Hazbin Hotel is a show about Hell, and it knows exactly what it wants to say. The 2024 animated series follows Lilith, the fallen angel who runs Hell’s hotel, as she tries to save her daughter from being dragged into the abyss. It is funny, messy, and surprisingly tender. It also spends a lot of time explaining itself, which is both its strength and its weakness.
The premise is simple. Lilith is a manager who has to keep her guests happy while running a hotel that is literally Hell. She is joined by Beelzebub, Lucifer, and a host of other demons who have their own schemes. The show is based on the webcomic of the same name, and it carries over the comic’s blend of horror, comedy, and moral ambiguity.
Trailer, via Prime Video.
Lilith’s Leadership Problem
Lilith is the heart of Hazbin Hotel. She is a competent leader who cares deeply about her daughter, Eve, and about the souls under her care. She is also a rule-breaker who will do almost anything to protect her family. Her scenes with Eve are the emotional core of the show, and they land because the writers let Lilith’s love override her fear.
The problem is that Lilith’s competence is often undercut by the show’s need to make her decisions feel difficult. She is constantly being undermined by her own staff, and her plans are frequently derailed by outside forces. This creates a tension between the character we want to root for and the character whose decisions are made for her.
Beelzebub’s Betrayal
Beelzebub is Lilith’s second-in-command, and he is the show’s biggest wildcard. He is loyal to Lilith, but he is also ambitious and willing to betray her to get what he wants. His arc is the most interesting subplot in the season, as he grapples with his feelings for Lilith and his desire for power. The show handles his betrayal with surprising nuance, showing that his actions are driven by genuine affection as much as ambition.
The problem is that Beelzebub’s motives are sometimes unclear. The show spends so much time on his internal conflict that it can be hard to remember what he actually wants. By the end of the season, his actions feel less like a betrayal and more like a plot device.
Lucifer’s Return
Lucifer is the fallen angel who rules Hell, and his return to the hotel is a major turning point. He is arrogant, self-centered, and completely uninterested in the souls around him. His presence changes everything, and the show uses him to explore themes of pride, punishment, and redemption.
The problem is that Lucifer is so one-note that he becomes a caricature. He is the villain everyone expects, and the show does not give him much depth beyond his arrogance. His scenes are entertaining, but they are also predictable.
The Guests
The hotel is full of interesting guests, each with their own sins and stories. There is a serial killer, a politician, a businessman, and a host of others. The show spends time with each of them, giving them moments of humanity even as they are being punished. This is where the show shines, showing that Hell is populated by people, not just monsters.
The problem is that some guests get short shrift. The show’s focus on Lilith and her inner circle means that some of the more interesting characters are underdeveloped. They exist to serve the plot, not to become fully realized people.
The Animation
Hazbin Hotel is an animated show, and its visual style is distinctive. The backgrounds are dark and gothic, with fire, brimstone, and shadow. The characters are stylized, with exaggerated features and expressive faces. The animation is fluid, with smooth movement and dynamic action sequences. It is a pleasure to watch.
The problem is that the animation is not always consistent. Some episodes are better drawn than others, and there are moments where the quality dips. It is a minor complaint, but it is noticeable.
The Writing
The writing is the show’s strongest asset. The dialogue is sharp, the jokes are clever, and the themes are handled with intelligence. The show is not afraid to tackle big questions about morality, free will, and the nature of evil. It does not offer easy answers, and it respects its audience enough to let those questions linger.
The problem is that the writing is also the show’s weakest asset. The pacing is uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed and others feeling padded. The show is trying to do too much in a single season, and it sometimes loses focus. The result is a show that is consistently good but rarely outstanding.
Ranking the Episodes
If you were to rank the episodes of Hazbin Hotel by impact, the order would look something like this:
- The episode where Beelzebub’s betrayal is revealed
- The episode where Lucifer returns
- The episode where Lilith confronts her past
- The episode where Eve’s fate is decided
- The episode where the guests are introduced
The top three episodes are the ones that deal with character relationships. The bottom two are the ones that are more plot-driven. This is a pattern that holds across the season.
Final Word
Hazbin Hotel is a show that knows what it wants to be. It is a comedy-drama about Hell that is not afraid to be serious, and it is a drama about Hell that is not afraid to be funny. It is a show about leadership, loyalty, and the cost of doing what is right. It is also a show that is sometimes too busy telling you what it means to stop and let you feel it.
The show’s strengths are its characters and its animation. Lilith is a compelling lead, Beelzebub is a fascinating foil, and the guests are a joy to watch. The animation is consistently beautiful, and the action sequences are exciting. These are the reasons to watch Hazbin Hotel.
The show’s weaknesses are its pacing and its structure. The season is too long, and it tries to do too much. The plot is convoluted, and the stakes are sometimes unclear. These are the reasons to be cautious.
Hazbin Hotel is a good show. It is not a great show, but it is a good one. It deserves attention for its ambition and its craft, even if it does not always deliver on its promises. It is a show that rewards patience and punishes hurry.
The final score is 6.9 out of 10.
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