(Disclaimer: this review was written after obtaining access to 5 out of the 8 total Hazbin Hotel Season 1 episodes)

The adult animated sitcom has long been the subject of much ridicule. There is usually a format for these oft-derided shows: a lazy husband, an annoying wife, a precocious kid or two, a handful of quirky side characters, a Family Guy-esque animation style, and a bucketful of sex jokes. So when Vivienne Medrano's pilot of Hazbin Hotel first dropped on YouTube, the internet was abuzz. To describe it as an adult animated sitcom sells the uniqueness of it extremely short: Hazbin Hotel from the pilot alone was an ambitious, gorgeously animated, and musically inclined episode that immediately made its mark. After the show was picked up by A24, I was excited but a bit concerned, as there is always the possibility that an internet phenomenon is just a fluke and does not translate well to a different medium. Thankfully, this is not the case, as the serialized version of Hazbin Hotel is clearly more refined without losing the essence of what made the pilot special.

Before I get in depth into my thoughts about the show, I must say that it is essential that you watch the pilot before starting Hazbin Hotel Season 1. The show begins pretty quickly after the events of the pilot, which introduce each of our major characters and the central conflict. Some characterization and exposition is given in the first season, but the majority of it all is in that episode. 

Anyways, Hazbin Hotel is a musical series that follows happy-go-lucky demon princess Charlie, who decides to set up a rehabilitation hotel for demons so they can be sent to heaven rather than be in risk of getting purged every 6 months. Assisting her exploits are her tough as nails girlfriend Vaggie, popular adult film star Angel Dust, sinister Radio Demon Alastair, and a handful of other entertaining characters. As you can already see, the concept of Hazbin Hotel has a lot more meat to it than most adult animated sitcoms, and it’s readily apparent that this show has high aspirations. The worldbuilding of the show expands on this fascinating concept quite well, as you learn just enough about how hell and heaven work to not be lost in the plot while still being desperate for more. 

The writing, on the other hand, is a bit more hit-and-miss. There are some genuinely clever jokes that I’ve chortled at, but there are also a solid amount of duds. The mixed writing extends to the musical sequences, which range from total bops to extremely unnecessary. I appreciate that Hazbin Hotel decided to distinguish itself and carve out its own identity with its full commitment to the musical genre, but I do feel as though some scenes lose their gravity by being turned into songs. The characters also feel a bit thin so far, with a solid number of them so far feeling having about as much depth as Flat Stanley. This can change, of course, as there are still 3 episodes and hopefully subsequent seasons to rectify this! But at the moment, aside from Charlie and Angel Dust, the characters of Hazbin Hotel largely lack the intrigue the world does. 

But while they may not currently have compelling writing, the characters dazzle nonetheless thanks to the show’s spectacular animation! Hazbin Hotel’s animation is far and away the highlight of the show, as it enhances (or even creates) punchlines, oozes style in every scene, and moves so fluidly that you could watch the series on mute and still be entertained. The character designs are unique yet simple enough to not seem cluttered. The backgrounds are gorgeous and bring this dark, vibrant world to life. The show is just a visual delight, and well worth the 4 years of waiting. 

Hazbin Hotel is a flawed show, but it’s difficult to not enjoy a show that is gleefully taking risks and trying new things. In an oversaturated adult animated sitcom genre, it chooses to be a musical about demons trying to improve themselves and others. So, despite my misgivings with some of the writing, I’m far from disappointed with this show. There is so much evident potential for Hazbin Hotel with its unique world and gorgeous animation! I just hope that in the future, the writing catches up to the high standards both set. 

7/10