that instant rush of pure adrenaline that you immediately felt whenever you saw those bright green letters gingerly drip along the television screen? Well, die-hard ers of Goosebumps certainly , or perhaps it was too hard to focus on the bizarre antics of the ever-popular spooky show over the sound of your own blood-curdling screams. 4n4933

Either way, the original TV series was a magical cauldron of spine-tingling episodes and unforgettable moments which are burned in the brains of ‘90s kids all around the nation. Of course, the beloved series was memorably based on the incredibly terrifying books from author R.L. Stine, with the majority of the stories focusing on elements of the paranormal — including zombies, ghosts, and other occult themes.

Despite the anthology horror series only lasting for four seasons, a jaw-dropping collection of 74 episodes were released throughout its duration — and you better believe we’re about to dive in and explore the very best to give you a hauntingly fun spooky season.

“Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes“ (season 2, episode 8) 254vh

You’ve heard of haunted dolls that come to life, of course, but what’s more terrifying than inanimate lawn gnomes trying to grab you? The scariest part about these movable gnomes is that they solely maneuver through people’s gardens in the nighttime — which is obviously when the spookiest of things happen. So the next time you go out and check on your homegrown tomatoes, turn the gnome and face it the other way.

“Attack of the Jack-o-Lanterns” (season 2, episode 10) t5y44

You’d think that the dream as a kid would be to meet a real-life jack-o-lantern, but perhaps the idea is much more fearful than we’d imagine. While most kids on Halloween are dashing to porches and doorsteps to collect as much candy as the singular night will allow, the kids in this episode come face-to-face with two pumpkin-headed creatures and discover they might have to trick-or-treat for all of eternity. Big yikes.

“Say Cheese and Die” (season 1, episode 15) 2s2z6t

I’d be lying if I tried to act like this isn’t one of the most iconic episodes of the entire Goosebumps experience. As if the title itself wasn’t enough of a strong indication, allow me to explain how it all works. The episode centers around a magical camera which, if you take a photo of someone, an outcome for their future is shown in the photograph. If that isn’t one of the most ominous and terrifying things ever, then we simply don’t know what is.

“The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight” (season 2, episode 14) 1t6c6d

In an episode full of chocolate chip pancakes and light-hearted ghost stories, this might seem like a relatively tame Goosebumps venture, but it’s anything far from normal. Along with the pancakes and stories, the episode centers around a farmyard scarecrow that comes to life. Truth be told, this episode scared me so badly as a kid that I never wanted to be near a skeleton for like two years. Do you know how difficult that is for a kid who loves to attend pumpkin patches each year? It sucked. So thanks, Goosebumps.

“One Day at Horrorland” (season 3, episode 8 and 9) 2gg27

One of the most fantastic two-parters in all of Goosebumps belongs to the “One Day at Horrorland” saga. In the first part, a family discovers an amusement park run by real-life monsters who put on a frightening show. In the second part, the same family partake in an interactive game show run by the same monsters at the amusement park. The episode isn’t necessarily frightening, but we’d be lying if we said it isn’t absolutely entertaining, and certainly one of the best from Goosebumps.

“The Werewolf of Fever Swamp” (season 1, episode 18 and 19) 5f4ff

Now, werewolves don’t typically scare me — I’m much more of a vampire gal, personally, but this episode surely did the trick of scaring my socks off as a kid. As the title suggests, the episode centers around a werewolf on the loose in the swamps of Florida. Truth be told, the idea of a werewolf running loose is spine-tingling enough in its own right, but is there anything out there scarier than the entire concept of Florida as a whole? I think not. Still, this Halloweenie special certainly doesn’t disappoint.

“Night of the Living Dummy II” (season 1, episode 10) 693a

OK, when I said “The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight” made me terrified of scarecrows? Well, in no major surprise, “Night of the Living Dummy II” initially kickstarted my ever-lasting fear of dolls — porcelain dolls, in particular, but that’s a different story. Arguably one of the scariest characters in Goosebumps would be Slappy — the ventriloquist’s dummy who often comes to life and terrifies every single person in its path. Scared yet?

“Welcome to Dead House” (season 2, episode 20 and 21) 5o6a

As one of the most chilling episodes in Goosebumps history, it would feel like a complete travesty if this special wasn’t near the top of this list. Centering around a naive family who moves into a neighborhood completely overrun by the undead affected by a chemical fallout, this episode feels like a full-length feature. That being said, no house in existence could possibly be as terrifying as my in-laws — but let’s just keep that between us. Oh, wait….

