In 2023, audiences were treated to a reboot of the Goosebumps TV show, blending nostalgia with fresh twists while tying each episode to one of the books from the long-running classic children’s horror series. Goosebumps (2023) followed a group of teenagers uncovering the dark secrets of a local mansion linked to the death of a teenager decades earlier. As they delved deeper into the mystery, they encountered tales inspired by R.L. Stine’s original Goosebumps stories. The show retained its eerie atmosphere and creepy thrills while incorporating modern elements to appeal to a new generation.
Goosebumps: The Vanishing continues the reboot with a fresh cast of characters and a new overarching storyline. Much like the first season, the series remains true to its roots, incorporating elements from the original book series while crafting a narrative that emphasizes the importance of family and friendship. What sets this reboot apart across both seasons is how seamlessly it merges these storylines with the horrors inspired by R.L. Stine’s beloved books.
The central plotline of The Vanishing follows Anthony, portrayed by David Schwimmer, a man still grappling with the mysterious disappearance of his brother 30 years ago. After decades of unanswered questions, Anthony finds renewed hope when the case shows signs of being reopened. Determined to shield his children from the dark and malevolent forces that have resurfaced, he tries to keep them uninvolved. However, his children—Cece, played by Jayden Bartels, and Devin, played by Sam McCarthy—are unknowingly drawn into the same mystery, venturing to the very place where Anthony lost his brother all those years ago.
“The Vanishing weaves elements from classic Goosebumps stories into the central narrative, respecting the source material while reimagining it with fresh suspense and tension.”
The dual narrative—from Anthony’s perspective as a parent and from the children’s point of view—adds a fascinating layer of emotional depth to the story. Both Anthony and his children strive to protect one another from the sinister forces at play, creating an intriguing dynamic as the kids keep their own secrets to avoid trouble.
What’s particularly compelling about The Vanishing is how it weaves elements from classic Goosebumps stories into the central narrative. One of the series’ most memorable and spine-chilling moments comes with its adaptation of “Stay Out of the Basement,” one of the scariest stories from the original Goosebumps books that has often been overlooked. The retelling is masterful, maintaining the heart of the story while adding layers of tension and suspense, making it genuinely terrifying in the context of the show. This respect for the source material is evident throughout the reboot. Rather than simply rehashing the original tales, the episodes are reimagined in ways that evoke the same sense of horror and nostalgia fans remember from their childhoods.
What’s refreshing about this reboot is that it doesn’t rely solely on scares. There’s a clear reverence for the Goosebumps books, with the directors carefully crafting each episode to match not just how fans remember the stories being written but also how they felt when read as a child. This approach is part of what makes Goosebumps so unique as a series. It doesn’t shy away from the darker, creepier elements, nor does it overdo them.
“The performances in The Vanishing are excellent, with David Schwimmer delivering a heartfelt portrayal of a father grappling with the decades-long loss of his brother.”
There’s a subtle balance between horror and humour, with occasional lighthearted moments that never undermine the overall tension. The humour, slightly slapstick at times—especially as the season progresses—acts as a breather, giving both the audience and characters a moment to relax before the tension ramps up again. This balance is one of the reboot’s highlights, proving the series can capture the heart of Goosebumps while retaining its edge.
The performances in The Vanishing are excellent across the board. David Schwimmer, best known for Friends, delivers a heartfelt and dynamic portrayal of a father grappling with the decades-long loss of his brother. His struggle to maintain a relationship with his children while protecting them from the malevolent forces at play is incredible. Jayden Bartels and Sam McCarthy, who play Schwimmer’s twin children, deliver standout performances, showcasing fantastic chemistry that captures the essence of sibling dynamics. Their natural portrayals make it easy to believe they are siblings navigating the strange and terrifying events around them. Their energy adds authenticity to their roles, making their journey deeply engaging.
The supporting cast also shines. Francesca Noel, as Alex, and Galilea La Salvia, as Frankie, give strong performances as Cece and Devin’s friends, further elevating the storytelling. Each cast member plays a critical role, with no single actor feeling out of place. Every character is well-cast, and their performances carry the show’s emotional weight.
Equally impressive is the music, which perfectly complements the show’s tone. For viewers who grew up during the System of a Down era, hearing their music featured in a particular episode brings a sense of unexpected nostalgia. The show does an excellent job of weaving nostalgic elements into its story, melding modern music with its horror themes. The soundtrack adds depth to the show’s atmosphere, enhancing its already strong mood.
Goosebumps: The Vanishing succeeds by blending old-school nostalgia with fresh, modern twists. The show honours the legacy of the original books while introducing exciting new concepts and characters. With this season, and potentially future ones, the approach of presenting each season as a separate storyline makes it accessible for viewers to jump in without prior knowledge. From stellar performances to the seamless integration of classic stories, this second season continues to bring the Goosebumps franchise into a new era while still paying homage to what came before. It’s a worthy addition to the Goosebumps legacy, managing to be both frightening and heartwarming, and keeps the spirit of the series alive for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
