It’s a Supernatural Smash!

Hey there, fellow couch potatoes! Are you ready for another round of ghostly giggles? Supernatural horror comedies are totally in vogue right now, and they’re popping up like those creepy hotel guests that just refuse to leave! CBS is getting its groove on with the live-action sitcom Ghosts, gearing up for its fifth season, while the lovable Hotel Transylvania is jumping into the Netflix pool with a new series called Motel Transylvania. And just when you thought you had enough spooky vibes, here comes Haunted Hotel from Rick and Morty writer Matt Roller, trying to corner the adult animation scene with a show that’s got all the charisma of a damp sponge!

The Rundown on the Spooky Premise

Meet Katherine (played by the fabulous Eliza Coupe), a recently divorced mom who’s just inherited the Undervale Hotel and all its ghostly guests. With her adventurous brood of kids—awkward 13-year-old Ben (Skyler Gisondo) and rebellious Esther (Natalie Palamides)—Katherine must juggle the demands of the living human guests and the not-so-peaceful spirits, including her very own brother Nathan (Will Forte), who’s now haunting the halls.

What a family reunion, right? Katherine finds herself in a hilarious tug-of-war between the demands of her flesh-and-blood clientele and the rambunctious supernatural residents. The hotel quickly turns into a kooky co-op, where Katherine deals with the living, while Nathan manages the dead—basically sibling rivalry with a ghostly twist!

Welcome to the Wacky World of the Undervale

Over the 10 episodes of the first season, the family dives into a wild mix of horror and hilarity, fitting perfectly into the quirky sitcom mold. Think everyday family drama mixed with supernatural shenanigans, where Katherine tries her hand at dating and Esther battles for popularity at school—classic sitcom vibes with a haunting twist! Haunted Hotel takes a page out of the well-worn sitcom playbook but slaps a spooky label on it. It’s like Solar Opposites minus the expletives but with just enough gore to keep things interesting!

The Voice Cast Brings the Laughter

The voice cast delivers a commendable job in breathing life into these relatively flat characters. Will Forte shines as Nathan, bringing an absurd warmth to a ghostly character that’s surprisingly upbeat. And let’s not forget Jimmi Simpson’s unforgettable portrayal of Abaddon, the demon stuck in the body of a Victorian child—his dry humor juxtaposed with his pint-sized appearance makes for some hilariously unexpected moments. Just imagine a tiny child yelling like Liam McPoyle from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia—golden comedic moments!

Animation Woes and Wins

Now, let’s chat about animation. If you’re looking for something groundbreaking, you might be disappointed—character designs are about as memorable as your uncle’s fish stories. Think thin outlines and generic vibes, which could easily get lost in the multitude of forgettable adult animations. But fear not! The action sequences are where the show truly shines. Each instant packs a punch with vivid colors and snappy camera work that’ll keep your eyes glued to the screen—perfect for those moments when you’re trying to shake off that midday slump!

The Verdict: Is It Worth Your Time?

So, what’s the bottom line? Haunted Hotel is like that friend who you tolerate at parties—fine, but not exactly unforgettable. It’s a refreshing entry for Netflix, offering family-friendly fun with a side of spooky. But let’s be honest—it feels more like a potential star on Fox’s primetime roster than a Netflix gem, destined to last only a season or two before being replaced by the next random animated ditty.

Still, if you’re in the mood for light-hearted laughter mixed with a splash of horror, this show might just hit the spot! Who knows? You might find yourself calling it your next guilty pleasure.

Ready to get your ghostly giggles? All 10 episodes of Haunted Hotel are now streaming on Netflix—press play and let the haunting begin!