“Stay Out of the Basement” (season 1, episode 12 and 13) 5h610

I think I speak for the majority of the nation when I say basements are absolutely what nightmares are made of. Hell, even the kid in Home Alone was terrified of being down in the basement, and he actually scared off two criminal burglars. In the spooktacular episode, a brother-and-sister duo discover that their dad is not actually their dad, but a bizarre plant-like monster who oozes a green texture and traps their actual father deep within the basement. Yep, we’re right, this one is straight out of a nightmare.

“The Haunted Mask” (season 1, episode 1 and 2) 6j581x

I will absolutely die on the hill that this is the undisputed best episode in the original run of Goosebumps. As easily one of the most recognizable items in the entire series, the mask used in this special certainly outshines the one used in the 2015 movie. Revolving around a young girl named Carly Beth, hysteria and chaos immediately ensues after she obtains an eerie mask which eventually alters her personality and melds with her own face. If you’re brave enough to watch this episode in the dark during the spooky season, then hats off to you.

Like a lot of other millennials, I grew up watching horror shows aimed at kids like Are You Afraid of the Dark? and loved all the cheesy jump scares (and bad fashion choices).

But there was one perfect show that featured episodes about haunted cameras and terrible masks, and now there’s a teaser for the second season of the Hulu/Disney+ reboot of this popular ’90s series. Of course, I’m talking about Goosebumps. Season 2, which is subtitled The Vanishing, will come out Jan. 10th, 2025.

The creepy trailer suggests creatures/villains that “seem to with a host”… and also stars David Schwimmer. He’s moved on from dorky Ross Gellar and is now in his dad era. According to Bloody Disgusting, Schwimmer plays Anthony, who is now a single parent to twins, Cece and Devin. The twins discover that four high schoolers disappeared back in 1994 and try to find out the truth. I’m totally in!

What’s even better than watching a beloved Friends actor star in season 2 of the Goosebumps reboot? Learning that the whole season will drop at the same time. All you need is popcorn and you can enjoy a scary binge-watching session. January can be such a dull, dreary month, and this is just the news I need to look forward to the first month of the new year.

Fans posted their reactions on X and are excited to come back to this scary small town.

Season 1 of the Goosebumps reboot premiered on Oct. 13th, 2023 and followed Mr. Nathan Bratt (Justin Long), who moved into a haunted house. While the episodes told a brand new story, they did include familiar and nostalgic elements, from Slappy the Dummy to the iconic haunted mask and the evil Kanduu. I’m a sucker for a horror story in a small town, from the down-on-its-luck Millwood in the Pretty Little Liars reboot to the Woodsboro-set Scream franchise, and I’ll be checking out season 2 as soon as it’s streaming.

While the first season ended mysteriously and that would have made for a compelling constitution of this new Goosebumps story, Variety reported in February 2024 that the second season would start from scratch, officially making this an anthology series. However, when season 1 concluded, even the cast weren’t sure that season 2 would tell a new creepy tale. Will Price, who portrayed Lucas Parker, told Us Weekly, “We have a very dark, gloomy and dreary first season” and he wanted “to switch that up and do a slasher.” Maybe Schwimmer as a twin dad is the next best thing!

With a 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and some, let’s face it, bad reviews, some weren’t on board with Goosebumps season 1. Sure, it wasn’t perfect by any means, but if reboots are vehicles of nostalgia, it delivered more than enough of R.L. Stine’s world. Some fans wish that each episode was a more faithful adaptation of Stine’s enduring and legendary horror books. But since that’s what the original series, which aired from 1995 to 1998, accomplished, I’m not sure that’s the right approach. Goosebumps season 1 embraced the cheesy enjoyment of the OG, and it looks like season 2 will do the same. I don’t want it to be January just yet because we still need to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but at least we know something fun and scary is on the horizon to get rid of any post-holiday blues.

Justin Long, an actor who often flies under the radar in Hollywood, has been making his mark for the past two decades. He has a talent for shining in various projects and making a lasting impression. His journey began when he was just 21 with 2001’s Jeepers Creepers, and since then, he has been captivating audiences with his diverse range of roles. Now he headlines an ensemble cast in the new Disney Plus production of Goosebumps, based on the spooky kids book series by R.L. Stine.

