Chucky (TV series)#Reception

{{Short description|2021 American horror television series}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}

{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}

{{Infobox television

| image = Chucky (2021 television series).png

| based_on = {{Based on|Characters created|Don Mancini}}

| related = {{Plainlist|

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| genre = {{Plainlist|

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| creator = Don Mancini

| showrunner = Don Mancini

| starring = {{Plainlist|

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| music = Joseph LoDuca

| country = United States

| language = English

| num_seasons = 3

| num_episodes = 24

| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|

}}

| producer = {{Plainlist|

  • Mallory Westfall
  • Alex Delyle
  • Nick Zigler
  • Mitch Engel
  • Todd Copps
  • Hartley Gorenstein

}}

| location = Toronto, Ontario, Canada

| cinematography = {{Plainlist|

  • Colin Hoult
  • Christopher Soos

}}

| editor = {{Plainlist|

  • Randy Bricker
  • Lisa Grootenboer
  • Ken Ramos
  • Shiran Carolyn Amir
  • Thom Newell
  • Alex Lamb

}}

| runtime = 41–54 minutes

| company = {{Plainlist|

}}

| network = {{Plainlist|

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| first_aired = {{Start date|2021|10|12}}

| last_aired = {{End date|2024|05|01}}

}}

Chucky is an American horror comedy television series created by Don Mancini and is the eighth mainline installmentWhile it is not the ninth film of the franchise, it does serve as a continuation of Cult of Chucky (2017), therefore earning it the eighth installment title in original continuity order.{{Cite web |last1=Edwards |first1=Molly |last2=published |first2=Darren Scott |date=September 7, 2021 |title=Chucky TV show will answer some big questions from the original movie series |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/chucky-tv-show-will-answer-some-big-questions-from-the-original-movie-series/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=gamesradar |language=en}} of the Child's Play franchise. It serves as a sequel to Cult of Chucky, the seventh film in the franchise, and stars Brad Dourif reprising his role as the voice of the title character, alongside Zackary Arthur, Björgvin Arnarson, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Teo Briones, and Devon Sawa. The cast also includes Fiona Dourif, Alex Vincent, Christine Elise, Jennifer Tilly, and Billy Boyd reprising their roles from previous films.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/chucky-tv-series-cast-alex-vincent-christine-elise-mccarthy/|title='Chucky' TV Series Adds Some Familiar Franchise Faces to Cast, Including the Original Andy|work=Collider|first=Tom|last=Reimann|date=April 7, 2021|access-date=May 7, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428093659/https://collider.com/chucky-tv-series-cast-alex-vincent-christine-elise-mccarthy/|url-status=live}}

Developed for Syfy and USA Network, the series follows Chucky as he commits a series of mysterious murders in Hackensack, New Jersey. Series creator Mancini and producer David Kirschner both serve as executive producers for the series, alongside Nick Antosca, Alex Hedlund and Jeff Renfroe. The series premiered simultaneously on Syfy and the USA Network on October 12, 2021.{{cite web|last1=Petski|first1=Denise|last2=Andreeva|first2=Nellie|date=January 11, 2020|title='Chucky' TV Series Ordered By Syfy From Film Franchise Duo & 'Channel Zero' Creator|url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/chucky-series-order-syfy-original-franchise-creators-don-mancini-david-kirschner-1202827296/|access-date=January 11, 2020|work=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=May 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529172906/https://deadline.com/2020/01/chucky-series-order-syfy-original-franchise-creators-don-mancini-david-kirschner-1202827296/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Collis|first=Clark|date=April 6, 2021|title=Child's Play franchise stars Alex Vincent, Christine Elise McCarthy to reprise roles on Chucky|url=https://ew.com/tv/chucky-alex-vincent-christine-elise-mccarthy/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410225131/https://ew.com/tv/chucky-alex-vincent-christine-elise-mccarthy/|archive-date=April 10, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} It has received generally positive reviews from critics. In November 2021, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on October 5, 2022. In January 2023, the series was renewed for a third season,{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2023 |title=Chucky Season 3 Coming Fall 2023 |url=https://www.syfy.com/chucky/season-3/videos/chucky-season-3-coming-fall-2023 |access-date=August 28, 2023 |website=SYFY Official Site |language=en-US |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625060335/https://www.syfy.com/chucky/season-3/videos/chucky-season-3-coming-fall-2023 |url-status=live }} which premiered on October 4, 2023, and was aired in two parts, with the second half premiering on April 10, 2024.{{Cite web |date=August 17, 2023 |title=Chucky Season 3 Coming October 4 |url=https://www.syfy.com/chucky/videos/chucky-season-3-coming-october-4 |access-date=August 28, 2023 |website=SYFY Official Site |language=en-US |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821080057/https://www.syfy.com/chucky/videos/chucky-season-3-coming-october-4 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Caruso |first=Nick |date=February 14, 2024 |title=Chucky, Reginald the Vampire and More Get Return Dates at Syfy |url=https://tvline.com/news/chucky-season-3-part-2-release-date-syfy-reginald-the-vampire-1235068585/ |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=TVLine |language=en-US}} In September 2024, Chucky was canceled after three seasons.

==Plot==

In the city of Hackensack, New Jersey, 14-year-old Jake Wheeler buys a Good Guy doll at a yard sale to use it in his contemporary art project during the Halloween season. He later discovers that the doll is possessed by the soul of serial killer Charles Lee Ray, known as Chucky. Jake soon becomes a suspect in a series of strange events involving the doll, who unleashes a wave of shocking murders around the town. Some of the boy's classmates will also see themselves linked to these events.{{cite web|last=Ifum|first=Imaobong|date=November 1, 2021|title=Chucky Cast and Character Guide: Who Plays Who in the TV Adaptation|url=https://collider.com/chucky-tv-series-cast-and-character-guide/|url-status=live|access-date=November 6, 2021|work=Collider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031182259/https://collider.com/chucky-tv-series-cast-and-character-guide/ |archive-date=October 31, 2021 }}{{cite web|last=C.|first=Sandy|date=October 12, 2021|title=Chucky season 1 episode 1 recap: Who is Chucky's first victim in the TV series?|url=https://hiddenremote.com/2021/10/12/chucky-season-1-episode-1-recap-chuckys-first-victim-tv-series/|url-status=live|access-date=November 6, 2021|work=Hidden Remote|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013030637/https://hiddenremote.com/2021/10/12/chucky-season-1-episode-1-recap-chuckys-first-victim-tv-series/ |archive-date=October 13, 2021 }} In addition, a series of flashbacks explore Charles's past as a seemingly normal kid who somehow became one of Hackensack's most notorious killers.

Starring mostly teenagers and advertised as a "coming of rage" story,{{cite web|last=Dominguez|first=Noah|date=September 7, 2021|title=Chucky Poster Promises a Deadly 'Coming of Rage' Story|url=https://www.cbr.com/chucky-coming-of-rage-poster/|url-status=live|access-date=October 28, 2021|work=Comic Book Resources|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908005121/https://www.cbr.com/chucky-coming-of-rage-poster/ |archive-date=September 8, 2021 }} the series tackles themes of sexuality, bullying, domestic life, and murder.{{cite web|last=Peitzman|first=Louis|date=October 25, 2021|title=Chucky Turns a Tired Horror Cliché on Its Head|url=https://www.vulture.com/article/chucky-tv-series-gay-lead-queer-ally-horror-trope.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 28, 2021|work=Vulture|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027111936/https://www.vulture.com/amp/article/chucky-tv-series-gay-lead-queer-ally-horror-trope.html |archive-date=October 27, 2021 }} The main character, Jake Wheeler, finds himself prompted to homicidal acts by the doll while also struggling with his crush on classmate Devon and other issues that arise from being gay in unaccepting environments.

