I don’t watch too many adult animated shows, mostly because I find their storylines tend to prioritize profanity and sexual innuendos over a genuine plot. I can’t be too critical because obviously those shows have a lot of advantages to using animation for comedic purposes than live action and I won’t deny that most of them are pretty funny. Anyway, I watched Hazbin Hotel over this past weekend and I was genuinely surprised at how much I really liked it. The creative storyline, in-depth characters, artistic animation, and killer soundtrack, all made it stand out among many of the other shows currently on the air. There are many themes throughout the first season and the flawless execution by the creators makes Hazbin Hotel unable to be more well written.

Every character is unapologetically themselves. They each have their qualities, quirks, and motives, but these personalities only add to the development of the story. There is a sense of camaraderie and respect among the group and each uniquely contribute to the plot of the show. They don’t try to change each other and everyone has an “it is what it is” mentality when it comes to one another. I think this is a great model for what people genuinely want at heart: respect. It can be hard to find a solid group of people who are accepting and enjoy one another’s company. Society says people should be a certain way and if someone’s personality doesn’t conform to the rules of the status quo, they are weird and doing something wrong. The characters in this series are very different from each other, but these differences do not hinder their growing friendship. It strengthens it. They are unapologetically themselves.

Charlie is the main character of the show and her optimism is infectious. She shows her desire to help others by using the Hazbin Hotel to give sinners a second chance to enter Heaven. I find this to be a strong testament to her kindness since she is the princess of Hell and logically, you would think that she’d want her people to stay within her kingdom. Instead, she wants them to become better and get to Heaven. Charlie always sees the best in others and she is quick to give others a second chance when they screw up. On the other hand, she also isn’t afraid of apologizing when she messes up. Her level of selflessness and self-awareness is envious. The thing I love the most about Charlie is that she isn’t afraid of showing her emotions. She doesn’t let Hell rain on her happiness, she isn’t afraid to cry in front of others, and she doesn’t try to hide her fear and uncertainty from friends. She takes every opportunity to tell the people around her how she feels and how much she loves them. I wish I had her bravery and confidence when it comes to showing emotions. She wasn’t afraid of being the change she wanted to see in the world and Sir Pentious wouldn’t have gotten out of Hell if someone hadn’t given him a chance. Charlie’s unconditional kindness towards others and her optimism prove that one person can really make a difference. 

Vaggie is one of the strongest characters throughout the show and my personal favorite. She represents the main concept of the Hazbin Hotel: redemption. As a former exorcist angel, Vaggie worked hard to escape her previous life and support Charlie’s efforts in giving sinners the same opportunity. Everyone has things in their past they aren’t proud of, but that doesn’t mean it’s who they are. We are our future and we each get to decide what that is. Vaggie isn’t a ruthless executioner, but rather a loyal girlfriend who would do anything for Charlie and her friends. She shows constant support and proves her love through actions, not just words. She loves wholeheartedly and isn’t afraid to stand by her partner. We all need someone like that in our lives. Someone who’s trustworthy, reliable, and you know they’re going to catch you when you fall. Every time Vaggie shows her strength and loyalty to Charlie as well as the others, she shows her redemption story.

The character of Angel is the most layered throughout the entire series. On the surface, he is a confident pornstar who isn’t afraid to flaunt his sexual prowess. He deflects any real emotion by living out his carefree lifestyle and hiding it under the cover of drugs and alcohol. He doesn’t want to feel. Or rather, he doesn’t think he can. He has to be an artist and play the role that everyone expects. They don’t want an Angel with feelings, but an Angel who is only there for their benefit and pleasure. When he finally reveals his true self to Husk in episode four, we see just how much he’s actually hurting. If you know that kind of hurt, then you know how dangerous it can feel to acknowledge that pain. Angel represents how someone can confidently smile and be the person everyone wants while also feeling deeply unwell. I think there are a lot of people in this world who can relate to Angel’s pain. That being said, his journey throughout the series is one that is truly authentic. He does what many people refuse to do: try. He puts forth effort into being a better person and it shows that just trying your best is enough. Yeah, he slips up sometimes and makes bad decisions, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to become better. When you try your best at doing something good, that is enough. You are enough.

Husk is unique in the sense that he is a good listener, but also isn’t afraid to call someone out on their bullshit. He knows the consequences of his actions and willingly shares where he went wrong in life. His transparency makes him real. Husk couldn’t care less about what others think about him. Easier said than done, but I think we all remember a time when the opinions of others mattered more to us than what they should have. Husk knows when to give honest constructive criticism and when to just listen. That type of intuition makes him a very valuable friend. If you are questioning the friendship of someone in your life, ask yourself: do they genuinely listen and respond or do they just wait for their turn to talk?

Hazbin Hotel has something that everyone can learn from and relate to. That’s what I really love about this show. We all have an area in our life where we could do better and we shouldn’t be afraid to try. Charlie gave the sinners an opportunity to try to become better people. The friends didn’t shame one another when they slipped up, but rather supported each other and said, “let’s try again tomorrow.” So be like crazy-eyed Niffty and fight for your redemption story.