His ability to win our hearts in one role and make us despise him in another is a testament to his exceptional acting skills. Despite hosting the podcast Life is Short with his brother Christian, Long continues to deliver impressive performances in his acting career. Let’s revisit 10 of his most memorable roles.

10. New Girl (2011-2018) 3f324

Justin Long’s role as Paul brought a unique and endearing dynamic to the series. He was great at portraying Paul’s quirky and sweet personality. His addition to the cast brought a fresh and quirky dynamic to the series. Paul was a sweet, sensitive, and awkward character, and Long’s portrayal of him was marked by his unique comedic timing and relatable performance. His chemistry with Zooey Deschanel’s Jess was undeniable, and added depth to the show’s exploration of relationships and love.

9. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004) 5e2q51

Justin Long’s role as Justin, a quirky and determined dodgeball team member, was great due to his comedic timing and likable personality. He added to the film’s zaniness and humor. What made Justin Long great in this role was his ability to capture the essence of a lovable character. Justin Redman was the embodiment of the average guy who found himself in extraordinary circumstances. He was the audience’s surrogate, and Long’s portrayal made it easy for viewers to root for the Average Joe’s team as they faced off against the fierce and comically exaggerated rivals from Globo Gym.

8. Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) 5t4638

Long’s energetic voice acting as Alvin was great because he captured the chipmunk’s mischievous spirit perfectly. His animated performance made the character enjoyable for both children and adults. His portrayal of Alvin highlighted his talent as a versatile actor capable of adapting to different genres and mediums. Justin Long’s rendition of Alvin the Chipmunk added a delightful element to the film series, contributing to its widespread appeal.

7. Ed (2000-2004) 4c6f55

Justin Long’s portrayal of Warren P. Cheswick, a quirky and lovable high school student, was great. His character’s quirks and earnestness were lovable, making him a standout in the series. Ed was celebrated for its unique blend of comedy and drama, and Justin Long significantly contributed to the show’s success.

6. Galaxy Quest (1999) 392q72

Long’s appearance as a ionate sci-fi fan was great because he added authenticity to the film’s humor. His portrayal of the character’s devotion to the show-within-a-show brought humor to the film. Galaxy Quest is celebrated for its humor and affectionate homage to sci-fi fandom, and Justin Long’s role as Brandon was an indispensable part of the film’s allure. His performance showcased his ability to embody a variety of characters, even in the context of a genre parody.

5. Tusk (2014) 4h5659

In the 2014 horror-comedy film Tusk, Justin Long took on a unique and unsettling role that showcased his versatility as an actor. He effectively conveyed the character’s transformation from a self-assured podcaster to a terrified and disfigured victim, showcasing his range. The movie, directed by Kevin Smith, is a bizarre and twisted tale that blurs the lines between horror and dark comedy.

4. Accepted (2006) 2g6p6n

Long’s portrayal of Bartleby Gaines, a slacker who creates a fake college, was great because of his charisma. He embodied the character’s non-conformist spirit and made the film’s themes resonate with the audience. He captures the essence of many young people who, like Bartleby, find themselves at a crossroads after high school, uncertain about their future paths. The film follows Bartleby’s journey to create a fake college and the comedic challenges that arise, making for an entertaining and heartwarming narrative.

3. Comrade Detective (2017) g71t

In this unique and satirical series, Justin Long’s English dub voice was great because it added a comedic edge to the show’s humor. His ability to infuse comedy while staying true to the show’s premise contributed to its appeal.

2. Live Free or Die Hard (2007) 2d6j50

Long’s performance as Matt Farrell, a witty and tech-savvy computer hacker, was great because it provided a perfect balance to Bruce Willis’ action-hero persona. He added intelligence and humor to the character, making him a down-to-earth stand-in for the audience.

1. F Is for Family (2015-2021) 5w2uh

The character of Kevin provided an extra layer to the show’s ensemble cast on the Netflix animated show. As the series progressed, Kevin’s character went through various phases of adolescence, and Long’s voice acting skillfuly adapted to these changes. His portrayal brought depth and a sense of nostalgia to the series, as many viewers could relate to the challenges of growing up during that time.

As we continue to watch Justin Long evolve in his craft, we eagerly anticipate the surprises and delights he has yet to offer in future projects. With a knack for stealing the show and making us laugh, cry, or both, Long’s star is set to shine even brighter in the years to come. Whether it’s on the big or small screen, Justin Long is a true standout, and his remarkable career is a testament to his enduring appeal in the world of entertainment.

