Disney+ has decided not to renew Goosebumps for a third season, ending the horror anthology series after two successful runs. The show, based on R.L. Stine’s bestselling book series, premiered in October 2023 and returned for a second season in January 2025. Despite strong viewership numbers, Disney+ has dropped the series as part of its broader strategy to reduce scripted content.
The cancellation comes as a surprise to fans, especially since the show had 75 million viewing hours in the U.S. and an additional 43 million hours internationally. Sony Pictures Television, the studio behind the series, is now looking for a new streaming platform to continue the franchise.
Why Was Goosebumps Canceled?
Disney+ has not given an official reason for the cancellation, but industry reports suggest the decision is part of a larger shift in the platform’s content strategy. Over the past few years, Disney+ has canceled a higher percentage of its shows compared to competitors like Netflix and Max. Other recent cancellations include Willow and Star Wars: The Acolyte, both of which had strong fan bases.
The move aligns with Disney’s plan to cut costs and focus on fewer original scripted shows. With the integration of Hulu content into Disney+, the platform is prioritizing existing libraries over new productions. Despite Goosebumps performing well, it fell victim to this restructuring.
“Disney is where properties go to die,” wrote one fan on social media.
What Was Goosebumps About?
The series reimagined R.L. Stine’s classic horror stories for a modern audience, blending original plots with elements from the books. Each season followed a new storyline with a different cast.
- Season 1 (2023) focused on a group of high schoolers investigating the mysterious death of Harold Biddle, a teen who died decades earlier. The cast included Justin Long, Rachael Harris, and Zack Morris.
- Season 2 (2025) introduced David Schwimmer as a divorced botanist father whose twins uncover a supernatural mystery tied to missing teenagers from the 1990s.
Both seasons ended on cliffhangers, leaving fans disappointed that unresolved plotlines may never be addressed.
Will Goosebumps Return on Another Platform?
Sony Pictures Television is actively shopping the series to other networks and streaming services. Given the franchise’s global popularity—400 million books sold worldwide—there is a strong chance the show could be revived elsewhere.
Possible future formats include:
- Continuing the seasonal anthology approach.
- Shifting to an episodic anthology like the original 1995 TV series.
- Exploring new creative directions for the Goosebumps brand.
No official announcements have been made yet, but fans remain hopeful.
Fan Reactions to the Cancellation
The news has sparked disappointment among viewers, especially those who appreciated the show’s LGBTQ+ representation. Characters like Cece (Jayden Bartels) and Alex (Francesca Noel) had a queer relationship portrayed naturally, without traditional coming-out drama.
“Goosebumps deserved more! The show had potential and a nostalgic fanbase—sad to see it go this soon,” commented a fan online.
Others criticized Disney+ for canceling another inclusive series after dropping Willow and The Acolyte.
The Legacy of Goosebumps
First published in 1992, R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps has sold over 400 million copies worldwide. The franchise includes:
- The 1995-1998 TV series (episodic anthology).
- Two live-action films (2015 and 2018).
- The 2023 Disney+ series, which was the first major TV adaptation in over 20 years.
Despite the cancellation, the brand remains strong, and future adaptations are likely given its enduring appeal.
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Credits: Variety, Deadline, Screen Rant
