Prime Video has many adult animations, and most of them are of amazing quality. One of these shows is Hazbin Hotel, an animated show that didn’t start as an Amazon show but began on YouTube in 2019. Vivienne Medrano, under the username Vivziepop, created and wrote Hazbin Hotel, then published a pilot on YouTube. Later, the show was picked up by Amazon, amassing a larger fanbase than ever. Let’s dive into Hazbin Hotel.
Hazbin Hotel: The Plot
The first season of Hazbin Hotel was released on January 19th and audiences were able to watch the first four episodes. The first episode was almost identical to the pilot on YouTube, but of course was more refined.
In Hazbin Hotel we follow Charlie Morningstar, the daughter of Lucifer and Lilith, as she tries to save Hell from Heaven’s wrath. Hell is facing an overpopulation problem and to correct it, Heaven comes up with a solution that involves mass murder. Once every year, they send exterminators down to Hell to kill as many citizens as possible. This is extremely devastating to Hell and its people, so Charlie takes it upon herself to do something about it.
While Lucifer is the king of Hell, he has been mostly MIA as of late and Lilith is just gone without a trace. So, Charlie decides that it’s up to her to save her people. She decides to open a hotel, called Hazbin Hotel, where she will attempt to rehabilitate demons so they can get into Heaven. This solves the population problem, so the extermination isn’t necessary.
Of course, many people are out to sabotage Charlie’s plan. Both are angels who enjoy killing demons and want to continue doing that and demons in Hell who don’t want to change.
Digging Deeper
Hazbin Hotel is filled with many characters who each have their complicated backstories. Most of the characters we follow make bad first impressions on the audience. These impressions aren’t bad in the sense that the audience would dislike the characters, but we understand that they are unlikable to other characters. Angel Dust, for example, clearly rubs most of the characters the wrong way, though he might be dynamic and interesting to viewers. We can see why each character needs Hazbin Hotel and Charlie’s help. It becomes clear rather quickly, that each character isn’t unredeemable as the angels of Heaven believe.
This show deals with an array of topics like anxiety, depression, complex parental relationships, addiction, and abusive relationships. Each of these topics is handled well and with a refreshing sense of realism. For media, there usually is one way that trauma is depicted, which is usually fear or becoming reserved. In Hazbin Hotel, we see many different responses to trauma and more complex relationships/feelings surrounding it. Some people respond to trauma by getting closer to their abusers rather than pulling away and while that doesn’t feel good to see, it does happen in real life.
As we watch the show, we don’t get to know exactly why each character ended up in Hell, but that’s not the point. It’s not about what they did to end up paying for their sins with eternal damnation, it’s about how everyone can be redeemed and they shouldn’t have to pay for eternity. All of the characters have incredible flaws and they’re very easy to see, you can certainly imagine how they ended up where they are. But, you can also see the good in them, you can see Charlie’s vision and why she believes so adamantly that these people can be saved. You’ll find yourself rooting for them all.
Hazbin Hotel’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Hazbin Hotel’s strengths lie within its characters, the relationships they have with one another, voice actors, and musical numbers. The characters are memorable and certainly make a lasting impression. The relationships we see in this show, good or bad, are so realistic that it’s refreshing to see. Hazbin Hotel is also host to an incredible case including Keith David, Jeremy Jordan, Alex Brightman, Stephanie Beatriz, and many more notable actors.
The cast does an amazing job, not just at voice acting these characters and bringing them to life, but also in the musical numbers. The songs in Hazbin Hotel are catchy and will get stuck in your head as soon as you hear them. Obviously, with voices like Keith David and Jeremy Jordan, the songs are of great quality.
The show’s weaknesses lie in its content. Some of the humor relies on vulgarity most of the time, which is fine but can get old quickly. Some of the storylines are predictable and the character interactions are left unrealized. It’s easy to tell which character relationships the writers wanted to highlight and which were just rushed and unfinished. Still, these aren’t problems that interfere with the enjoyment of the show and it’s overall entertaining.
Final Thoughts
Hazbin Hotel is a good show with an interesting plot. It’s a show that, at first, seems to be another edgy adult animation, but is much more than that. While the show features toxicity and abuse, it never makes light of or glamourizes it in the way that many shows like it does. That alone sets it apart and makes it interesting.
The show doesn’t feel like it’s trying to make some grand commentary, a feeling that sometimes can suffocate you with other pieces of media. But even though it’s not chasing you with its message, the message still finds you. Whatever you want to take away from the show, whether it’s about forgiveness, forming strong bonds of friendship, or the concept that everyone is worthy of redemption, there’s something for everyone in Hazbin Hotel. Despite season two not being released yet, Amazon has ordered seasons two through four.
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
