The world of streaming has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but one of the most surprising turns this year has been the cancellation of a Disney+ original that had fans buzzing since its debut. Goosebumps, based on the legendary book series by R.L. Stine, first hit our screens in 2023, bringing both nostalgic fans and newcomers together for an eerie, thrilling ride.
However, despite its early success, the series will not be returning for a third season.
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The Goosebumps franchise has a long history, dating back to 1992 when Stine’s Welcome to Dead House launched the first of many iconic books. Over the years, it expanded into a multitude of spinoffs, television adaptations, video games, and even movies. Disney’s reboot in 2023 brought this hauntingly beloved series back to life, but despite strong early support, the story of this new series seems to have reached its end.
The first season of Goosebumps arrived in the midst of Disney+’s Hallowstream and Huluween events, instantly becoming a fan favorite. Starring Justin Long as Nathan Bratt, the show captured the eerie thrill of the original books, following a high school teacher as he discovers the secrets behind a haunted house. It quickly became one of the most-watched shows during its initial weeks, setting high hopes for the future of the series.
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In February 2024, Disney confirmed a second season, Goosebumps: The Vanishing, which debuted on January 10, 2025. This season introduced new characters, including a botanist named Anthony Brewer, played by David Schwimmer. His search for answers surrounding his missing brother, Matty, leads him to a seemingly haunted fort. Despite the creative shift, the second season echoed the atmospheric tension of its predecessor, but it struggled to capture the same level of engagement.
While season one was a massive hit, the follow-up didn’t quite live up to the initial expectations in terms of viewership. However, the second season did manage to secure slightly higher ratings from critics, even though the audience response was more mixed. Despite the show’s success with critics, its viewership numbers weren’t enough to save it from cancellation.
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Goosebumps amassed impressive numbers during its run, pulling in 75 million hours of viewing time in the U.S. alone, with an additional 43 million hours viewed across 16 international markets. However, that wasn’t enough to ensure its future. According to an exclusive report from Variety, Disney made the decision not to renew the series for a third season.
However, that doesn’t mean the show is gone forever. The article quotes an insider with knowledge of the situation:
Sony Pictures Television, the series’ producer, will shop the series to other outlets and explore different creative directions for the IP.
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Despite the relatively strong ratings for both seasons, Disney has chosen not to move forward with Goosebumps, leaving fans wondering why a series with such a dedicated following couldn’t secure another season. As Disney CEO Bob Iger continues to focus on making Disney+ a profitable platform, the cancellation of Goosebumps fits into a larger pattern of canceled series. Under Iger’s leadership, Disney+ has reversed losses of over $10 billion, but it’s also been more selective about what content makes the cut.
The Goosebumps cancellation adds to a growing list of shows that have seen the axe, including titles like Willow, National Treasure: Edge of History, and The Acolyte, to name just a few. Although the series’ cancellation has sparked disappointment among fans, some are hopeful that another network or streaming service might pick it up.
As of now, Disney has not commented on the reasoning behind the show’s cancellation, especially since the series garnered similar ratings to its successful first season. Fans are left to speculate whether the decision was based on internal strategy, budget cuts, or other factors. What is clear, however, is that Goosebumps’ legacy in the world of entertainment is far from over.
While Goosebumps may be over for now on Disney+, the brand’s potential remains strong. With over 60 books in the series and decades of fan loyalty, it’s likely that new adaptations, spinoffs, or even a revival in another format could be on the horizon. For fans hoping for a return to the world of terrifying tales, the journey isn’t necessarily finished just yet.
What are your thoughts on the Goosebumps cancellation? Are you disappointed that it won’t be returning for a third season? Do you think another network should take over the series? Let us know in the comments!
