Ghostbusters Netflix Series Makes The Right Choice

Before I dive into my full thoughts on the new Ghostbusters cartoon on Netflix, I should disclose that I am a real superfan of this particular franchise. I grew up with all those wonderful Kenner toys of The Real Ghostbusters animated show, and the recent reissues of those figures now adorn my office. I’m a frequent Ghostbusters cosplayer with a house filled with various Proton Packs, and I’m a shameless defender of all the movies (yes, even the 2016 reboot).

Of course, being a huge superfan of Ghostbusters meant that the original Netflix cartoon announcement filled me with a very unique dread. Could this ever live up to the surprisingly awesome original cartoon, or would it be a shameless Sony cash grab? For that matter, would the cartoon remember that this is a humorous franchise, or would it mostly be another slog through serious plots with a nostalgic veneer like the last couple of films?

Then I read the announcement that Elliott Kalan would be the writer and executive producer for the Ghostbusters show on Netflix, and all of my concerns disappeared quicker than the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man after our heroes crossed the streams. If you’re not familiar with his work, Kalan was the head writer on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart during the heady time when the show earned seven Primetime Emmy nominations for best writing for a variety series, ultimately taking home four awards.

That alone proves his comedic chops, but Kalan really won me over, thanks to his long-running movie review podcast, The Flop House. While all of the hosts on the show are great (I love you, peaches!), Kalan consistently impressed me with his combination of movie knowledge and absolutely manic wit. It’s hilarious to see what kinds of gags he can come up with on the spot, and his polished writing on other shows is, incredibly, even better.

That alone proves his comedic chops, but Kalan really won me over, thanks to his long-running movie review podcast, The Flop House. While all of the hosts on the show are great (I love you, peaches!), Kalan consistently impressed me with his combination of movie knowledge and absolutely manic wit. It’s hilarious to see what kinds of gags he can come up with on the spot, and his polished writing on other shows is, incredibly, even better.

For example, well before the new Ghostbusters show was announced, Kalan was the head writer for the Mystery Science Theater 3000 revival on Netflix. Obviously, your mileage may vary, but I found the writing for that show consistently engaging and amusing and made with very clear love. I was impressed that much more because I put the original show on a very high pedestal, and thanks largely to Kalan, the revival was every bit the equal of what came before.

If Elliott Kalan can bring such a beloved comedy series back in style, there is no reason to believe he can’t do the same for Ghostbusters with this new show on Netflix. As an added bonus, previous Flop House episodes have revealed how much Kalan loves this franchise, right down to growing up with the original cartoon and loving its sweet toys. Following his comments on one episode, I sent Kalan a PM about what toy he was talking about, and he kindly responded, clarifying that the “toy” in question was the cool building scenery used in the commercials.

That’s right: the new Ghostbusters cartoon on Netflix is being made by someone who loves this franchise so much he once geeked out over obscure background elements in the toy commercials and never stopped obsessing over them. Furthermore, it’s being made by an Emmy-winning comedy veteran who is just at home writing for TV as he is writing for comics, and he’s responsible for the frequently-named comic line from the villain Sauron: “I don’t want to cure cancer. I want to turn people into dinosaurs.”

I realize now that I sound like just as much a fanboy of Elliott Kalan as I am of the Ghostbusters, and there may be some truth to that. But as someone who hasn’t loved Sony’s more serious direction of the recent films, I’m incredibly relieved that a killer comedian with a genuine love for this franchise is now steering its future. Busting is meant to feel good, after all, and Kalan might be just what we need to bring some much-needed fun back to a franchise that needs to stop looking back and finally start looking forward.

Source: Variety