Cast and characters

{{see also|List of Child's Play characters{{!}}List of Child's Play characters}}

=Main=

File:Chucky NYCC 2022 10.jpg as Jake Wheeler, Björgvin Arnarson as Devon Evans, and Alyvia Alyn Lind as Lexy Cross.]]

  • Zackary Arthur as Jake Wheeler, a teenager who purchases Chucky at a yard sale and is then menaced by him. Chucky attempts to convince Jake to kill his bully, Lexy. However, he goes against Chucky and instead works with her and Devon, his crush turned boyfriend, to take down Chucky.
  • Björgvin Arnarson as Devon Evans, Jake's classmate who hosts a true crime podcast and frequently speaks about Charles Lee Ray. Later, he becomes Jake's boyfriend.
  • Alyvia Alyn Lind as Lexy Cross, Jake's classmate, who starts out as a school bully, but becomes friends with him and Devon after being attacked by Chucky and learning he is alive
  • Teo Briones as Junior Wheeler (season 1), Jake's antagonistic cousin and Lexy's ex-boyfriend, who is forced into track by his dad
  • Brad Dourif as Chucky / Charles Lee Ray, a vicious serial killer who, before dying, transferred his soul into a "Good Guy" doll. Dourif also appears as Charles Lee Ray's ghost and voiced Damballa, a god of voodoo mythology who abandons Chucky.
  • Devon Sawa as:
  • Lucas Wheeler (guest seasons 1, 3), Jake's father, Junior's uncle, Logan's twin brother, and Bree's brother-in-law.
  • Logan Wheeler (recurring season 1), Jake's uncle, Junior's father, Lucas' twin brother, and Bree's husband
  • Father Bryce (recurring season 2), the headmaster at the Catholic School of the Incarnate Lord
  • James Collins (season 3), the president of the United States
  • Randall Jenkins (season 3), a decoy who looks exactly like Collins

=Recurring=

  • Lexa Doig as Bree Wheeler (season 1), Jake's aunt, Junior's mother, Logan's wife, and Lucas' sister-in-law, who has kept a secret from her family
  • Barbara Alyn Woods as Michelle Cross (season 1; guest season 2), Lexy's mother and Hackensack's mayor
  • Michael Therriault as:
  • Nathan Cross (season 1), Lexy's father, and Michelle's husband. Therriault previously portrayed Dr. Foley in Cult of Chucky
  • Spencer Rhodes (season 3), the vice president of the United States
  • Rachelle Casseus as Kim Evans (season 1), Devon's mother, and a Hackensack detective who is suspicious of Jake, but later comes around to him after he begins dating Devon
  • Carina London Battrick as Caroline Cross (season 1; guest season 2–3), Lexy's younger sister, who is befriended by Chucky and becomes his and Tiffany's accomplice
  • Fiona Dourif as:
  • Nica Pierce, a paraplegic woman who, since the events of Cult of Chucky, has been possessed by Chucky
  • Chucky / Charles Lee Ray, a vicious serial killer who possessed the body of Nica Pierce. Dourif also portrays Charles Lee Ray in 1980s flashbacks and in the spirit realm, with Brad Dourif providing his voice.
  • Jennifer Tilly as Tiffany Valentine, Chucky's lover and partner in crime who possessed the body of actress Jennifer Tilly. Tilly also voices her doll form that originated in Bride of Chucky and, in the second season, voices herself as an actress whose soul was transferred into a doll when Tiffany possessed her body.
  • Christine Elise as Kyle (season 1–2), Andy's older foster sister
  • Alex Vincent as Andy Barclay, Chucky's original owner and archenemy, who has been tormented by him since 1988
  • David Kohlsmith as young Charles Lee Ray as 7 years old (season 1, guest season 2–3)
  • Tyler Barish as young Charles Lee Ray as 14 years old (guest, season 1–3)
  • Blaise Crocker as young Tiffany Valentine (season 1), from 1980s flashbacks
  • Rosemary Dunsmore as Amanda Mixter (season 1–2), Bree's and the Cross' therapist, who has connections to Chucky
  • Annie M. Briggs as Ms. Fairchild (seasons 1, 3; guest season 2), the school's biology teacher, who is wrongly accused of the murders committed by Chucky.
  • Lara Jean Chorostecki as:
  • Sister Ruth (season 2), a nun at the Catholic School of the Incarnate Lord
  • Charlotte Collins (season 3), the first lady of the United States
  • Bella Higginbotham as Nadine (season 2), Lexy's roommate at the Catholic School of the Incarnate Lord
  • Andrea Carter as Sister Catherine (season 2), a nun and teacher at the Catholic School of the Incarnate Lord
  • Lachlan Watson as:
  • Glen Tilly (season 2), Chucky and Tiffany's non-binary child, who doesn't like violence, and refrains from killing. Watson replaces Beans El-Balawi as Glen's human body.
  • Glenda Tilly (season 2), Chucky and Tiffany's non-binary child, who has more violent tendencies, and is willing to kill. Watson replaces Kristina Hewitt as Glenda's human body.
  • Jackson Kelly as Grant Collins (season 3), the older son of the president and the first lady
  • Callum Vinson as Henry Collins (season 3), the younger son of the president and the first lady
  • Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves as Melanie Spiegel (season 3), the White House press secretary
  • Gil Bellows as Warren Pryce (season 3), a government agent
  • K.C. Collins as Coop (season 3), a secret service agent
  • Franco Lo Presti as Hicks (season 3), a secret service agent assigned to guard Grant

=Special guest stars=

Episodes

=Series overview=

{{Series overview

| color1 = #AE1818

| link1 = #Season 1 (2021)

| episodes1 = 8

| start1 = {{Start date|2021|10|12}}

| end1 = {{End date|2021|11|30}}

| color2 = #DAAB64

| link2 = #Season 2 (2022)

| episodes2 = 8

| start2 = {{Start date|2022|10|5}}

| end2 = {{End date|2022|11|23}}

| color3 = #59072D

| link3 = #Season 3 (2023–24)

| link3R =

| episodes3 = 8

| episodes3A = 4

| start3A = {{Start date|2023|10|4}}

| end3A = {{End date|2023|10|25}}

| episodes3B = 4

| start3B = {{Start date|2024|4|10}}

| end3B = {{End date|2024|5|1}}

}}

=Season 1 (2021)=

{{main|Chucky season 1{{!}}Chucky season 1}}

{{:Chucky season 1}}

=Season 2 (2022)=

{{main|Chucky season 2{{!}}Chucky season 2}}

{{:Chucky season 2}}

=Season 3 (2023–24)=

{{main|Chucky season 3{{!}}Chucky season 3}}

{{:Chucky season 3}}

Production

=Development=

File:Chucky NYCC 2022 1.jpg (left) took a somewhat autobiographical approach to Jake's character, played by Zackary Arthur (right).]]

