If you’ve ever visited YouTube, you’ve likely seen a video or two for Helluva Boss. The independent animated series follows a group of demons living in Hell. It’s also part musical with at least one song in every episode. This show has received much acclaim since its prominent pilot episode premiered five years ago. A special behind-the-scenes video starring the voice actors was released to celebrate its monumental anniversary.
The Parent Show of Helluva Boss
Helluva Boss is a spin-off of another show created by Vivienne Medrano. Everything started with Hazbin Hotel, a show starring Hell’s Princess, Charlie Morningstar. She desires to save sinners from the annual extermination by sending them to Heaven. Her desire to accomplish this goal led her to create a hotel dedicated to rehabilitation. Her girlfriend Vaggie, the mysterious overlord Alastor, and other allies join in her endeavor. Her father, Lucifer, even supports her escapades despite his initial reservations.
Like Helluva Boss, Hazbin Hotel started on YouTube with a pilot episode. It became popular quickly before getting picked up by the studio A24. Hazbin Hotel eventually premiered on January 19, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video. Surprisingly, this show probably wouldn’t have come to be without its spin-off. Helluva Boss kept the memory and world of Hazbin Hotel alive until the big debut.
Taking Care of Your Unfinished Business
Set alongside Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss offers a different viewpoint of Hell. The series follows I.M.P., a company of assassin imps dedicated to killing targets on Earth. Blitzo, the overall protagonist, is the founder and CEO of the enterprise. Moxxie is the group’s gentlemanly weapon specialist and expert sharpshooter. Millie is the resident bloodthirsty powerhouse and Moxxie’s loving Southern wife. Blitzo’s adopted hellhound daughter, Loona, works as the receptionist while maintaining a cold demeanor.
To counter the drama of Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss focused on comedy. It had to undergo some changes while the main show was in production. The spin-off became a dramedy, showcasing the starring characters’ issues and relationships while delivering laughs. It also gave audiences the chance to explore the entirety of Hell. According to Medrano, the sinners remain confined to the upper level like a prison. Allowing I.M.P. to venture to other areas helps build the world for both shows.
The Pilot of Helluva Boss
Premiering in 2019, the pilot episode for Helluva Boss takes place in the I.M.P. office. Blitzo and the others have a meeting to try to create ideas for attracting business. Things are slow because Moxxie messed up a mission by shooting a bystanding child. The meeting progressed as the team exchanged complaints and insults until tempers peaked. The pilot soon reveals that the child is alive and under the demons’ care. Things turn when they discover the kid is the legit target, and they kill him.
The pilot establishes the dynamic between the main characters and the overall story. It even features montage flashbacks that further expand on their personalities. They’re like the cutaways you’d see on Family Guy, except with an overall purpose. Prince Stolas, Blitzo’s perverted stalker and intended main antagonist, debuts during one. The montages also feature two songs: the I.M.P. commercial jingle and Moxxie’s love song.
Additional Fun Facts About the Pilots
Blitzo and Moxxie appeared as Charlie promotes her hotel during the Hazbin Hotel pilot. They were supposed to star as a troublemaking comedic duo throughout the main show. Sadly, the pair had to go because they didn’t fit the finalized conception. That is when Medrano decided to give them a series and expanded their personalities. Lastly, you can see Charlie on Loona’s computer screen in the Helluva Boss pilot. This cameo helps cement that both shows are rooted in the same universe.
A Special Behind-the-Scene Anniversary Video
2024 marks the fifth anniversary of the Helluva Boss pilot episode. In celebration, an extraordinary video premiered on the Vivziepop YouTube channel. It features the main cast recording their lines for the pilot alongside alternative takes. An exclusive uncensored version of Stolas’ hilarious yet sexual rant is also displayed. Overall, the footage is almost like a spiritual experience for devoted fans. It’ll be intriguing to see if this happens with the rest of the episodes.
Final Thoughts
Helluva Boss entertains countless people with its addicting story, endearing characters, and toe-tapping music. It’s impossible not to be hooked for one reason or another. However, the pilot will always be in fanatics’ hearts everywhere. Its unmatched charm has aged like wine, and the anniversary video made it even better. If you’ve ever wanted to watch Helluva Boss, there’s no better time than the present. The next episode premieres this weekend on November 30, ending the month with a bang.
