For almost as long as television has existed, concerns have been raised about its potential to corrupt viewers.
Shows like Game of Thrones, South Park, Doctor Who, and even The Simpsons have all, at one point or another, been criticised by self-appointed moral guardians for their depictions of violence, social issues and sexuality.
This week, however, it’s a musical cartoon about demons that’s got some puritanical TV watchers exorcised.
It’s called Hazbin Hotel, and its second season premiered on Amazon Prime on October 29.
If you have never heard of it, the premise is devilishly simple.
Hazbin Hotel follows the Princess of Hell, Charlie, as she and her friends try to save the souls of the damned by helping sinners find redemption and enter Heaven.
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Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering it’s set in Hell, Hazbin Hotel is a pretty dark show.
In fact, it’s darker than a gloomy goth’s favourite black coat and is full of swearing, blatant sex references and over-the-top violence – exactly what you’d expect from a show set in Lucifer’s dark abyss.
Unsurprisingly then, considering the show’s religious subject matter and deliberately obscene tone, its first season had some TV viewers in a hellishly bad mood.
On Google, Alex Aguilar wrote a one-star review where he said: ‘Where do I even begin? Not only is this show satanic, but it’s also a HUGE bad influence to all of society!’
Metro’s thoughts on Hazbin Hotel
Deputy TV Editor Tom Percival shares his thoughts on this ‘diabolical’ cartoon…
Deliberately provocative but incredibly entertaining, Hazbin Hotel is essentially what happens when you mix a campy Broadway musical with Biblical fan fiction.
Is it a bit try-hard at times? Yes. Do the characters swear too much? Also yes.
Still, the songs slap (as the kids probably say) and the characters are really likeable… even the literal serial killers and cannibals.
What I think those who criticise the show’s depiction of Hell are missing is that the series is really about redemption and the idea that everyone, regardless of past action, is worthy of forgiveness.
That seems very in keeping with my understanding of Christian values… although I must admit my religious education stopped when I was six years old and I realised I didn’t like the taste of communion wafers.
Basically, if Hell is half as fun as Hazbin Hotel makes it seem, then sign me up for damnation…
‘THIS SHOW IS STRAIGHT BLASPHEMY,’ agreed Adana Coleman. ‘Y’all I get it’s a cartoon and it’s not real, but IT DON’T MATTER.’
‘Parents beware!! This show is absolutely disgusting,’ added Liz H. ‘It is filled with sex, violence and profanity like I have never seen before.’
In fact, the series proved so contentious that someone even created a petition on change.org titled ‘Urge Prime Video to Remove Hazbin Hotel from Its Catalogue’.
On Common Sense Media – a source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families – several users also complained about the show.
Bianca S wrote: Kids should NOT watch Hazbin Hotel. It had way too much swearing, sex, violence, and inappropriate humour and behaviour.’
While Aiden S claimed ‘there are way too many sex jokes and swearing, and worst of all, kids younger than 10 are watching this… we need to do something about this’.
At this point, it’s probably worth noting that people have been doing ‘something‘ about Hazbin Hotel.
In the UK, the show received an 18 certificate for depictions of strong sexual violence. Amazon also clearly labels the show as an ‘adult animated series’, and not suitable for children.
Dayana Marquez gave the show five stars on Google and claimed it’s ‘one of the best shows I’ve ever watched, like for real, everything is perfect’.
While the show is undoubtedly profane, it’s also wildly popular.
Vo Tran was similarly enthusiastic, writing: ‘Hazbin Hotel is a lively, upbeat, offbeat dark comedy that sets itself apart with its eclectic visual style.’
Even Christians have defended the series, seeing it as a critique of American evangelism.
So before you condemn this series to the pit, why not give it a go and see if you think it’s a sinner or a winner?
Hazbin Hotel is available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video.
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