On January 29, 2019, it was reported that a television series based on the Child's Play franchise was in development on Syfy, with Don Mancini serving as the creator and showrunner. Mancini was also expected to serve as executive producer alongside David Kirschner, Harley Peyton, and Nick Antosca.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/chucky-tv-series-original-creator-works-at-syfy-1180509|title='Chucky' TV Series From Original Creator in the Works at Syfy|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 11, 2020|archive-date=January 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111223226/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/chucky-tv-series-original-creator-works-at-syfy-1180509|url-status=live}} On January 11, 2020, during NBCUniversal's presentation at the TCA Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, California, it was announced that Syfy had given the production a straight-to-series order, in a deal with Universal Content Productions.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/chucky-tv-series-a-go-at-syfy-1268700|title='Chucky' TV Series a Go at Syfy|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|date=January 11, 2020|access-date=January 11, 2020|archive-date=January 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111222718/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/chucky-tv-series-a-go-at-syfy-1268700|url-status=live}} While working on the show, Mancini was concerned about the potential impact the 2019 Child's Play reboot could have had in the franchise, speculating that, had it been a success, Universal Pictures could have decided to abandon the original film's continuity. However, the reboot film (made without Mancini's approval) did not affect the TV show, and a sequel has not been produced.{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2018/12/childs-play-reboot-don-mancini-feelings-hurt-1202028430/ |title='Child's Play' Creator Isn't Happy About the Reboot: 'My Feelings Were F—king Hurt |date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=September 8, 2022 |website=IndieWire |last=Nordine |first=Michael |archive-date=September 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220910161926/https://www.indiewire.com/2018/12/childs-play-reboot-don-mancini-feelings-hurt-1202028430/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/horror/news/chucky-creator-childs-play-reboot-2019-ruined-his-plans/|title=Chucky Creator Says Child's Play Reboot Almost Ruined His Plans|work=ComicBook.com|first=Spencer|last=Perry|date=October 8, 2021|access-date=October 9, 2021|archive-date=October 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008200317/https://comicbook.com/horror/news/chucky-creator-childs-play-reboot-2019-ruined-his-plans/|url-status=live}}

Mancini, who began working for television on the Hannibal series, wanted to "reinvent" the Chucky franchise by bringing it to this format, and subsequently expand its fandom.{{cite web|last=Mackelden|first=Amy|date=October 12, 2021|title=Chucky Creator Don Mancini On Why It Was Time To Bring Everyone's Favorite Killer Doll To TV - Exclusive Interview|url=https://www.looper.com/630810/chucky-creator-don-mancini-on-why-it-was-time-to-bring-everyones-favorite-killer-doll-to-tv-exclusive-interview/|url-status=live|access-date=October 29, 2021|work=Looper|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012195726/https://www.looper.com/630810/chucky-creator-don-mancini-on-why-it-was-time-to-bring-everyones-favorite-killer-doll-to-tv-exclusive-interview/ |archive-date=October 12, 2021 }} He took a somewhat autobiographical approach to Jake's character, a gay teenager whose father is not accepting of the boy's "burgeoning sexual and romantic identity".{{cite web|last=Robledo|first=Jordan|title=Chucky series creator wanted to 'inject gay content' into the horror franchise|url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/television/chucky-series-creator-discusses-lgbtq-representation-in-the-horror-franchise/|url-status=live|access-date=October 10, 2021|work=Gay Times|date=September 11, 2021|archive-date=October 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010130958/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/television/chucky-series-creator-discusses-lgbtq-representation-in-the-horror-franchise/}} The director cites this conflict as referential to his own adolescence.{{cite news|last=Piepenburg|first=Erik|date=October 11, 2021|title=Chucky Returns to Terrorize TV. His Creator Couldn't Be Happier.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/11/arts/television/chucky-series-don-mancini.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 11, 2021|work=The New York Times|archive-date=October 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011121006/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/11/arts/television/chucky-series-don-mancini.html}} The show is a direct sequel to Cult of Chucky (2017), where the cliffhanger ending puts the titular character "on the road to a sexual exploration" after he transfers his soul to a female body.{{cite web|last=Caruso|first=Nick|date=October 9, 2021|title=Chucky Creator Don Mancini Talks Cult Connections and How His Killer Doll Is an Equal Opportunity 'Psychopath'|url=https://tvline.com/2021/10/09/chucky-preview-syfy-usa-horror-series-don-mancini-interview/|url-status=live|access-date=October 10, 2021|work=TVLine|archive-date=October 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009230340/https://tvline.com/2021/10/09/chucky-preview-syfy-usa-horror-series-don-mancini-interview/}} As an innovation for the character, Chucky is also used as a metaphor of the real life bully, guising himself to be "charming [and] funny" and manipulating people, labelled by Mancini as "the ultimate bully".{{cite web|last=Howard|first=Kirsten|date=September 14, 2021|title=Welcome to the Dollhouse: Inside the Chucky TV Series|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/chucky-tv-series-don-mancini-interview/|url-status=live|access-date=October 10, 2021|work=Den of Geek|archive-date=October 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010133923/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/chucky-tv-series-don-mancini-interview/}}{{cite web|last=Eddy|first=Cheryl|date=October 12, 2021|title=How Chucky Opens a New Chapter for the Cult Series While Staying True to Its (Bloody) Roots|url=https://gizmodo.com/how-chucky-opens-a-new-chapter-for-the-cult-series-whil-1847822782|url-status=live|access-date=October 29, 2021|work=Gizmodo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012143743/https://gizmodo.com/how-chucky-opens-a-new-chapter-for-the-cult-series-whil-1847822782 |archive-date=October 12, 2021 }} By making him close to Jake, whose struggles are related to those of the LGBT community, the series also acknowledges that "Chucky himself has a queer kid" (Glen/Glenda, from Seed of Chucky). According to Decider's Jon O'Brien, "queer characters have been a Child's Play mainstay ever since Bride of Chucky's ill-fated David (Gordon Michael Woolvett) back in 1998", but this series marks the first time they have such a prominent presence.{{cite web|last=O'Brien|first=Jon|date=November 9, 2021|title=The Gleefully Madcap 'Chucky' Series Proves 'Child's Play' Was Worth Reviving … Again|url=https://decider.com/2021/11/09/the-gleefully-madcap-chucky-series-proves-childs-play-was-worth-reviving-again/|url-status=live|access-date=December 3, 2021|work=Decider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110002732/https://decider.com/2021/11/09/the-gleefully-madcap-chucky-series-proves-childs-play-was-worth-reviving-again/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 }} However, Mancini stated that Chucky "is just a psychopath" and "will kill anybody", despite posing as Jake's ally.{{Cite web |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/1017329/chucky-syfy-don-mancini-jake-junior-wheeler-lexy-cross-devon-evans/ |title='Chucky' Creator and Cast on Why the New Syfy Series Is More Than Child's Play |date=October 8, 2021 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=TV Insider |last=Fishman |first=Scott |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016121827/https://www.tvinsider.com/1017329/chucky-syfy-don-mancini-jake-junior-wheeler-lexy-cross-devon-evans/ |url-status=live }}

