Hazbin Hotel might have some viewers clutching their pearls, but for those who know what to expect, they are going to love it. It should be mentioned that this review is based solely on the first five episodes of Hazbin Hotel season one.
There is a growing trend of adult animated series releasing, and Hazbin Hotel is the latest to join. This show has been a long time coming as the pilot episode, made entirely by freelance animators, released on YouTube October 28, 2019. Vivienne “VivziePop” Medrano is the brilliant mind behind this series, as well as Helluva Boss which features different characters but takes place in the same universe.
Hazbin Hotel follows Charlie Morningstar (Erika Henningsen), the daughter of Lucifer and Princess of Hell, who runs a hotel with her friends. She has one goal in mind. To help the sinners and outcasts of Hell redeem themselves and earn their place in Heaven. Not a simple task. Those who are helping her run the hotel include her girlfriend, Vaggie (Stephanie Beatriz), pornographic film actor Angel Dust (Blake Roman), the adorable and sadistic Nifty (Kimiko Glenn) and the powerful “Radio Demon” Alastor (Amir Talai).
These characters have formed their own little family, and like most families, this means they don’t always get along. However, they are there to support and lift each other up whenever one needs it. This is where the heart of the series comes in. Yes, this film pushes the envelope. Yes, it is filled with risque and dirty jokes. But at the same time, viewers will find themselves rooting for certain friendships and relationships, as well as feeling a bit of warmth in their hearts.
While there is so much to love about Hazbin Hotel, one of the standouts is the music. This is a musical after all, and the musical numbers never disappoint. Not only are they performed by incredibly talented singers, they often deliver laughs, tears, and cheers. The animation in and of itself is top notch, but it always seems to outdo itself during a song. The songs are well thought out and always fit perfectly into the moment they are placed in. To be honest, this is one series soundtrack we would have on repeat (just don’t listen around the kiddos).
As mentioned above, there is a fair amount of heart in this series. That said, there is a lot of comedy as well. Hazbin Hotel is completely unafraid to push the boundaries, and fully embraces that this is an animated series made for an older audience. Sex is a common theme throughout the episodes, which is all but expected considering Angel’s profession. But there is a lot more to it than that. While many of the jokes are dirty, there are lessons about real friendship sprinkled throughout Hazbin Hotel as well.
Just take one look at the cast list and it should come as no surprise that each and every character has their standout moments. There is not one person who drags down the rest of the ensemble. All of the characters are unique and bring something to the table that truly makes each and every one of them special. They are a complete joy to watch together. As with most animated series, it is likely they did not record in the studio together, but this would be shocking as it feels as if they are playing off one another constantly.
When it comes to the character design, it is no surprise that these characters are already heavy on the cosplay scene. The animation is visually stunning, with a heavy focus on red and white, in a way that completely works and never feels overpowering. The episodes are stand alone enough, while still driving a cohesive plot line for the season forward. Where we are left at the end of episode five has us on our knees, begging for more (Angel Dust would love that line).
Hazbin Hotel might be on the shocking and risqué side, but at the same time it is filled with heart and surprisingly catchy songs. With an incredible cast rounding things out, this is a must watch series, coming to Prime Video on January 19th.
Hazbin Hotel is everything fans wanted and more. You’ve never seen anything like this. The aesthetic is stunning, the cast is phenomenal, the music is sensational, and the story is absolutely captivating. Bravo!
Rating: 5 out of 5
NEXT: Hazbin Hotel First Look Images Released
About Hazbin Hotel
Created by Vivienne Medrano, Hazbin Hotel is based on her popular animated pilot released on YouTube in 2019 and quickly gained over 89 million views and a rabid worldwide fan base. The series blends adult humor, unforgettable characters, and catchy musical numbers creating a wholly original and unique world.
Vivienne Medrano serves as executive producer and directed all episodes. Joel Kuwahara and Dana Tafoya-Cameron, and Scott Greenberg (Season One) also serve as executive producers. Hazbin Hotel is produced by A24 and FOX Entertainment’s Emmy award-winning animation studio Bento Box Entertainment.
The first season of Hazbin Hotel consists of eight-episodes with four episodes premiering on Prime Video January 19, 2024 and two episodes rolling out weekly through February 2.
Fans who purchased special packages at HazbinHotel.com will receive exclusive Season One merchandise, including early access to the first two episodes available to stream on the A24 App on January 12, 2024, one week before they release on Prime Video.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.