When you hear the name R.L. Stine, a wave of nostalgia probably hits you, especially if you grew up reading his spine-tingling Goosebumps series. Well, brace yourselves, because Disney+ and Hulu have teamed up to bring you a fresh adaptation that’s sure to make your skin crawl—in the best way possible. Created by Rob Letterman and Nicholas Stoller, this new series takes us to the misty town of Port Lawrence, where Halloween is more than just costumes and candy; it’s a gateway to supernatural chaos.
“In the misty town of Port Lawrence, Halloween heralds the start of a peculiar time for a group of teenagers.”
The Infamous Biddle House Party
The series kicks off with a Halloween bash hosted by star quarterback Isaiah (Zack Morris) at the notorious Biddle house. This isn’t just any old house; it’s where teenager Harold Biddle (Ben Cockell) died under mysterious circumstances three decades ago. Harold was no ordinary teen; he had a collection of otherworldly items that end up in the hands of our unsuspecting partygoers.
“Before he perished, though, Harold maintained a collection of otherworldly items, several of which fall into the hands of various partygoers during the big Halloween bash.”
Isaiah finds himself in possession of a camera that predicts grim futures, while AV club member Isabella (Ana Yi Puig) dons a mask that becomes eerily sentient. As these teens grapple with the unfolding supernatural events, they realize it’s all connected to Harold Biddle’s vengeful spirit.
Meet the Teenagers Facing Biddle’s Tricks
The first five episodes of the 10-episode season focus on the main teens and their eerie encounters with Biddle’s cursed items. Alongside Isaiah and Isabella, we have outgoing James (Miles McKenna), daredevil Lucas (Will Price), and the brainy Margot (Isa Briones). Each episode adapts a classic Goosebumps story, adding unique twists that make them feel fresh yet familiar.
“Though this is a Disney+ production, Goosebumps isn’t afraid to veer towards genuine frights.”
James finds himself stuck in a time loop, while Isabella’s mask turns her life into a living nightmare. The show manages to strike a balance between playful and spooky, making it a perfect Halloween binge.
The Parents Know More Than They Let On
As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that the parents of our teen protagonists are hiding something. They seem to know more about Harold Biddle than they’re willing to admit. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the series, making it more than just a collection of scary stories.
“As the season gradually reveals, the core characters’ parents know more about Biddle than they’re letting on.”
Justin Long, who plays the new teacher Mr. Bratt, adds another layer of creepiness to the series. He moves into the Biddle house and quickly becomes a victim of its haunting forces, especially in scenes with Lucas’ mom Nora (Rachael Harris), who seems to know a lot about the Biddle history.
Personal Moments Amidst the Horror
What sets this Goosebumps series apart is its ability to weave in character development amidst the scares. Lucas’ terrifying encounter with worms leads to a heartfelt moment about his deceased father, and James’ time loop ordeal strains his friendship with Isaiah.
“Each of the young performers is up to the task of facing off against nightmarish situations and typical teen angst.”
A Promising Start with More to Come
With only half the season released, it’s hard to predict how the series will evolve. However, it has already proven that R.L. Stine’s stories can be reimagined for a new generation without losing their original charm. Goosebumps on Disney+ and Hulu is a delightful blend of horror and heart, making it a must-watch this Halloween season.
“Goosebumps season 1 consists of 10 episodes. It releases the first five episodes Friday, October 13 on Disney+ and Hulu, with the rest following weekly.”
So, if you’re looking for a nostalgic yet fresh take on some classic scares, make sure to catch Goosebumps on Disney+ and Hulu. It’s a hauntingly good time!