Mancini wrote all eight episodes of the first season along with a team of writers, and directed the first episode.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/chucky-tv-series-release-date-trailer-syfy/|title='Chucky' Trailer Scares Up a Release Date on SYFY|work=Collider|first=Carly|last=Lane|date=July 25, 2021|access-date=July 25, 2021|archive-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725211226/https://collider.com/chucky-tv-series-release-date-trailer-syfy/|url-status=live}} For Chucky, he was allowed to use the word "fuck" a maximum of ten times per episode, since he considers it an elemental aspect of the character.{{cite web|last=Bentz|first=Adam|date=October 13, 2021|title=Chucky Show Gets 10 F-Bombs Per Episode|url=https://screenrant.com/chucky-show-f-bombs-how-many-per-episode/|url-status=live|access-date=November 12, 2021|work=Screen Rant|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013220902/https://screenrant.com/chucky-show-f-bombs-how-many-per-episode/ |archive-date=October 13, 2021 }} With eight hours to explore different sides of the story, Mancini saw the opportunity to elucidate the killer's past and answer questions that fans had been asking, like who his first victim was and how he met his bride Tiffany.{{cite web|last=Mattio|first=Javier|date=October 17, 2021|title=Don Mancini, creador de Chucky: Los villanos son nuestros amigos|trans-title=Don Mancini, creator of Chucky: villains are our friends|url=https://www.lavoz.com.ar/vos/tv/don-mancini-creador-de-chucky-los-villanos-son-nuestros-amigos/|url-status=live|access-date=November 3, 2021|work=La Voz|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017215736/https://www.lavoz.com.ar/vos/tv/don-mancini-creador-de-chucky-los-villanos-son-nuestros-amigos/ |archive-date=October 17, 2021 }} Regarding the concept of multiple Chuckys, he explained that there are different versions of the character rather than a collective mind, something that also had its origin in Cult of Chucky.{{Cite web |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/interviews/3695049/don-mancini-breaks-chucky-season-ones-biggest-questions-interview/ |title=Don Mancini Breaks Down Some of "Chucky" Season One's Biggest Questions [Exclusive] |date=December 9, 2021 |access-date=September 8, 2022 |website=Bloody Disgusting |last=Navarro |first=Meagan |archive-date=August 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818064105/https://bloody-disgusting.com/interviews/3695049/don-mancini-breaks-chucky-season-ones-biggest-questions-interview/ |url-status=live }}

On November 29, 2021, USA Network and Syfy renewed the series for a second season.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/chucky-renewed-season-2-usa-network-syfy-1234881587/|title='Chucky' Renewed For Season 2 By USA Network & Syfy|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Peter|last=White|date=November 29, 2021|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129215147/https://deadline.com/2021/11/chucky-renewed-season-2-usa-network-syfy-1234881587/|url-status=live}} Mancini began working on the first script in December and told Gizmodo that "a lot of the characters that fans love" might reappear in the second season.{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/chuckys-don-mancini-on-why-horrors-creepiest-doll-keeps-1848157304|title=Chucky's Don Mancini on Why Horror's Creepiest Doll Keeps Coming Back|date=December 3, 2021|access-date=January 12, 2022|work=Gizmodo|last=Eddy|first=Cheryl|archive-date=January 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119103433/https://gizmodo.com/chuckys-don-mancini-on-why-horrors-creepiest-doll-keeps-1848157304|url-status=live}} This was further commented by Jennifer Tilly, who foresaw the return of Glen/Glenda.{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3698026/return-glen-glenda-cast-chucky-share-hopes-season-2-video/|title=The Return of Glen/Glenda? The Cast of "Chucky" Share Their Hopes for Season 2 [Video]|date=January 6, 2022|access-date=January 12, 2022|work=Bloody Disgusting|last=Squieres|first=John|archive-date=January 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109095810/https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3698026/return-glen-glenda-cast-chucky-share-hopes-season-2-video/|url-status=live}} Despite being disappointed by the initial reception of Seed of Chucky, Mancini was glad that this character was later embraced by queer fans of the franchise, which motivated him to expand their story in season two.{{cite magazine|last=Scott|first=Darren|date=September 7, 2022|title=Sins of the father|url=|magazine=SFX Magazine|pages=28–35|issn=1358-5959}} Also inspired by Catholic-based horror films like The Exorcist and The Omen, he set the second season on a Catholic reform school, thinking that it would be troublesome for Jake and Devon's relationship to keep unfolding in an environment that is not "exactly down with the gays". This also draws from Mancini's youth, since he grew up under the beliefs of the Catholic Church. He also stated that, at this point, making the show had become "cathartic", and that he began to exploit "specific actors' strengths and interests" with his writing (for example, Björgvin Arnarson's comedic side). The season also marks the reintroduction of the "Wedding Belle" doll, an item from Bride of Chucky that Mancini had been planning to reuse "for quite a while".{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Simon |date=October 5, 2022 |title=Don Mancini Steps Things Up And Kills It With 'Chucky' Season Two |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonthompson/2022/10/05/don-mancini-steps-things-up-and-kills-it-with-chucky-season-two/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011135448/https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonthompson/2022/10/05/don-mancini-steps-things-up-and-kills-it-with-chucky-season-two/?sh=25556b5955eb |archive-date=October 11, 2022 |access-date=October 11, 2022 |website=Forbes}}

On January 15, 2023, USA Network and Syfy renewed the series for a third season, which was set for release in the fourth quarter of 2023,{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2023 |title=Chucky Season 3 Coming Fall 2023 |url=https://www.syfy.com/chucky/season-3/videos/chucky-season-3-coming-fall-2023 |access-date=June 25, 2023 |website=SYFY Official Site |language=en-US |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625060335/https://www.syfy.com/chucky/season-3/videos/chucky-season-3-coming-fall-2023 |url-status=live }} and filming began on April 27 of that year.{{Cite web |url=https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/industry-sector-support/film/current-productions-and-news/ |title=Current Productions & News |website=City of Toronto |date=August 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428025000/https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/industry-sector-support/film/current-productions-and-news/ |accessdate=April 28, 2023|archive-date=April 28, 2023|url-status=live |last1=Toronto |first1=City of }} The season explores the idea of ghosts haunting the White House, something that had fascinated Mancini for a long time. He thought having Chucky in the "most secure house in the world" could worsen the protagonists' struggle to kill him.{{Cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/chucky-season-3-creator-don-mancini-interview/ |title=Chucky Creator Don Mancini On Season 3 & White House Mythology |date=October 12, 2023 |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=Screen Rant |last=Deckelmeier |first=Joe}} In an interview with Screen Rant, he admitted that the series' lore about voodoo and Damballa (something he did not come up with, but has been an integral part of the franchise since the first film) was taken jokingly when writing previous installments, but this time seemed to expand the supernatural mythology thats surrounds Chucky, who Mancini described as "essentially" a ghost or spirit animating an object. He added: "It's interesting to put Chucky into a situation where there are other entities hovering about who might have their own agendas and their own goals."

On September 27, 2024, the series was canceled after three seasons.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Chucky Canceled By Syfy & USA After 3 Seasons, Leaving Creator Don Mancini "Heartbroken" But "Grateful" Amid NBCU Cable Scripted Shift |url=https://deadline.com/2024/09/chucky-canceled-syfy-usa-no-season-4-don-mancini-reaction-1236102192/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=September 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928021239/https://deadline.com/2024/09/chucky-canceled-syfy-usa-no-season-4-don-mancini-reaction-1236102192/|url-status=live}}

