The Goosebumps books that will be adapted for season 2 have finally been revealed. The hit series of children’s horror novels by R.L. Stine has previously enjoyed several adaptations, including a 1995 TV series, and two theatrical films, before the most recent adaptation for Hulu and Disney+, which debuted in October 2023 and brought a serialized approach, adapting multiple stories. The 10-epsiode first season received positive reviews from critics, and in February 2022, Goosebumps season 2 was renewed, and is set to premiere in January 2025.
During the show’s New York Comic Con panel, for which Screen Rant was in attendance, it was revealed which of Stine’s novels are set to be adapted for Goosebumps season 2 of the show. Season 2, which is titled Goosebumps: The Vanishing, is set to adapt the books Stay Out of the Basement, The Haunted Car, Monster Blood, The Girl Who Cried Monster, The Ghost Next Door, and Welcome To Camp Nightmare.
What These Book Choices Could Mean for Goosebumps Season 2
The Serialized Anthology Will Seek To Evolve Whilst Retaining Its Dark Tone
The modern Goosebumps show has done away with the episodic anthology format and replaced it with a serialized anthology, where storylines will change from season to season, instead of episode to episode. This means each season will have a consistent narrative running through it, but some of the franchise’s most iconic monsters and moments will appear from episode to episode. The show will seek to keep its dark tone, whilst also being able to evolve from season to season, and the books that will make up season 2 will help with this transition.
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The anthology format makes for greater creativity, as well as keeping things fresh and engaging, but it also enhances the need for the season’s story to be wrapped up in a satisfying manner. Goosebumps: The Vanishing will star Friends alum David Schwimmer as a single father who unwittingly unleashes an evil plant, and the season 2 trailer, gives a good indicator of what viewers can expect, whilst also showcasing the tone, structure, and narrative the show will look to take moving forward.
Our Verdict On The Future of The Goosebumps Franchise
Can The Show Thrive As An Anthology?
Goosebumps may not have been planned as an anthology show, but the decision to turn it into one will shape the future of the franchise. I believe that some viewers will have been disappointed by the decision, and frustrated at the loose ends not tied up from season 1, but I also think that anthology horror shows like American Horror Story show that this approach can be a successful one, and there is plenty of scope to get creative. Goosebumps season 2 will look to break new ground, and take the show in new and unexpected directions this time around.
Goosebumps: The Vanishing premieres on Hulu and Disney+ on January 10, 2025.
R. L. Stine’s horror book series receives its second television adaptation with the 2023 Disney+ series Goosebumps. The new series brings in the creative minds behind the first two Goosebumps films and centers on five teenagers who haphazardly unleash evil supernatural forces on their town. As they attempt to send them back to where they came from, they learn that their parents harbor similar secrets from their younger days.
- Cast
- Justin Long , Ana Yi Puig , Miles McKenna , Will Price , Zack Morris , Isa Briones , Rachael Harris , Rob Huebel , Ana Ortiz
- Release Date
- October 13, 2023
- Seasons
- 2
- Writers
- Nicholas Stoller , Rob Letterman , Kevin Murphy
- Showrunner
- Kevin Murphy
- Main Genre
- Adventure
- Creator(s)
- Rob Letterman , Nicholas Stoller