Netflix’s ‘Haunted Hotel’ Brings Laughter and Ghostly Heart to Adult Animation

With hits like Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, and the recently successful Long Story Short, adult animated comedies have emerged as a solid asset for Netflix. Following the unexpected success of Long Story Short, which has already secured a second season, Netflix continues to embrace shows that bring a blend of absurdity and emotion. Their latest addition, Haunted Hotel, falls squarely within this dynamic framework, delivering a narrative that is both entertaining and unexpectedly heartfelt.

Concept and Premise

Haunted Hotel is crafted by Matt Roller, a veteran of Rick and Morty, with Dan Harmon as its executive producer. The show’s premise seems whimsical: a single mom, Katherine, manages a hotel inherited from her late brother, which is quite literally filled with ghosts, including her estranged sibling. This setup, however, evolves into a narrative that is strikingly sharp and emotional. Described as a horror-comedy, it deftly balances ridiculousness with genuine emotion, leading to a confident and enthralling experience that solidifies Netflix’s reputation for high-quality animated series.

The show stars Eliza Coupe as Katherine, who juggles the responsibilities of running the Undervale hotel while navigating the complications of raising her children in a haunted environment. Her brother, Nathan, voiced by Will Forte, serves as both a source of annoyance and solace. The children, Ben (portrayed by Skyler Gisondo) and Esther (Natalie Palamides), each embark on their own adventures within the hotel, including comedic entanglements with ghosts and even a teenage romance with a spirit from the 1920s.

Character Dynamics

One of the hallmarks of Haunted Hotel is its range of distinct ghost characters that populate the hotel, each bringing a unique comedic flair and preventing them from being mere background entities. Notable characters include Abbadon (Jimmi Simpson), the gatekeeper of hell trapped in a child’s body, who grapples with his lack of seriousness among the living. His character adds layers of humor and depth, establishing Haunted Hotel as more than a standard ghost story.

Some criticisms have surfaced on social media alleging that Haunted Hotel resembles CBS’s Ghosts. While both shows feature human characters living alongside supernatural beings, Haunted Hotel focuses more on the interplay between horror elements and the family’s dynamic, ultimately distinguishing itself with a more chaotic and comedic tone.

Themes and Storytelling

The storytelling in Haunted Hotel thrives on how Katherine, Nathan, and the children respond to ghostly predicaments. The series explores broader themes of grief and family connections, providing a backdrop for comedic situations that blend laughter with poignancy. Well-written episodes tackle classic horror tropes, from ghost-hunting parodies to body-snatching antics, making sure that each scare carries both humor and emotional weight.

The writing team, including Roller, Avital Ash, Carrie Rosen, and Sam Nulman, manages to honor horror roots while infusing humor and charm, reminiscent of Community‘s unique approach to genre storytelling under Harmon’s guidance.

Voice Talent and Performances

The voice cast greatly enriches Haunted Hotel’s effectiveness. Forte’s portrayal of Nathan adds depth, cleverly balancing humor with serious undertones as he navigates his new ghostly existence. Coupe stands out as Katherine, delivering a blend of tired resilience and sharp wit that effectively anchors the narrative’s emotional core. The children’s voices contribute additional comedic layers—Gisondo embodies the anxious teenager, while Palamides brilliantly encapsulates the mischievous essence of her character.

Guest stars enrich the series further, including Randall Park in a comedic role and Kumail Nanjiani as a cult leader, making each episode burst with fresh surprises.

Overall Impression and Significance

Though Haunted Hotel does drop viewers into the thick of the family’s chaotic life without extensive setup, this approach aligns with the show’s premise, allowing viewers to engage with the ongoing hilarity and surrealism. The animation studio, Titmouse, complements the narrative with visuals that balance creepy and goofy seamlessly, contributing to a unique viewing experience.

As a horror-comedy that correctly invests in character development and emotional narratives, Haunted Hotel ultimately proves to be a compelling addition to Netflix’s animated lineup. With its successful blend of laughter, nostalgia, and real family dynamics, viewers are invited to experience a series that is as heartwarming as it is entertaining.

Haunted Hotel is now available for streaming on Netflix.