=Casting=

The first teaser for the show, released on July 15, 2020, revealed that Brad Dourif would again provide the voice of Chucky.{{cite web|last=Reimann|first=Tom|date=July 17, 2020|title='Chucky' Series Teaser Offers a First Look at SYFY's New Take on the Franchise|url=https://collider.com/new-chucky-series-trailer-teaser-syfy-usa/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130120233/https://collider.com/new-chucky-series-trailer-teaser-syfy-usa/|archive-date=November 30, 2020|access-date=July 17, 2020|work=Collider}} He initially recorded his dialogues at home, working remotely with Don Mancini.{{cite magazine|last=Scott|first=Darren|date=October 2021|title=Living Doll|url=https://www.yumpu.com/news/en/issue/107747-sfx-issue-102021/read?page=54|magazine=SFX Magazine|pages=54–55|issn=1358-5959|access-date=December 8, 2021|url-access=limited|archive-date=March 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309193837/https://www.yumpu.com/news/en/issue/107747-sfx-issue-102021/read?page=54|url-status=live}} Between March and April of the following year, many other actors already linked to the franchise were confirmed to have recurring roles, including Jennifer Tilly as Tiffany Valentine, Alex Vincent as Andy Barclay, Christine Elise as Kyle, and Fiona Dourif as Nica Pierce.{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=March 5, 2021|title='Chucky': Jennifer Tilly, Devon Sawa, Zackary Arthur, Teo Briones, Alyvia Alyn Lind & Björgvin Arnarson Set For Syfy Series Reboot|url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/chucky-jennifer-tilly-devon-sawa-zackary-arthur-teo-briones-alyvia-alyn-lind-bjo%cc%88rgvin-arnarson-syfy-1234707969/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305195409/https://deadline.com/2021/03/chucky-jennifer-tilly-devon-sawa-zackary-arthur-teo-briones-alyvia-alyn-lind-bjo%cc%88rgvin-arnarson-syfy-1234707969/|archive-date=March 5, 2021|access-date=March 5, 2021|work=Deadline Hollywood}}{{cite web|last=Gelman|first=Samuel|date=March 23, 2021|title=Chucky's Big Screen Nemesis Joins Childs Play TV Series|url=https://www.cbr.com/chucky-childs-play-tv-series-fiona-dourif-nica/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325005359/https://www.cbr.com/chucky-childs-play-tv-series-fiona-dourif-nica/|archive-date=March 25, 2021|work=CBR|access-date=March 25, 2021}} Fiona also plays an adult version of Charles Lee Ray, but her voice was replaced with Brad's in post-production.{{cite web|last=Navarro|first=Meagan|date=November 17, 2021|title="Chucky" Actress Fiona Dourif Teases That We're Not Ready for the Show's Bonkers Finale [Exclusive]|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/interviews/3692242/chucky-actress-fiona-dourif-teases-not-ready-bonkers-finale/|url-status=live|access-date=December 5, 2021|work=Bloody Disgusting|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117141429/https://bloody-disgusting.com/interviews/3692242/chucky-actress-fiona-dourif-teases-not-ready-bonkers-finale/ |archive-date=November 17, 2021 }} A reason for this was that Nica sounded too similar when possessed by Charles, which would have been "confusing" for the audience. All these actors renewed their contract for the second season between April and May 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/production-begins-on-chucky-season-2-find-out-whos-returning-exclusive/|title=Production Begins on 'Chucky' Season 2: Find Out Who's Returning (Exclusive)|date=April 20, 2022|access-date=April 27, 2022|website=The Wrap|last=Knolle|first=Sharon|archive-date=April 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426190538/https://www.thewrap.com/production-begins-on-chucky-season-2-find-out-whos-returning-exclusive/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2022/05/19/Fiona-Dourif-Chucky-Season-2/2211652999357/|title=Fiona Dourif: 'Chucky' character deserves 'a shot at revenge' in Season 2|date=May 19, 2022|access-date=May 20, 2022|website=United Press International|last=Topel|first=Fred|archive-date=May 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519234245/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2022/05/19/Fiona-Dourif-Chucky-Season-2/2211652999357/|url-status=live}}

Devon Sawa was cast to play the roles of twins Lucas and Logan Wheeler,{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Evan|date=October 13, 2021|title=Yup, That's Devon Sawa Playing Twins in Chucky|url=https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a37953037/devon-sawa-chucky-twins/|url-status=live|access-date=October 29, 2021|work=Men's Health|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013220804/https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a37953037/devon-sawa-chucky-twins/ |archive-date=October 13, 2021 }} while Barbara Alyn Woods and Lexa Doig took the roles of Michelle Cross and Bree Wheeler, respectively.{{cite web|last=Swift|first=Andy|date=April 2, 2021|title=Chucky Series Targets One Tree Hill Vet|url=https://tvline.com/2021/04/02/chucky-tv-series-cast-one-tree-hill-barbara-alyn-woods/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410224510/https://tvline.com/2021/04/02/chucky-tv-series-cast-one-tree-hill-barbara-alyn-woods/|archive-date=April 10, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021|work=TVLine}}{{cite web|last=Weiss|first=Josh|date=April 2, 2021|title=Lexa Doig, Stargate and Arrow, joins Chucky Play Date at Syfy and USA|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/lexa-doig-cast-in-chucky-tv-series-syfy-usa|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410224510/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/lexa-doig-cast-in-chucky-tv-series-syfy-usa|archive-date=April 10, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021|work=Syfy}} Four teenage actors star in the series: Zackary Arthur as Jake, Teo Briones as Junior, Alyvia Alyn Lind as Lexy, and Björgvin Arnarson as Devon. Arthur, whose parents did not let him watch R-rated movies as a kid, had his first introduction to the saga in preparation for his role.{{cite web|last=Radish|first=Christina|date=October 29, 2021|title=Zackary Arthur on 'Chucky,' What It's Like Having a Doll as a Co-Star, and How the Series Does Not Spare the Blood and Gore|url=https://collider.com/chucky-zackary-arthur-interview-doll-blood-gore/|url-status=live|access-date=October 29, 2021|work=Collider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028172627/https://collider.com/chucky-zackary-arthur-interview-doll-blood-gore/ |archive-date=October 28, 2021 }} Arnarson told Screen Rant that, near the end of shooting, Mancini told him that he wished he had written a slightly different version of his character, and maybe make him interested in stand-up comedy. In regards to Lexy, who evolves from the "classic mean girl" to someone who cares about others, Alyn Lind stated: "I just really wanted to make sure that she knew exactly what she wanted at all times [...] I wanted to make that switch very clear." In the second season they are joined by Bella Higginbotham, who described her character Nadine as "a light" in the Chucky franchise.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/chucky-alyvia-alyn-lind-bella-higginbotham-interview/ |title=Chucky's Alyvia Alyn Lind & Bella Higginbotham Break Down a Dark & Quirky Season 2 |date=October 4, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2016 |website=Comic Book Resources |last=Cairns |first=Bryan |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005075457/https://www.cbr.com/chucky-alyvia-alyn-lind-bella-higginbotham-interview/ |url-status=live }}

