It's officially spooky season, and Netflix has rolled out its usual arsenal of horror favorites—from Mike Flanagan's Oculus to the classic Hush, and even Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula. But nestled among these frightful staples is a hidden gem that’s been quietly winning over viewers since its debut last year. Haunted Hotel, the animated horror comedy from creator Matt Roller and executive producer Dan Harmon, has returned for a second season—and it’s already making waves on the streaming charts.
The show, which premiered its sophomore season on October 9, has shot straight into Netflix’s Top 10, currently sitting at ninth overall in the U.S. But what’s even more impressive is the reception: after a solid 79% on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season, Season 2 has earned a perfect 100% from both critics and audiences alike. That kind of unanimous praise is rare, and it’s a testament to the show’s unique blend of humor, heart, and horror.
A Family Affair at the Undervale
At the center of Haunted Hotel is the Freeling family. Katherine, a recently divorced mother of two, moves her kids into the Undervale Hotel—a dilapidated property once owned by her late brother, Nathan, who now haunts the place as a ghost. But Nathan isn’t alone. The hotel is teeming with all sorts of quirky and creepy residents, from ancient demons to mischievous ghouls. One standout is Abaddon, a demon trapped in the body of a child from the 1700s, who becomes an unlikely (and chaotic) ally to the family.
The show’s monster-of-the-week format keeps things fresh, while the underlying family dynamics give it emotional weight. It’s a balancing act that Harmon and Roller pull off with aplomb, delivering laughs and scares in equal measure.
Stellar Voice Cast Returns
Part of the show’s charm lies in its voice cast. Will Forte returns as Nathan, fresh off the release of Coyote vs. Acme and the second season of The Four Seasons. Eliza Coupe reprises her role as Katherine, while Skyler Gisondo (Ben), Natalie Palamides (Esther), and Jimmi Simpson (Abaddon) round out the main family. The series also features a rotating cast of guest stars, including Riki Lindhome, Sunita Mani, Maria Bamford, Duncan Trussell, Diedrich Bader, and Natalie Morales.
Critics have been singing its praises. Collider’s Tania Hussain gave Season 2 an 8/10, writing, “With brilliant jokes, inventive scares, and a few moments that really sting, Haunted Hotel makes a second stay at the Undervale well worth it.”
Why It’s a Must-Watch This October
If you’re looking for something to binge this weekend, Haunted Hotel is a perfect pick. It’s not just another horror comedy—it’s a show that understands the genre’s potential for both scares and sentiment. And with its perfect score, it’s clearly resonating with audiences. While Season 3 hasn’t been officially confirmed, the overwhelming positive response makes it almost a certainty that the Undervale will stay open for business.
For more streaming recommendations, check out our top Netflix picks for the weekend, or dive into our ranking of the best Netflix original comedies. And if you’re in the mood for more thrills, we’ve got three thrillers to stream this weekend.
Haunted Hotel Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix. Stay tuned for more updates on all your favorite shows and movies.