Having survived the bespoke cull that saw two out of the three fantastical reboots of established properties pulled from the release schedule and cast out into the ether or nothingness after shooting had already been finished, maybe Disney Plus’ Goosebumps is within its rights to be eying a renewal.

The Spiderwick Chronicles finally pitched up at Roku months after being ditched by the Mouse House, but Captain Nemo origin story Nautilus remains without a home, and that’s without even bothering to mention the raft of costly originals the company has erased entirely from existence months and in some cases even weeks after they premiered.

It’s an encouraging sign that Disney touted Goosebumps as one of its biggest premieres in years that doesn’t hail from either Star Wars or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but producer Rob Letterman wisely refused to get ahead of himself in an interview with The Direct.

“I mean, I wish it was up to us. I wish we could just greenlight everything we wanted. I wish that’s how it was…”

Fellow producer Nicholas Stoller echoed those sentiments, because the evidence is there that you can’t bank on anything being renewed on Disney Plus that isn’t an MCU or Star Wars original.

“The one thing I’ve learned in this industry is you just never know anything. You know you have to make the best thing possible and hope people respond. And so I mean, I loved making this. I love working with Rob. I love working with everyone on the show. And I really, really love Disney, and Sony is fantastic. But I really hope we get another season. This was really fun. Everyone involved is really wishing for another season. And there’s a lot of story to tell. And we have a lot of hooks in there to tee up if we get lucky enough to do another season. So fingers crossed, you know.”

It’s not an unreasonable hope by any stretch, although based on what’s happened over the last few months, you can never guarantee that Disney will go ahead and pull the trigger.

Canceling TV shows before they’ve even had a chance to premiere and prove themselves is a rare occurrence, but Disney Plus doubling down and doing it twice in quick succession came right out of the blue, even if Goosebumps was at least granted a stay of execution.

What made it even more curious is that The Spiderwick Chronicles and Nautilus were both effects-heavy and expensive fantasy reboots featuring characters that have appeared on the big screen in the past, but that obviously wasn’t enough to prevent either of them from being cast out onto the scrapheap months after each of them had wrapped production.

The former may have found a new home, but the latter continues to aimlessly drift around in televised purgatory, but Goosebumps has at least vindicated the Mouse House’s decision to show it mercy by scoring the biggest premiere Disney Branded Television has seen in two years.

The company has proclaimed the latest live-action adaptation of R.L. Stine’s back catalogue to be the most-watched premiere of the year so far on both Disney Plus and Hulu, and its biggest streaming debut of any kind since Pixar spin-off Monsters at Work landed in July of 2021.

Those numbers may be a drop in the ocean compared to what the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars drew in, but it might just be enough to let the Goosebumps team breathe a sigh of relief and possibly begin concocting a second season, something that should never be taken for granted given Disney’s rampant content purge over the last few months.

There’s no end to the Halloween treats to be streamed on Disney Plus this spooky season. After all, Disney might be known for its sugary fairy tales, but in reality the studio has been scaring kids silly for 90 years now —there’s a definite cosmic reason for Walt Disney founding his company in October. The Mouse House’s love of a good scare has continued down the decades, resulting in numerous seasonal favorites D+ subscribers watch year after year.

But, just like Jack Skellington ties of the same old thing, maybe you too are looking for something fresh to frighten you this Halloween. Luckily, the dungeons of Disney Plus are home to numerous gnarly gems that sadly don’t get the attention they deserve, be they forgotten or overlooked classics from Disney’s yesteryear or streaming releases that might’ve slipped you by. Now’s the time to put that right.

Goosebumps (2023) 3u1x30

Considering this reboot of R.L. Stine’s immortal tween horror brand is brand-new, it might be too soon to call it underrated, but given that Disney Plus has become increasingly ruthless with culling its streaming originals mere months after they’ve debuted, it can’t hurt to encourage you to give the new Goosebumps a go to ensure it won’t go the way of Willow by next spring. For those who thought those Jack Black movies were too kiddish but loved Netflix’s Fear Street, this series should really hit the spooky spot.

Muppets Haunted Mansion 2y5m34

2003’s The Haunted Mansion was never that great and 2023’s Haunted Mansion (note the loss of the definite article) sadly ed by as unnoticed as an invisible ghost. But don’t despair, HM fans, as Disney made a third adaptation of the theme park ride in between those two films that might scratch your itch instead. Muppets Haunted Mansion does just what it says on the tin, casting all your favorite Muppets and a smattering of celebs (like Will Arnett, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Darren Criss) as the incorporeal inhabitants of the haunted house. Yes, Muppet ghosts aren’t just for Christmas.