Woods reprises her role as Michelle in the second season, while Sawa returns as a new character, Father Bryce, the headmaster at the Catholic School of the Incarnate Lord.{{Cite web|last=Hurler|first=Kevin|date=October 11, 2022|title=Chucky Season 2 Promises More Chucky Than Ever|url=https://gizmodo.com/new-york-comic-con-2022-chucky-season-2-panel-recap-1849630021|website=Gizmodo|access-date=October 14, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014130415/https://gizmodo.com/new-york-comic-con-2022-chucky-season-2-panel-recap-1849630021|url-status=live}} In June 2022, Lachlan Watson was cast as Glen and Glenda Ray, Chucky's twin children from Seed of Chucky.{{cite web|url=https://www.pride.com/tv/2022/6/28/exclusive-lachlan-watson-star-glenglenda-chucky-season-2|title=EXCLUSIVE: Lachlan Watson to Star As Glen/Glenda In 'Chucky' Season 2|website=www.pride.com|first=Rachel|last=Shatto|date=June 28, 2022|access-date=June 28, 2022|language=en|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628201205/https://www.pride.com/tv/2022/6/28/exclusive-lachlan-watson-star-glenglenda-chucky-season-2|url-status=live}} Mancini cast Watson in the dual role after meeting them during a virtual San Diego Comic-Con 2019 panel about transgender representation, when Watson was speaking about their trans character in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Expressing his desire to work with them and following conversations they had about Chucky led Mancini to see "what Glen and Glenda represent for him" in Watson.{{Cite web |url=https://www.them.us/story/lachlan-watson-chucky-season-2-glen-glenda-interview |title=How Lachlan Watson Brought Glen and Glenda Back to Life in Chucky |date=October 26, 2022 |access-date=November 1, 2022 |website=Them |last=Jones |first=Rendy |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101012124/https://www.them.us/story/lachlan-watson-chucky-season-2-glen-glenda-interview |url-status=live }} Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano, Sutton Stracke and Meg Tilly make guest appearances;{{Cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2022/06/16/chucky-season-2-gina-gershon-jennifer-tilly-bound-reunion/ |title=TVLine Items: Chucky Hosts Bound Reunion, Industry Return Date and More |date=June 16, 2022 |access-date=August 28, 2022 |website=TVLine |last=Gelman |first=Vlada |archive-date=August 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828140902/https://tvline.com/2022/06/16/chucky-season-2-gina-gershon-jennifer-tilly-bound-reunion/ |url-status=live }} they play themselves as part of Jennifer Tilly's inner circle in the episode "Death on Denial".{{Cite web |last=Ingram |first=Hunter |date=October 26, 2022 |title='Chucky' Creator Don Mancini on Recruiting Gina Gershon, Sutton Stracke (and More!) for a Manically Meta, Jennifer Tilly-Focused Episode |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/chucky-creator-don-mancini-gina-gershon-sutton-stracke-jennifer-tilly-1235415505/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027225330/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/chucky-creator-don-mancini-gina-gershon-sutton-stracke-jennifer-tilly-1235415505/ |access-date=October 28, 2022 |website=Variety |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |url-status=live }} WWE wrestler Liv Morgan also appears in said episode; she had declared herself a lifelong Child's Play fan and was added to the script by Don Mancini per her request.{{Cite web |last=Phelan |first=Chris |date=October 14, 2022 |title=WWE Superstar Liv Morgan To Guest Star In 'Chucky' Season 2: What To Know |url=https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/chucky-show-guest-star-wwe-liv-morgan |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=USA Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020084313/https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/chucky-show-guest-star-wwe-liv-morgan |url-status=live }}

In the third season, Sawa returns again as a new character, the fictional President of the United States (his fourth character in the franchise).{{Cite web |title=President Devon Sawa Takes On CHUCKY In New Season 3 trailer |url=https://www.fangoria.com/original/president-devon-sawa-takes-on-chucky-in-new-season-3-trailer/ |access-date=August 31, 2023 |website=FANGORIA |date=August 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831210933/https://www.fangoria.com/original/president-devon-sawa-takes-on-chucky-in-new-season-3-trailer/ |url-status=live }} Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly, Zackary Arthur, Björgvin Arnarson, and Alyvia Alyn Lind also return, with Lara Jean Chorostecki playing the President's wife.{{Cite web |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3779197/chucky-season-3-first-clip-brings-devon-sawa-back-for-round-3/ |title="Chucky" Season 3 – First Clip Brings Devon Sawa Back for Round 3 |date=September 13, 2023 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Bloody Disgusting |last=Squires |first=John}} Comedian Kenan Thompson guest stars in the third episode of this season, playing a taxi driver who soon gets killed by Chucky with an umbrella. Mancini met Thompson through Barbara Alyn Woods, and following the 2022 New York Comic Con, talks about having Thompson play a character began. Amanda Blanchard wrote Thompson's death scene, and Mancini went on to consider it "one of the best kills in the franchise".{{Cite web |url=https://tvline.com/interviews/chucky-recap-season-3-episode-3-don-mancini-kenan-thompson-1235062015/ |title=Chucky Creator Don Mancini Details 'One of the Best Kills of the Franchise' and Casting of SNL's Kenan Thompson |last=Caruso |first=Nick| date=October 18, 2023 |access-date=October 22, 2023 |website=TVLine}} Sarah Sherman and Nia Vardalos also appear in the season as guest stars.{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/chucky-midseason-finale-don-mancini-nia-vardalos-sarah-sherman-1235766973/ |title='Chucky' Creator Don Mancini on Why That Finale Death Was One of His Favorites and the Possibility of a Faceoff With M3GAN |date=October 25, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=Variety |last=Ingram |first=Hunter}} John Waters, who previously played Pete Peters in Seed of Chucky, portrays Good Guys creator, Wendell Wilkins.{{Cite web |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/chucky-season-3-cast-john-waters-character-role |title=John Waters Joining Chucky Season 3 as Good Guy Doll Creator |date=December 14, 2023 |access-date=December 18, 2023 |website=SyFy |last=Busch |first=Caitlin}}

=Filming=

Filming for the series was scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2020, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/film/article/the_chucky_tv_series_delays_filming_in_toronto|title=The 'Chucky' TV Series Delays Filming in Toronto |access-date=October 27, 2021|work=Exclaim!|url-status=live|last=Thiessen|first=Brock|date=July 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203222237/https://exclaim.ca/film/article/the_chucky_tv_series_delays_filming_in_toronto |archive-date=February 3, 2021 }} Shooting for the first season officially began on March 29, 2021, and concluded on August 11, 2021, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.{{cite web|url=https://www.varietyinsight.com/production_restart_full_view.php?track_id=181583|title=Chucky|work=Variety Insight|access-date=September 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911072102/https://www.varietyinsight.com/production_restart_full_view.php?track_id=181583|archive-date=September 11, 2021|url-status=live}} The Square One parking lot in Mississauga was used as a "base camp" for the production team.{{cite web|url=https://www.insauga.com/knife-wielding-chucky-stops-in-at-mississauga-mall-for-filming-of-tv-series/|title=Chucky TV series holding base camp at Square One in Mississauga|date=April 5, 2021|access-date=October 27, 2021|work=InSauga.com|last=Pereira|first=Gene|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027225239/https://www.insauga.com/knife-wielding-chucky-stops-in-at-mississauga-mall-for-filming-of-tv-series/|url-status=live}} Tony Gardner and Peter Chevako developed Chucky's look with the goal to make him look exactly like in Child's Play 2.{{cite web|last=Massoto|first=Erick|date=August 13, 2021|title=New 'Chucky' TV Spot Teases a Creepy Friday the 13th Message From the Doll Himself|url=https://collider.com/chucky-tv-series-trailer-teaser-friday-the-13th/|url-status=live|access-date=November 6, 2021|work=Collider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813220233/https://collider.com/chucky-tv-series-trailer-teaser-friday-the-13th/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021 }} This was because, from Mancini's standpoint, the first sequel seems to be the general fan favorite. It took group of six or seven puppeteers to make Chucky move, which represents 99.5% of the doll's actions, according to Mancini, who has expressed his preference to do things practically over using computer-generated images. Digital effects were only used to erase puppeteers from screen or any implements required by the animatronic, such as rods or cables. A child named Jacob sometimes performed as a double.{{cite web|last=Deckelmeier|first=Joe|date=October 13, 2021|title=Alyvia Alyn Lind & Bjorgvin Arnarson Interview: Chucky|url=https://screenrant.com/chucky-2021-alyvia-alyn-lind-bjorgvin-arnarson-interview/|url-status=live|access-date=October 29, 2021|work=Screen Rant|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013173302/https://screenrant.com/chucky-2021-alyvia-alyn-lind-bjorgvin-arnarson-interview/ |archive-date=October 13, 2021 }}

