The much-anticipated second season of the musical adult cartoon Hazbin Hotel debuts on the streaming platform this week, and fan speculation has been intense.
The first season presents a large cast of characters residing in the afterlife, sets them at odds accompanied by songs detailing their conflicts, and establishes heated competitions and angsty, affectionate connections that fuel fan obsession.
The fandom's stated hopes for the new season vary widely, but certain themes recur frequently: Will a fan-favorite character break free from Valentino? Will we find out more about the mysterious "deal" affecting the enigmatic Alastor? Might certain characters' relationships evolve?
"Obviously, I don't make the show with fan service specifically in mind," the creator commented earlier this year. "However I believe that me being a fan of my own show implies there's a lot of it just naturally. I also am eager for these things, and I want some of these things to occur, and clearly some of these things are meant to happen in the show!"
She says her big-picture plan is for five seasons of Hazbin Hotel. Seasons 3 and 4 have received approval by the production companies, which finance the series.
That might mean viewers have to wait years for some of the major resolutions — but they could be shocked at how fast the new season progresses, and how many of what they're waiting for happens this season.
"I believe people are going to get a lot out of it," she adds. "We get some firsts. I think we get some incredible reveals, some fascinating origin tales, and even basic elements, [like] I hope this character gets a song. […] We're going to hear additional musical numbers from the previously silent cast members."
She's certainly aware of the theories and desires about season 2 — particularly in the form of audience prediction charts.
"I've seen a few fans make a prediction grid about season 2," she says. "Naturally I won't share it, but I've already completed a few items, and nearly every one of them have almost a bingo. I thought, Oh, if you put this [event] in this spot, it would be a bingo. So that makes me think we accomplish much [of what fans are waiting for in this season], because I realized, Oh, there's multiple potential bingos on this card. So that makes me happy."
Hazbin Hotel the second season launches on the streaming service on Oct. 29.