Growing Fangs 3uy1e

If you’ve never caught any of Disney’s Launchpad anthology, a series of short films made by up-and-coming filmmakers from underepresented backgrounds, do yourself a favor and correct that ASAP. A great place to start is with Growing Fangs, a 20-minute supernatural short in which a Mexican-American teen who happens to be a vampire attending a school for monsters has to come clean about herself when her human friend comes to visit. It’s honestly a strong enough concept to a whole feature. Get on it, Bob!

What If…? “Zombies…?!” c5z35

Marvel fans looking for a Halloween hit this October will probably turn to Werewolf by Night (either the black-and-white or colorized version) to satiate their bloodlust. Or maybe the Halloween episode of WandaVision too, at a push. But don’t overlook the other perfect slice of spooky MCU entertainment — What If…‘s gloriously gory zombie apocalypse episode. , a Marvel Zombies spinoff series remains in development at Disney Plus (it’s just taking a while) so this episode should prove integral to the future of the franchise.

Mom’s Got a Date with A Vampire 3k1f3m

Looking for another ’90s DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) to watch after completing your annual binge of the Halloweentown films (skipping the one without the original Marnie, obviously). Well, then try this one on for size. In Mom’s Got a Date With A Vampire, a lesser-ed entry in the DCOM oeuvre, two kids must save their mom — Aunt Hilda from Sabrina the Teenage Witch — when they accidentally set her up with a Dracula-type played by Mr. Sheffield from The Nanny. As that sounds, it’s 90 minutes of pure ’90s nostalgia.

Gravity Falls: “Summerween” 5w5p49

All of Gravity Falls fits the bill as a spooky season treat, but if you’re looking to make a quick trip back to the titular Oregon town then why not go for “Summerween,” the show’s own semi-Halloween special. Set on the eponymous Summerween holiday — the people of Gravity Falls love Halloween so much they celebrate it twice a year! — this seriously spooky episode sees Dipper and Mabel face the Summerween Trickster, a child-eating ghoul who could give the Slenderman a run for his money.

Disenchanted c285r

Did the world collectively decide never to mention Disenchanted ever again once it came out in November 2022 and I missed the memo? Sorry if I’m breaking some kind of unwritten rule here then, but call me crazy, I kinda enjoyed the long-awaited follow-up to 2007’s Enchanted, even if it obviously isn’t a patch on the original. With its serious witchy energy, it certainly makes for a perfect Disney Plus original sequel to watch this spooky season, unlike Hocus Pocus 2, which can go die in a ditch.

Return to Oz 2m2549

The mind forever boggles at the gonzo decision-making that went into the creation of Return to Oz. Over 45 years on from 1939’s beloved The Wizard of Oz, Disney made a special deal with MGM to produce a spiritual sequel to the Judy Garland classic. Given that the original is one of the most Disney-like non-Disney movies ever made, the world assumed we were in for more all-singing, all-dancing enchantment. Instead, the Mouse House decided to return to Oz via a stopover in David Lynch’s dizziest daydreams — one where the heroes are as terrifying to look at as the villains and Dorothy is locked up in an insane asylum by Aunty Em. It really needs to be seen to be believed.

The Simpsons: “Halloween of Horror” 5b206g

If you’re a Simpsons fan, you’ll no doubt celebrate spooky season with a liberal helping of classic Treehouse of Horror episodes, but while you’re at it, make sure to give this wholly underrated installment from season 27 a try as well. In addition to the traditional ToH special, that year also supplied this delightful regular episode, in which Homer has to stay home while Marge and Bart go trick-or-treating because Lisa’s scared of the spooky trappings. It’s one of the more effective episodes in recent seasons as it’s pretty much the first one for 30 years to that Lisa’s only eight years old.

If you’re anything like me, you saw this bizarre package deal of two diametrically opposed short films once when you were a kid and then swiftly wrote it off as some kind of candy-induced Halloween fever dream. While the Wind in the Willow half of this two-pronged feature is much as you would expect, the Sleepy Hollow segment is pure nightmare fuel and, oddly enough, a much darker and more faithful adaptation of the Washington Irving story than the Tim Burton movie. Check it out for the morbid curiosity, although it’s best to send the little ones to bed after Mr. Toad has left the building.

