Top 10 Reasons You Should Be Watching Hazbin Hotel
#10: It All Started with a Successful Pilot
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Before getting picked up by Amazon Prime, “Hazbin Hotel” originally got its start on YouTube after series creator, Vivienne "VivziePop" Medrano, posted it back in 2019. After it aired, its popularity exploded online as it quickly amassed a cult following. It has been praised for its animation, cast of memorable characters, and musical elements. At the time of this video’s release, the pilot has been viewed more than 99 million times and is currently the second most popular video on Medrano’s YouTube channel. If you’re new to the “Hazbin Hotel” fandom, it’s worth checking out this amazing piece of indie animation that set the groundwork for something truly incredible.
#9: It's Gotten Rave Reviews, & There's More on the Way
After more than four years of waiting, fans of “Hazbin Hotel” were beyond excited to hear that the show had gotten picked up by Amazon Prime. And sure enough, this A24 production did not disappoint. Following its debut, “Hazbin Hotel” has received majorly positive reviews from critics and currently holds a Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 85 percent. The show even set a new Prime Video streaming record for the highest global debut viewership for an animated series, overtaking even the likes of “Invincible”. With season two currently in development, fans can expect plenty of fun times ahead as Vivienne Medrano and co. strive to make the next season even better than the first.
#8: It's Not Afraid to Delve into Mature Themes
While “Hazbin Hotel” can be humorous at times, this Mature Audience-rated series has proven that it has no problem dealing with mature subject matter. In the show’s fourth episode “Masquerade,” we witness how Angel Dust, one of the Hotel’s residents, suffers abuse at the hands of his boss, the ruthless Overlord, Valentino. The events of this episode are not a pretty sight as viewers learn more about why Angel Dust acts the way he does, the pain and suffering he endures, as well as how he struggles to cope with it all while being forced to obey Valentino. This episode and the mature themes it explores have quite an impact and are a major reason why it is considered one of the best episodes of season one.
#7: The Worldbuilding
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Among the many highlights of “Hazbin Hotel,” most critics were quick to praise the series for its worldbuilding. The series primarily takes place in Hell, specifically in Pentagram City in the Pride Ring. Throughout season one, we are introduced to several new characters who live in various locations across the Pentagram, ranging from the adult entertainment district to the surprisingly classy Cannibal Town. The series even takes viewers to Heaven itself, introducing its inhabitants and leaders. Furthermore, thanks to Vivienne Medrano’s hit web series “Helluva Boss”, which exists in the same universe, we know that there is even more to Hell than just the Pride Ring. It’s also pretty interesting how both shows remind us of this by occasionally referencing each other now and then.
#6: It's a Redemption Story
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Aside from adult humor, disorderly hijinks and exhilarating musicals, one of “Hazbin Hotel’s” primary themes is redemption. With the people of Hell forced to endure yearly exterminations by Heaven’s brutal enforcers, protagonist Charlie Morningstar tries to save them by using her hotel to rehabilitate Sinners and get them into Heaven. Unfortunately, she quickly learns that achieving said goal is easier said than done. While exploring themes of morality and redemption, the show also flips the script on the traditional perceptions of good and evil, proving that despite being in Hell, not all Sinners are bad, like how not all Angels in Heaven are good. Now as for whether or not Charlie’s ideals are correct, you’ll just have to watch the series to find out.
#5: Alastor, the Radio Demon
If you’re a fan of topsy-turvy characters with a penchant for mischief, then Alastor the Radio Demon is yet another reason to tune in to “Hazbin Hotel.” Along with serving as the Hotel’s facility manager, Alastor, known for his trademark smile and radio voice, also holds the title of Overlord, making him one of Hell’s most powerful Sinners. On the outside, Alastor seems like a charismatic individual who enjoys messing with people. However, once he unleashes his inner demon, all hell breaks loose. Be it his enemies or allies, anyone who crosses Alastor learns the hard way how he got such a fearsome reputation. The fact that there are still plenty of mysteries surrounding Alastor and his true motives only fuels the allure of his character.
#4: Its Cast Is Broadway-Worthy
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It takes a special kind of cast to bring a dark comedy musical like “Hazbin Hotel” to life. Along with a few voice artists from “Helluva Boss” and some renowned acting legends, the show also decided to recruit some of the best voices on Broadway. Featuring the likes of Erika Henningsen, Amir Talai, Christian Borle, Alex Brightman, Jeremy Jordan, Keith David, as well as Stephanie Beatriz voicing some of its best characters, “Hazbin Hotel” also includes the musical talents of composers Sam Haft and Andrew Underberg who helped produce its killer soundtrack. Thanks to its talented cast, “Hazbin Hotel’s” musical potential brings the best out of its characters and enhances the storytelling of this pleasantly chaotic world.
#3: Its Animation Quality & Art Style Is Top-Notch
Over the years, Vivienne Medrano has developed quite a reputation for creating amazing animated works. Aside from the “Hazbin Hotel” pilot, her notable works also include “Bad Luck Jack,” music videos like Angel Dust’s “Addict,” as well as “Helluva Boss." When the pilot first aired, many described it as being a positive influence on indie animation. Over four years later, “Hazbin Hotel” returned better than ever with updated character designs and an even more fluid and vibrant animation style thanks to the efforts of Bento Box Entertainment and Medrano’s SpindleHorse Toons. With its animation and art style elevated to even greater heights, “Hazbin Hotel” serves as a reminder of the incredible potential for change within the field of adult animation.
#2: A Cast of Hellish Characters
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Another reason to get excited about “Hazbin Hotel” is its cast of unique characters who are a big part of the show’s chaotic energy. Whether it is Charlie’s upbeat attitude, Vaggie’s tough yet kind personality, Angel Dust’s hardcore and sensitive sides, or even Alastor’s charismatic, yet dangerous nature, each character stands out in their own unique way, while also experiencing key moments that help them to further develop and evolve. There are also quite a few antagonists that keep the Hazbin crew on their toes such as the less-than-holy Adam, as well as the villainous Overlord trio of Vox, Velvette and Valentino. With season two on the way, these characters will have even more opportunities to grow as they face new challenges and continue their misadventures at the Hazbin Hotel.
#1: Hellraising Musicals
“Hazbin Hotel” has got everything from action, drama, comedy and a helluva lot of bloody good moments. However, its greatest strength is without a doubt its amazing musicals. Not only are the songs highly entertaining, but they are also unique to each character, providing them with their time in the spotlight, as well as enhancing the show’s storytelling. Whether it’s Carmilla trying to put Velvette in her place with “Respectless,” Angel showing the depths of his suffering with “Poison,” or him performing an upbeat duet with Husk in “Loser, Baby,” the show’s soundtrack features several songs guaranteed to move your soul and put a pep in your step to help you keep up with its chaotic brand of energy. What reasons do you have for checking out Vivienne Medrano’s animated masterpiece? Let us know in the comments below.
