Goosebumps

What’s the Story?

Based on the popular books by R. L. Stine, GOOSEBUMPS is a live-action horror series for tweens and teens that originally aired in the mid-1990s. The anthology, which includes adaptations of 43 of the original books, brings many of readers' favorite tales to life. Like most grown-up horror films, Goosebumps takes place in a bizarre reality in which remarkably unusual events happen on a regular basis without really shocking the people involved. In each story/episode, the young character or characters (usually teens) at the center of the madness must figure out how to survive the frightening and often dangerous situations they're forced into.

Is It Any Good?

The tales run the gamut from creepy to spooky to just plain weird. Curses, mysticism, and paranormal activity are the norm here, and the ever-changing plot makes content difficult to predict. Each story aims to scare its viewers, and heart-pounding suspense is around every corner. In addition, many of the young characters terrorize and play mean jokes on each other, and plots often center on one person seeking revenge on another.

While the books are popular among 8- to 10-year-olds, the scary visuals make the show iffy for tweens, and parents will likely want to give each episode a once-over before giving sensitive young viewers the OK. And while teens can probably handle the scares, they may be turned off by the dated, low-budget film style and overacting that often plagues horror films of all levels.