The spooky season of Halloween is upon us, and every streaming service is launching the screams and thrills viewers are looking for. However, for those who are too grossed out by the bloody slashers or too much of a baby for the ghosts haunting their victims to death, there are still options for you. Hulu and Disney+ are bringing the magic of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series to TV again.

The children’s horror series first received a TV adaptation in 1995, and nearly 30 years later, a new group of children are getting to see the series brought to life on the silver screen. Plus, if you enjoyed the Jack Black-led films, many of the production team of both 2015’s Goosebumps and its 2018 sequel have returned to help create the new series. When exactly is the new series scaring its way to Hulu and Disney+ however?

October scare-fest 5t1w4k

Just in time for Halloween, the new 2023 Goosebumps series hits streaming in the middle of October. The first five episodes of the season will drop on Hulu and Disney+ on Oct. 13. If you’re not already signed up for either of those services, you can also get a chance to peek at the first two episodes on the 13th as well, as part of Freeform’s annual “31 Nights of Halloween” event.

After the spooktacular premiere on Friday the 13th, the remaining five episodes of the season will drop weekly on Hulu and Disney+, with the final episode premiering on Nov. 17. Hulu is debuting the show as part of its “Huluween” line-up, while Disney+ includes the show in its “Hallowstream” celebration. This is not the first show to see a simultaneous Disney+/Hulu release, as Love Victor season 3 and Flamin’ Hot both released on Hulu and Disney+ at the same time.

What is Goosebumps about? 7164t

Similar to the many other Goosebumps adaptations out there, viewers can expect plenty of the supernatural and paranormal aspects the books bring to life. The official synopsis of the show details that five high schoolers unintentionally release supernatural forces on their town and have to put their differences aside to recapture the spirits and save the day while also uncovering the secrets of their parents’ pasts as teens.

While it’s unclear if any specific Goosebumps stories will be adapted for the show, the promotional materials for the show have already teased the return of Slappy the Dummy. Arguably the most famous villain throughout the Goosebumps books, Slappy was the villain of the 2015 Goosebumps film. Heck, even Pixar took a page out of R.L. Stine’s book and made the ventriloquist henchmen in Toy Story 4 in a similar design to Slappy. So we’ll see on Oct. 13 how the show adapts the infamous doll for a new story.

There must have been some concern among the Goosebumps team a couple of weeks ago when Disney Plus embarked on a highly specific content purge that saw episodic fantasy reboots derived from literary works that had already finished shooting end up being kicked out of the kingdom altogether.

The Spiderwick Chronicles was the first to go, and it was swiftly followed by Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea prequel Nautilus, leaving the R.L. Stine series that had already been the subject of two feature-length blockbusters as the only one left standing, which itself came shortly after small screen sequel Willow was removed from the content library entirely less than six months after premiering.

However, in what’s either a show of confidence or an ission of concern that viewing figures are more important than ever, Disney has dropped the first trailer for the Goosebumps do-over that confirms it’ll release on both its in-house streaming service and Hulu on the same day, which has been locked in as Oct. 13.

It was only yesterday we noted that a premiere in the lead-in to the spookiest date on the calendar felt like an inevitability, and there were already murmurings that Disney’s increasing stake in Hulu would see it play nice and potentially share the show with a platform that’s being welcomed more and more under its umbrella.

Of course, it remains to be see if Goosebumps gets a second season, but making it onto the airwaves at all has already seen it fare much better than its two spiritual contemporaries.

Having decided that canceling original content that was deemed to have under-performed wasn’t enough, or even making the call to exile exclusive film and television projects from the library entirely so that they can’t be viewed anywhere by anybody, Disney Plus went ahead and evolved its ruthless strategy to boot two major episodic reboots from the release schedule that had already finished shooting.

As part of a streamlined strategy for costly streaming productions, the Mouse House opted to abandon The Spiderwick Chronicles and Captain Nemo origin story Nautilus despite both of them having wrapped principal photography, leaving them stuck firmly in purgatory and facing an uphill battle to convince a rival platform or network to welcome them in from the cold.

And yet, Goosebumps survived the highly specific cull that saw Disney getting rid of rebooted TV shows derived from mildly successful feature films that it didn’t own the rights to, even though Sony technically steers the live-action direction of the R.L. Stine novels on which the project is based.