Mancini explained that there were "several Chuckys" on set to perform different activities, with roughly two props for each action, in order to make him talk, walk or achieve some elaborate shots.{{Cite web |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/1010052/chucky-syfy-usa-tv-series-preview/ |title='Chucky': 3 Things to Know About USA & Syfy's Take on the Maniacal Doll |date=September 2, 2021 |access-date=September 3, 2022 |website=TV Insider |last=Holbrook |first=Damian |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903125537/https://www.tvinsider.com/1010052/chucky-syfy-usa-tv-series-preview/ |url-status=live }} Teo Briones, who plays Junior Wheeler in the first season, explained that his death scene was executed with two of those different Chuckys: one to "rough around a little bit", and another that could move its mouth for the close-ups.{{Cite web |last=Bambino |first=Samantha |date=December 8, 2021 |title=Interview With 'Chucky' Star Teo Briones, Who Talks Junior's Shift From Good To Evil |url=https://pophorror.com/interview-with-chucky-star-teo-briones-who-talks-juniors-shift-from-good-to-evil/ |access-date=November 18, 2022 |website=PopHorror |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118133618/https://pophorror.com/interview-with-chucky-star-teo-briones-who-talks-juniors-shift-from-good-to-evil/ |url-status=live }} He also remarked that those scenes showing interaction between the doll and the actors were significantly longer to shoot due to their complexity. On the other hand, the young adult aspect of the show is emphasized by "over-the-top, stylistic, grandiose, visual stuff", because, in Mancini's words, "that's how you experience things when you are a teenager. Everything is incredibly vivid."{{Cite web |url=https://gizmodo.com/chucky-season-2-horror-series-don-mancini-syfy-usa-1849547291 |title=Horror Icon Don Mancini Explains the Timelessness of Chucky and Chucky |date=September 19, 2022 |access-date=September 24, 2022 |website=Gizmodo |last=Eddy |first=Cheryl |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924113951/https://gizmodo.com/chucky-season-2-horror-series-don-mancini-syfy-usa-1849547291 |url-status=live }}

Filming for the second season began on April 20, 2022, and concluded on August 29, 2022, in Toronto.{{cite web|title=Current Productions & News - Currently Filming|url=https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/industry-sector-support/film/current-productions-and-news/|website=City of Toronto|date=August 7, 2017 |access-date=April 24, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002131457/https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/industry-sector-support/film/current-productions-and-news/|archive-date=October 2, 2022 |last1=Toronto |first1=City of }} This season sees the addition of Lachlan Watson as Glen and Glenda Ray, characters whose scenes had to be carefully planned into schedule, since each of them needed a different characterization that took an hour to complete at the hair and makeup department.{{cite web|last=Eddy|first=Cheryl|date=September 30, 2022|title=Chucky's Don Mancini on Glen, Glenda, and Embracing Queer Representation|url=https://gizmodo.com/chucky-don-mancini-interview-syfy-usa-queer-characters-1849594356|access-date=October 1, 2022|work=Gizmodo|archive-date=September 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930222714/https://gizmodo.com/chucky-don-mancini-interview-syfy-usa-queer-characters-1849594356|url-status=live}} Watson, who is a non-binary person and goes by gender-neutral pronouns, explained that the camera would be set and film them as Glenda, then they would change their costume and return to be filmed as Glen, with an ear piece that played the lines they had recorded previously. "When you're in that environment the timing has to be perfect. So that was a big learning curve," Watson said.

Filming for the third season began on April 27, and was expected to last until August 28, 2023, in Toronto.{{Cite web |date=March 20, 2023 |title=Chucky (Season 3) Production List |url=https://productionlist.com/production/chucky-season-3/ |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Film & Television Industry Alliance |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321142127/https://productionlist.com/production/chucky-season-3/ |url-status=live }} However, it was interrupted due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.{{Cite web|title=Chucky season 3 release updates, strike delay, cast and more|url=https://hiddenremote.com/2023/08/01/chucky-season-3-release-updates-strike-delay-cast-and-more/|date=August 1, 2023|website=FanSided|first=Sandy|last=C|access-date=August 8, 2023|archive-date=August 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801183040/https://hiddenremote.com/2023/08/01/chucky-season-3-release-updates-strike-delay-cast-and-more/|url-status=live}} Knowing that the strike was coming, the show's crew focused their resources into finishing the first four episodes of the season before going on hiatus. According to Don Mancini, episodes five and six were almost finished as well, and some pieces of seven and eight. As a consequence of the strike, the season was split in two, with the first half ending on a cliffhanger in the episode "Dressed to Kill".{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/chucky-season-3-creator-update-new-episodes/ |title=Chucky Showrunner Don Mancini Shares Progress On Upcoming Episode |date=October 25, 2023 |access-date=October 28, 2023 |website=Comic Book Resources |last=Badasie |first=Charlene}} Filming resumed on November 24, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Romanchick |first=Shane |date=November 25, 2023 |title=Don Mancini Shares New 'Chucky' Set Image as Season 3 Resumes Filming |url=https://collider.com/chucky-season-3-resumes-filming-set-image/ |access-date=November 27, 2023 |website=Collider |language=en}}

=Music=

Joseph LoDuca served as the series' composer, as he did in Curse of Chucky and Cult of Chucky.{{cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/chucky-composer-joe-loduca-still-finds-new-ways-to-scare-us-interview/|title=Chucky Composer Joe LoDuca Still Finds New Ways to Scare Us: Interview|date=December 13, 2021|access-date=December 17, 2021|work=Bleeding Cool|last=Leszczynski|first=Leszczynski|archive-date=December 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215015831/https://bleedingcool.com/tv/chucky-composer-joe-loduca-still-finds-new-ways-to-scare-us-interview/|url-status=live}} For the show, he read the scripts beforehand and waited until the scenes were filmed to figure out ways to add a fitting soundtrack. Piano chords are used sometimes throughout the first season as an accompaniment to Jake and Devon's relationship, since the latter is seen playing that same instrument in the first episode. LoDuca also utilized a detuned toy piano to symbolize Chucky's "feigned innocence" in the first season.{{Cite web |last=Wainio |first=Wade |date=November 9, 2021 |title=Interview: Joseph LoDuca, composer for Evil Dead and Child's Play franchises! |url=https://1428elm.com/2021/11/09/interview-joseph-loduca-composer/ |access-date=November 21, 2022 |website=1428 Elm |archive-date=November 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121131114/https://1428elm.com/2021/11/09/interview-joseph-loduca-composer/ |url-status=live }} A similar theme was used to imply "something more sinister" to what was happening in certain scenes. A different version of the Child's Play 2 theme can also be heard in scenes involving Chucky and Caroline. LoDuca described the score for Tiffany as "lush", which helps present her as a "classic Hollywood vamp", while the flashbacks showing how she and Charles Lee Ray became a couple have a "80's synth vibe". Likewise, the show features licensed music by groups and solo artists like Billie Eilish, Kim Petras, Electric Youth, The Go-Go's, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Shaed, Rob Zombie, and Blue Öyster Cult, amongst many others.{{cite web|url=https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a37940349/chucky-season-1-soundtrack-songs/|title='Chucky' Soundtrack - All the Songs from SyFy/USA Network Series|date=December 2, 2021|access-date=December 17, 2021|work=Men's Health|last=Romano|first=Evan|archive-date=December 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215015840/https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a37940349/chucky-season-1-soundtrack-songs/|url-status=live}}

Promotion and broadcast

File:Chucky panel @ New York Comic Con 2021, by Chris Roth.jpg. From left to right: Alex Vincent, Zackary Arthur, and Don Mancini.]]

