A Thrilling Ride: Reviewing Disney+’s “Goosebumps” TV Series Adaptation

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

The Nostalgic Appeal of ‘Goosebumps’

For many of us who grew up in the 90s, R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” books held a special place in our hearts. The author skillfully combined horror, thrills, and comedy to create a literary phenomenon that resonated with tweens. The success of the books led to a popular TV show and two feature films in the mid-2010s.

Now, Disney+ and Hulu are attempting to revive the “Goosebumps” franchise with a new series that promises to capture the essence of the original stories while appealing to a new generation. With Rob Letterman, director of the “Goosebumps” feature film, on board to helm the pilot, expectations were high for a scary and captivating series.

A Shift in Focus

Unfortunately, the new “Goosebumps” series fails to deliver on its promises. Instead of focusing on the trials and tribulations of teenhood and the fun of Stine’s work, the show takes a different direction. It shifts its focus to the adultification of teens at the hands of their awful parents, resulting in a series that feels more cumbersome than compelling.

The series opens in 1993 in the fictional town of Port Lawrence and follows the lives of five high school students. Each episode centers around one teen as they navigate their desires, family lives, and the mysteries surrounding the Biddle estate, culminating in a Halloween party where long-buried monstrosities are unleashed.

A Lack of Coherence

The major problem with the new “Goosebumps” series lies in its attempt to incorporate elements from Stine’s extensive catalog of novels. With numerous plot points and characters to juggle, the show feels disjointed and overwhelming. The narrative hooks threaded throughout the frame story make it difficult for the series to find its footing and establish a coherent plot.

Additionally, the series fails to deliver on its promise of horror. The CGI effects are comically bad, and the scares are few and far between. Instead, the show relies on gross-out moments and slime to compensate for the lack of genuine fright. It feels more like a bizarre and dull spectacle than a captivating horror series.

A Missed Opportunity

While “Goosebumps” has been universally beloved for decades, this new series fails to capture the magic of the original stories. Instead of streamlining the plot and focusing on a few key characters, the show attempts to tackle too much at once, resulting in a lackluster and generic YA drama.

The writing staff of the series seems overwhelmed by the extensive characters and storylines, and the result is a show that lacks depth and originality. The once-beloved franchise deserves better treatment and a more refined approach.

Editorial: Lost Potential and the Importance of Adaptation

The disappointment surrounding Disney+’s “Goosebumps” series is a reminder of the challenges of adapting beloved books into television shows or films. The original “Goosebumps” books were successful because of their ability to engage young readers with thrilling and imaginative stories.

However, the transition from page to screen is not always seamless. Adapting a book requires careful consideration of its unique strengths and limitations. It necessitates an understanding of what made the source material beloved in the first place, and the ability to capture that essence in a new medium.

In the case of the new “Goosebumps” series, the writers and producers seemed to have missed the mark. They failed to recognize that the appeal of the books lay in the balance between horror, comedy, and relatable teenage experiences. By shifting the focus to the adults and their misdeeds, the show loses its connection to its target audience and dilutes the essence of what made “Goosebumps” special.

Adapting a beloved property is always a risky endeavor. It requires striking a balance between staying true to the original material and adding something new to engage a new generation of fans. It is a delicate dance between nostalgia and innovation.

Ultimately, the success of an adaptation hinges on the ability to capture the spirit of the source material and translate it into a new, compelling format. It requires understanding the core themes and emotions that resonated with readers and finding ways to recreate that magic onscreen.

While the new “Goosebumps” series falls short, it serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptation done right. It highlights the need for careful thought and creative vision when bringing beloved stories to life.

Advice: Embracing the Essence of ‘Goosebumps‘

For future adaptations of beloved properties like “Goosebumps,” the key is to focus on what made the original material resonate with audiences. In the case of “Goosebumps,” it was the perfect blend of horror, comedy, and relatable teenage experiences.

When adapting a book series, it is crucial to stay true to the core themes and emotions that made it successful. By focusing on the trials and tribulations of teenhood and emphasizing the fun and excitement of Stine’s work, future adaptations can recapture the magic of the original stories.

Furthermore, it is essential to understand the target audience and the cultural context in which the adaptation will be released. A generic YA drama may not resonate with today’s audience, and it is important to craft a narrative that feels specific and relevant to contemporary viewers.

Finally, investing in high-quality production values and visual effects is crucial for a successful adaptation. The lackluster CGI and underwhelming scares in the new “Goosebumps” series detract from the overall viewing experience. By prioritizing the visual and technical aspects of the show, future adaptations can create a more immersive and compelling world.

Adapting a beloved property comes with high expectations, but with careful consideration and a commitment to capturing the essence of the source material, it is possible to create a successful and satisfying adaptation.