Maybe there’s a reason why it was the only one of the three to receive a stay of execution, but a single image isn’t going to be able to answer any of the lingering questions folks may have as to why Goosebumps was deemed more valuable to Disney than either The Spiderwick Chronicles or Nautilus.

There’s no release window as of yet, but with cameras having ceased rolling back in March of this year, it would make a lot of sense for it to land somewhere in the run-up to Halloween given the obvious potential for a spooky do-over with inbuilt name recognition.

Cancelling shows that haven’t even premiered yet is a practice that doesn’t happen all that often and is by far the most egregious fate to befall any episodic project, but Disney doesn’t seem to care after unceremoniously abandoning its plans to air The Spiderwick Chronicles.

The literary adaptation was the reboot of a well-received family favorite that netted close to $200 million at the box office, and shooting wrapped all the way back in January of this year, so it’s not as if it was a completely unknown commodity or risky gamble to the extend of some on-demand exclusives that come bearing no name recognition whatsoever.

And yet, Paramount has been left to pick up the pieces and shop The Spiderwick Chronicles elsewhere, which could end in disaster if nobody is interested. However, what makes it even more infuriating is that the report outlining the fate of one fantastical reinvention that wasn’t based on a Disney-owned IP getting the boot is that another in the exact same boat has avoided an identical fate.

Sony control the rights to R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps, which has a Disney Plus series of its own in the works that called it a day on principal photography earlier this year. And yet, despite ticking the same boxes as The Spiderwick Chronicles, it’s been claimed by Deadline that not only will the Mouse House be holding onto it, but it could even end up being distributed on both the main streaming service and Hulu.

It seems counterproductive to salvage one but not the other, although that’s sadly how the industry tends to work sometimes.

Revising history to make film, television, literature, or any other form of media more palatable through a modern lens is a dangerous game that opens the floor to both widespread debate and accusations of needless censorship, but that hasn’t dissuaded Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine from becoming the latest high-profile author to see their work given a sensitivity edit.

In the bestselling writer’s defense, he’s the one spearheading the movement to remove verbiage and descriptions that could be deemed as insensitive from the back catalogue, whereas the two most prominent examples featured late world-renowned scribes who now have the executors of their estates overseeing such matters.

That being said, there was still such a massive backlash to Roald Dahl’s books being overhauled that the publishers swiftly confirmed the unfiltered originals would still be made available via the “Classic Collection” banner, while James Bond fans were left fuming when it was announced Ian Fleming’s original stories that inspired the iconic spy franchise were being reevaluated by “sensitivity readers.”

Stine’s Goosebumps series has sold well over $400 million copies and spawned a pair of blockbuster feature films – with an episodic Disney Plus reboot of the original 1990s show also in development – but the next generation of avid readers won’t be getting the source material in its original form.

Among the changes to have been made are removals of references to having “at least six chins,” a magic spell replacing a “love tap,” as well as the deletion of overt references to race and gender-specific terminology. Goosebumps might be aimed at younger crowds, but you can guarantee there’s going to be an uproar regardless.

For the uninitiated, a general overview of the plot from 2015’s family-friendly fantasy Goosebumps may have led to an eye-roll or two, with the broadest strokes of the narrative holding the potential to descend into smug, self-congratulatory self-awareness.

Adapted from the beloved books authored by R.L. Stine, the meta blockbuster saw Jack Black playing a fictionalized version of the writer – who gets more than he bargained for when his daughter and the new next door neighbor unleash the real-life monsters that have been contained within his best-selling Goosebumps series.

We’ve seen more than a handful of meta-tinged adventures come perilously close to disappearing up their own behinds, so the jury was very much out on Goosebumps. At least, until people got to see it for themselves and realized that it’s a fantastic all-ages dive into the spooky and supernatural that sacrifices such trivialities as consistent CGI and decent pacing for a frantic adventure that boasts bags of charm and no shortage of spine-tingling moments.

As we approach the most haunting holiday of the year, we can expect things that go bump in the night to make a renewed splash on streaming, which is exactly what Goosebumps has done. Per FlixPatrol, Rob Letterman’s instant staple of the annual viewing schedule has apparated on Netflix’s worldwide watch-list, and it’s even entered the Top 10 in the United Kingdom.

Of course, the real masterstroke was casting national treasure Jack Black in the lead role – which was hammered home when sequel Haunted Halloween scored substantially worse reviews, and earned over $60 million less at the box office than the opener.