I never knew I needed an animated series that tackles horror the way Rick and Morty tackle science fiction, but Haunted Hotel proved me wrong. Created by Matt Roller, whose previous work includes the aforementioned Rick and Morty and Community, the series follows a single mother managing the perpetually haunted Undervale Hotel. The premise immediately recalls CBS’s Ghosts, yet Roller’s animated take establishes its own identity through sharp writing and a surprisingly grounded emotional core.
The concept for Haunted Hotel is simple, centring on a struggling single mother with two children who finds herself running a hotel that caters to both the living and the dead. Her deceased brother now serves as one of the resident ghosts, creating a family dynamic that extends beyond the veil of death. This supernatural sibling relationship anchors the series, providing both comedic moments and genuine pathos that elevate the material beyond simple ghost gags.
Roller’s background in comedy writing becomes evident in how Haunted Hotel handles its supernatural elements. Rather than relying on jump scares or traditional horror beats, the series draws humour from the mundane realities of running a business while dealing with otherworldly tenants who seem to enjoy causing trouble.
The animation studio Titmouse, known for its work on Big Mouth, The Venture Bros. and Metalocalypse, brings a visual style that balances the whimsical with the slightly unsettling. This creates an atmosphere that serves both the comedy and the more touching family moments. At times, however, the show falls into the adult animation trap of scenes appearing flat. Thankfully, the dialogue keeps things punchy and prevents it from becoming dull.
“Roller’s background in comedy writing becomes evident in how Haunted Hotel handles its supernatural elements.”
The cast ensures that the dialogue brings the show to life, giving the characters depth and keeping viewers engaged throughout the entire series. Will Forte lends his distinctive vocal style, while Eliza Coupe brings the sharp comedic timing she displayed in Happy Endings. Skyler Gisondo, Natalie Palamides, and Jimmi Simpson round out the ensemble, each adding their own flavour to roles that could have been stock supernatural characters in lesser hands.
The series tackles many tropes familiar from horror, doing so in a way that appeals not only to fans of the genre but also serves as a solid entry point for new viewers. Episodes explore everything from cults and time travel to body snatchers, slasher killers and, of course, relationships with the dead. Yet even with such variety, the stories connect into a cohesive whole that is both enjoyable and memorable.
What distinguishes Haunted Hotel from other paranormal comedies (or many adult animated shows in general) is its willingness to explore themes of loss, family responsibility and financial struggle through a supernatural lens, and to make it all work in a way that defies expectations. The hotel serves as more than a setting: it becomes a character in its own right, representing both the burden and the opportunity that unexpected circumstances can bring. The mother’s relationship with her ghostly brother adds layers to typical sibling dynamics, showing how death may change but does not necessarily end family bonds.
Haunted Hotel succeeds by treating its supernatural elements as opportunities for character development rather than as simple comedic devices. The ghosts are fully realized characters with their own motivations and relationships, while the living characters grapple with real-world concerns that ground the fantastic elements. This approach creates a viewing experience that feels both fantastical and relatable, supernatural yet thoroughly human.
The series shows that animated comedy can tackle themes of grief, responsibility and family dynamics without sacrificing humour or entertainment value. By setting these universal concerns within the framework of a haunted hotel, Roller creates space for both broad comedy and intimate character moments, all with a level of depth not usually expected from the premise. The result is a show that earns its emotional beats while delivering consistent laughs, proving that the best supernatural comedies find their strength in human stories told through otherworldly circumstances.
Haunted Hotel is a solid addition to Netflix’s growing animation catalogue and just a fun show in general. The series offers viewers a chance to check in to something genuinely different: a supernatural comedy that understands the importance of heart alongside the humour, creating an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Haunted Hotel is something I fully enjoyed from beginning to end, and I can only hope we see more from this show going forward.
