Is ‘Goosebumps: The Vanishing’ Too Dark for Disney+?

Growing up, I was a big fan of “Goosebumps.” I read the books, watched the original 90s show, and even played the “HorrorLand” game on the Wii. Fast forward to 2023, Disney+ decided to bring back “Goosebumps” in a fresh new way. The new series took a different approach by telling a serialized story throughout the season, instead of standalone episodes like the original. It drew inspiration from various books rather than directly adapting one. The creators, who were fans of the original series, aimed this new version at the same older audience.

After the success of the first season, Disney+ launched a follow-up called “Goosebumps: The Vanishing.” Warning: Spoilers ahead! As R.L. Stine famously said, “Reader Beware — You’re in for a Scare!”

“Goosebumps: The Vanishing” made its debut on Disney+ on January 10, 2025, and featured elements from several “Goosebumps” books. Despite its darker themes, the show didn’t shy away from the horror genre. There were moments that truly gave me goosebumps. One particularly memorable scene from “Stay Out of the Basement” involved body horror, a rarity for “Goosebumps.” David Schwimmer’s character, Anthony the botanist, encountered a parasitic alien that burrowed into his arm. In a chilling moment, he used scissors to extract the alien from his arm. Other unsettling scenes included eyeballs dangling from vines, a decapitated character witnessing his body turning into liquid, and horrifying human-to-monster transformations. While there was no blood shown, it was definitely uncomfortable to watch and left me wondering how this made it onto Disney+.

Despite the dark themes, “The Vanishing” manages to spin a captivating tale. The show strays from the typical family-friendly content on Disney+ but still brings a thrilling and spooky experience to viewers. So, if you’re ready for a scare, buckle up and dive into the world of “Goosebumps: The Vanishing” on Disney+.