The story begins in 1993 in the fictional town of Port Lawrence, where a teen boy named Harold Biddle is tragically killed in a house fire. Fast forward 30 years, and we find five high school students getting ready for a Halloween party. Isaiah, the star quarterback, is dealing with the pressure of a college football scholarship and a demanding father. James, his best friend, is obsessed with being likable and catching the attention of his crush. Margot, Isaiah’s neighbor, is stuck in an awkward situation due to her friendship with him. Additionally, Margot suspects her parents are hiding something from her. Isabella, the school videographer, feels invisible and acts out as a result. Meanwhile, Lucas, still grieving his father’s death, seeks attention through dangerous stunts. Each of their lives takes a turn for the worse after the Halloween party at the legendary Biddle House, now owned by their new English teacher.
The first five episodes of “Goosebumps” follow these characters individually as they navigate their day, revealing their desires, family lives, and the mysteries they encountered at the party. However, the premiere and the second episode, “Say Cheese and Die!” and “The Haunted Mask,” are disorienting and strange. It’s not until the third episode, “The Cuckoo Clock of Doom,” told from James’ perspective, that the series starts to find its groove.
The show draws heavily from Stine’s source material, with episode names and themes ripped directly from his catalog. This results in a cluttered narrative with too many plot points and characters to truly engage the audience. While the central villain is compelling, the abundance of side stories makes the show feel tedious and over-the-top. Rather than modernizing the plot for a teen audience, “Goosebumps” becomes more gross than genuinely scary.
Unfortunately, there are very few scares in this so-called “horror” series. The CGI effects fall flat, and the young protagonists are left to clean up the mess left behind by their terrible parents. It lacks the captivating intensity of films like “Ma,” without the standout performance to salvage it. “Goosebumps” fails to establish a distinct identity or resonate with modern-day teens.
Despite being beloved for decades, “Goosebumps” struggles to find its footing in this new series. With a multitude of characters and storylines, the show feels overwhelming instead of focused. A more streamlined approach, following just one or two teens closely and expanding in later seasons, could have served the series better. As it stands, “Goosebumps” becomes a mashup of generic YA themes with a sprinkling of Halloween flair.
The first five episodes of “Goosebumps” premiere Oct. 13 on Disney+ and Hulu, with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays.
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