A second season was released on October 4, 2024.[4]
Premise
When a family curse turned Alex Vanderhouven to stone, it's up to his two kids and wife to return all the artifacts stolen by their ancestors to their rightful homes to finally lift the curse for good.[5][6]
The show follows Pandora, Russ and Sky Vanderhouven, a family cursed by their ancestors’ pillaging of ancient artifacts from across the globe in which the father, Alex, was turned to stone. After reversing the curse on an adventure of a lifetime, the second season picks up with Alex rejoining the family as they continue working to undo the damage done by their greedy ancestors. But when something about Alex doesn't seem quite right, the family must band together to solve the mysteries that confront them, both on the road and within the walls of Briarstone Manor.[7]
When Alex doesn't return from a family game of hide-and-seek, secrets are revealed about the Vanderhouvens' past, present and future.
2
2
"The Golden Baboon Head"
Daniel Lafrance
Jim Cooper & Jeff Dixon
October 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)
Pandora, Russ and Sky befriend two unlikely allies while racing against time to capture a creature on the loose in the manor.
3
3
"The Baboon Temple"
Leo Riley
Jim Cooper & Jeff Dixon
October 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)
The Vanderhouvens leave home to search for answers about a cursed artifact from the Congo. But upon arrival, they face unexpected mayhem.
4
4
"The Olmec Babies"
Daniel Lafrance
Jim Cooper & Jeff Dixon
October 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)
When three fertility statues come to life, it's up to Russ, Pandora and Sky to reunite them with their "mother" on display at the Paxton Museum.
5
5
"The Scryer Bowl"
Daniel Lafrance
Khaila Amazan
October 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)
The Vanderhouvens discover a possible way to contact Alex. But chaos ensues-and Stanley gets caught in the center of it.
6
6
"The Japanese Painting"
Daniel Lafrance
Dimitry Pompée
October 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)
Russ, Sky, Stanley and Larry navigate a new crisis after Pandora is sucked into a work of art and surrounded by sinister spirits.
7
7
"The Celtic Cloak"
George Gipson
Ami Boghani
October 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)
The Vanderhouvens travel to a stormy Scottish island and cross paths with a puzzling local. Larry and Stanley put their map-making skills to the test.
8
8
"The Memory Box"
Daniel Lafrance
Jim Cooper & Jeff Dixon
October 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)
In order to get closer to saving Alex, the family must dig into the memories of Cornelius Vanderhouven.
9
9
"The Aztec Necklace"
Daniel Lafrance
Ami Boghani
October 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)
Pandora, Russ and Sky head to the jungles of the Yucatan in search of a powerful witch believed to be in possession of a protective amulet.
10
10
"The Ruby Hourglass & the Obsidian Sphere"
George Gipson
Dimitry Pompée
October 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)
A major challenge pushes the Vanderhouvens to their limits. Can they overcome the impossible and finally bring Alex back?
Season 2 (2024)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original release date
11
1
"The Lantern"
Daniel Lafrance
Jim Cooper & Jeff Dixon
October 4, 2024 (2024-10-04)
12
2
"The Persian Die Block"
Daniel Lafrance
Ami Boghani & Dimitry Pompée
October 4, 2024 (2024-10-04)
13
3
"The Ottoman Ship Helm"
George Gipson
Dimitry Pompée
October 4, 2024 (2024-10-04)
14
4
"The Rajasthani Puppet"
Daniel Lafrance
Ami Boghani
October 4, 2024 (2024-10-04)
15
5
"The Inuit Glasses and the Peruvian Gourd"
Daniel Lafrance
Ami Boghani
October 4, 2024 (2024-10-04)
16
6
"The Goodluck Bridle"
George Gipson
Dimitry Pompée
October 4, 2024 (2024-10-04)
17
7
"The Didgeridoo"
Daniel Lafrance
Kalee StClair
October 4, 2024 (2024-10-04)
18
8
"Dr. Terrifico's Strength Tonic"
Daniel Lafrance
Ami Boghani
October 4, 2024 (2024-10-04)
19
9
"The Lapis Scarabs"
George Gipson
Dimitry Pompée
October 4, 2024 (2024-10-04)
20
10
"The Throne of Sargon"
Daniel Lafrance
Jim Cooper & Jeff Dixon
October 4, 2024 (2024-10-04)
Production
On September 15, 2023, it was announced that Apple TV+ had ordered an animated series from DreamWorks Animation Television.[11] Apple TV+ announced a fun-filled autumn slate of all-new kids and family programming, featuring both CG and stop-motion animation.[12] The first season consists of ten episodes each with 23 minutes.
In a review by Brian Kitson for The Cosmic Circus, he said (in his own words) "It’s clear that this series is aimed at a younger audience, so the utilization of this formula makes perfect sense. It’s easily accessible to children, for which predictability is important for better engagement. But as an adult, I didn’t feel tired of the series, in fact, and perhaps in spite of it, I loved every episode of this series. Whatever those behind the Curses! is doing, it’s definitely working, as they have another hit on their hands".[14]
Another review by Sam Stone at CBR.com said "It's a solid tonal mix between Indiana Jones and The Real Ghostbusters. And for those looking for a spooky show to share with the whole family this Halloween, Curses! certainly, fits the bill as Apple TV+ continues to expand its original animated and young audience-oriented programming".[15]
In an interview on AWN with Jeff Dixon, he stated “As a massive fan of these EC Comics, I almost yelled at them to get out of my head! We knew we were onto something, but it was quite different from anything DreamWorks had ever done before. It was completely untested and very different from DreamWorks’ normal ‘house style.’ We had to break and alter long-existing pipelines, and DWA not only allowed us but was excited about the potential. They were amazing in allowing us to take some serious chances with brand new styles that were totally original for the company. I will eternally hold them in the highest regard for that.”
"This first season has everything – adventures around the world, frightening journeys into unknown caverns, scares you won’t see coming, mysterious characters from around the globe, dangers lurking around every corner, suspense not normally seen in children’s animation, and a creepy atmosphere that is unlike anything you’ve experienced. And a whole bunch of laughs, heart, and emotion as well."[16]
