Disney+ and Hulu Cancel “Goosebumps” Series After Two Seasons, Sony Shops Show Elsewhere

The chilling world of R.L. Stine’s beloved horror stories has suffered a sudden cancellation. Disney+ and Hulu have officially pulled the plug on the live-action “Goosebumps” series after two seasons, despite reported strong viewership. This abrupt end leaves fans of the teen horror anthology reeling and raises questions about the future of the franchise on streaming platforms.

Why Was Goosebumps Cancelled Despite Strong Ratings?

The cancellation comes as a surprise given the show’s reported performance. According to Deadline (October 2023), the combined seasons accumulated 43 million hours watched across 16 international markets and 75 million hours viewed domestically in the U.S. since their debut. Producer Sony Pictures Television confirmed the cancellation but indicated plans to shop the series to other outlets and explore “different creative directions” for the intellectual property. Industry analysts suggest shifting content strategies at Disney, particularly towards franchise tentpoles and cost-cutting measures, may have outweighed the show’s solid metrics. The anthology format’s reset between seasons, requiring entirely new casts and settings, also potentially increased production costs relative to ongoing narratives.

What’s Next for the Goosebumps Franchise?

Sony’s intent to find a new home offers a glimmer of hope. The first season, premiering in October 2023, followed five high schoolers unraveling the dark secrets behind the decades-old death of teen Harold Biddle and their parents’ hidden pasts. Season 2, shortened to eight episodes and released in October 2024, shifted focus to teenage siblings uncovering a supernatural threat in their home, leading them to a cold case involving five teenagers who vanished in 1994. R.L. Stine himself previously expressed interest in seeing lesser-known books like “Brain Juice” or the recent “House of Shivers: Goblin Monday” adapted. Sony’s exploration of “different creative directions” could potentially revive these stories or continue the anthology format elsewhere. The franchise’s enduring popularity, stemming from over 400 million books sold globally, makes it a valuable property likely to attract interest from other streamers seeking established YA horror content.

The series’ cancellation underscores the volatile nature of streaming, where even shows with dedicated audiences aren’t immune to corporate shifts. While Disney+ and Hulu close this chapter, Sony’s pursuit of a new platform means the eerie tales from Stine’s universe may yet find fresh life. Fans of the spine-tingling adventures should watch for announcements as the search for a new home begins. Share your thoughts on the cancellation and hopes for Goosebumps’ future in the comments below.

Must Know

Q: Is the Goosebumps TV series really cancelled?
A: Yes, Disney+ and Hulu have officially cancelled the live-action “Goosebumps” series after its second season. Sony Pictures Television, the producer, is actively seeking a new streaming or broadcast partner for the franchise.

Q: Why was Goosebumps cancelled if it had good ratings?
A: Despite Deadline reporting 43 million international viewing hours and 75 million U.S. hours across both seasons, Disney’s broader content strategy shifts and potential cost considerations likely influenced the decision. The anthology format’s seasonal resets may have increased relative production costs.

Q: Will there be a Goosebumps Season 3?
A: Season 3 will not air on Disney+ or Hulu. Sony is shopping the series to other outlets, so a third season or new iteration could emerge on a different platform, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Q: What were the Goosebumps seasons about?
A: Season 1 followed teens investigating a 30-year-old death linked to their parents’ secrets. Season 2 featured new characters—siblings uncovering a home threat tied to five teens who vanished in 1994. Both seasons adapted R.L. Stine’s books anthologically.

Q: Which Goosebumps books did R.L. Stine want adapted next?
A: Stine told The Hollywood Reporter he hoped to see adaptations of the obscure title “Brain Juice” and the recent release “House of Shivers: Goblin Monday,” though neither was featured in the cancelled series.

Q: Where can I watch the existing Goosebumps seasons?
A: Both seasons remain available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu as of this reporting.