'Rick and Morty's Creators Did It Again: This New 91%-Rated Show Is Their Most Heartfelt Work

We are in for a treat – Matt Roller and Dan Harmon, creators of Rick and Morty, just released their new animated series, Haunted Hotel. And those expecting wild, intergalactic adventures will be surprised.

Haunted Hotel is a profound and surprisingly touching story that shows that Harmon and Roller can do more than wild surrealism.

What Is 'Haunted Hotel' About?

The story centers on single mother Katherine and her two teenage kids, Esther and Ben. They inherit the old Undervale Hotel along with the ghost of Katherine's uncle, Nathan.

The catch? The hotel is infested with monsters and on the verge of closure. The family must rebuild the business while fending off demons and investigating bloody incidents.

Their team is rounded out by Abaddon, a demon trapped in the body of a child. This is not a story about saving the world but about trying to save your family and find a new home in the most unexpected place.

'Haunted Hotel' Masterfully Blends Drama and Humor

Haunted Hotel is a dramedy in which the writers strike the perfect balance between light humor and heartbreaking drama.

The show delves into serious topics such as childhood trauma, loneliness, self-acceptance, and the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household.

In one episode, for example, Ben accidentally clones himself, and each copy embodies a different character trait. Through this absurd plot, the writers emphasize the importance of self-acceptance.

'Haunted Hotel' Is Full of Pop-Culture References

As one would expect from the creators of Rick and Morty, the series is filled with pop culture references. Viewers will encounter a cameo by Sigmund Freud, the ECTO-2, and a monster reminiscent of Jason Voorhees.

Unlike in Rick and Morty, where references often serve as a backdrop to the madness, here they are seamlessly woven into the narrative, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia.

'Haunted House' Is Not 'Rick and Morty' (and That's a Good Thing)

Haunted Hotel isn't Rick and Morty, and that is its greatest strength. The series deliberately avoids the trashy aesthetic, vulgarity, and cynicism of its predecessor.

It's a heartwarming story about a family and their attempts to understand each other and their inner demons. While there are no intergalactic travels, there are sincere conversations about life, death, and love.

Haunted Hotel is a smart, touching, and witty show that showcases the creators of Rick and Morty's other talents.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Haunted Hotel'?

• Haunted Hotel has 86% from critics and 91% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the animated series has a score of 7.7/10.

Where to Watch 'Haunted Hotel'?

Haunted Hotel is available to stream on Netflix.