Advertised as a "coming of rage" story, Chucky premiered simultaneously on Syfy and USA Network on October 12, 2021.{{cite magazine|last=Collis|first=Clark|date=July 15, 2021|title=Chucky first look: Get a killer tease of horror icon's TV show|url=https://ew.com/tv/chucky-tv-show-trailer-first-look-photo/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716140731/https://ew.com/tv/chucky-tv-show-trailer-first-look-photo/|archive-date=July 16, 2021|access-date=July 15, 2021|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} Prior to the premiere, both channels released several promotional posters and videos, including one where Chucky reenacts the trailer for the 1978 film Magic with his classic voodoo chant to Damballa.{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/trailers/1195822-chucky-sneak-peek-killer-doll-helps-a-friend-out-in-class|title=Chucky Sneak Peek: The Killer Doll Helps a Friend Out in Class|date=September 27, 2021|access-date=November 29, 2021|work=ComingSoon.net|last=De la Paz|first=Maggie|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129234227/https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/trailers/1195822-chucky-sneak-peek-killer-doll-helps-a-friend-out-in-class|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/horror/news/childs-play-tv-series-teaser-brings-chucky-to-life/|title=Child's Play TV Series Teaser Brings Chucky to Life|date=August 13, 2021|access-date=November 29, 2021|work=Comic Book|last=Perry|first=Spencer|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129234227/https://comicbook.com/horror/news/childs-play-tv-series-teaser-brings-chucky-to-life/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Squires|first=John|date=August 13, 2021|title="Chucky" Casts a Spell With New Teaser Video and Poster for 'Child's Play' TV Series|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3678409/chucky-casts-spell-new-teaser-video-poster-childs-play-tv-series/|url-status=live|access-date=November 30, 2021|work=Bloody Disgusting|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813191109/https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3678409/chucky-casts-spell-new-teaser-video-poster-childs-play-tv-series/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021 }} In June, Syfy presented the "Pride of Chucky" marathon, consisting of six of the seven films from the Child's Play franchise, in celebration of LGBTQ+ pride month.{{cite web|last=Perry|first=Spencer|date=June 7, 2021|title=SYFY Hosting "The Pride of Chucky" Child's Play Marathon This Wednesday|url=https://comicbook.com/horror/news/syfy-hosting-the-pride-of-chucky-childs-play-marathon-wednesday/|url-status=live|access-date=November 29, 2021|work=Comic Book|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607223110/https://comicbook.com/horror/news/syfy-hosting-the-pride-of-chucky-childs-play-marathon-wednesday/ |archive-date=June 7, 2021 }} On October 8, Don Mancini, Zackary Arthur, Jennifer Tilly and Alex Vincent attended the New York Comic Con, where a "Good Guys" branded ice cream truck was displayed.{{cite web|date=October 11, 2021|title=USA/SYFY's Chucky and The Many Crashed New York Comic Con|url=https://themany.com/news/usa-syfys-chucky-and-the-many-crashed-new-york-comic-con/|url-status=live|access-date=November 29, 2021|work=The Many|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011234419/https://themany.com/news/usa-syfys-chucky-and-the-many-crashed-new-york-comic-con/ |archive-date=October 11, 2021 }} A screening of the first episode was also held at the same event.

The series became available for streaming on Peacock after the season 1 finale on December 1, 2021.{{cite web|date=December 1, 2021|last=Squires|first=John|title=All 8 Episodes of "Chucky" Are Now Streaming On Peacock!|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3694069/8-episodes-chucky-now-streaming-peacock/|work=Bloddy Disgusting|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201163659/https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3694069/8-episodes-chucky-now-streaming-peacock/|url-status=live}} A week after the American premiere, Chucky premiered on Showcase in Canada on October 19, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/showcase-unveils-the-ultimate-fall-lineup-for-drama-comic-book-true-crime-horror-and-sci-fi-fans-899412218.html|title=Showcase Unveils the Ultimate Fall Lineup for Drama, Comic Book, True Crime, Horror, and Sci-Fi Fans|work=CISION|date=August 23, 2021|accessdate=October 8, 2021|archive-date=October 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005083139/https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/showcase-unveils-the-ultimate-fall-lineup-for-drama-comic-book-true-crime-horror-and-sci-fi-fans-899412218.html|url-status=live}} It is also available on Star+ for all of Latin America, 9Now in Australia, Mediaset Infinity in Italy and on Sky Sci-Fi in the United Kingdom and Ireland.{{cite web|last=Canhisares|first=Mariana|date=October 8, 2021|title=Chucky aterroriza suas vítimas em novo teaser da série; veja|url=https://www.omelete.com.br/terror/chucky-star-plus-teaser|url-status=live|access-date=October 11, 2021|work=Omelete|language=pt|archive-date=October 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011164820/https://www.omelete.com.br/terror/chucky-star-plus-teaser}}{{cite news|date=October 3, 2021|title=Star +: "Chucky, la serie", "American Horror Stories" y todos los estrenos que llegan en octubre|url=https://elcomercio.pe/saltar-intro/disney-plus/star-chucky-la-serie-american-horror-stories-y-todos-los-estrenos-de-la-plataforma-para-octubre-noticia/|url-status=live|access-date=October 11, 2021|work=El Comercio|language=es|archive-date=October 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012151235/https://elcomercio.pe/saltar-intro/disney-plus/star-chucky-la-serie-american-horror-stories-y-todos-los-estrenos-de-la-plataforma-para-octubre-noticia/}}{{cite web|url=https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2021/10/20/tv-adaptation-of-chucky-to-get-halloween-premiere-on-9now/|title=TV adaptation of CHUCKY to get Halloween premiere on 9NOW|access-date=November 2, 2021|work=TV Blackbox|date=October 19, 2021|publication-date=October 20, 2021|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103023428/https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2021/10/20/tv-adaptation-of-chucky-to-get-halloween-premiere-on-9now/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Cabras|first=Eva|date=January 13, 2022|title="Chucky", torna la serie tv con la Bambola Assassina più queer di sempre|url=https://www.corriere.it/spettacoli/cinema-serie-tv/cards/chucky-torna-serie-tv-la-bambola-assassina-piu-queer-sempre/chucky-tornato_principale.shtml|access-date=January 14, 2022|work=Corriere della Sera|language=it-IT|archive-date=January 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113201007/https://www.corriere.it/spettacoli/cinema-serie-tv/cards/chucky-torna-serie-tv-la-bambola-assassina-piu-queer-sempre/chucky-tornato_principale.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/dec/03/tv-tonight-chucky-the-killer-doll-returns-for-more-childs-play|title=TV tonight: Chucky the killer doll returns for more Child's Play|date=December 3, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|work=The Guardian|last=Richardson|first=Hollie|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207233535/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/dec/03/tv-tonight-chucky-the-killer-doll-returns-for-more-childs-play|url-status=live}}

The second season premiered on October 5, 2022.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/movies/chucky-season-2-teaser-premiere-date-reginald-the-vampire/|title=Chucky season 2 carves out October premiere date in announcement teaser|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Clark|last=Collis|date=July 14, 2022|access-date=July 14, 2022|archive-date=July 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714184251/https://ew.com/movies/chucky-season-2-teaser-premiere-date-reginald-the-vampire/|url-status=live}} The first trailer, released online on July 23, was going to premiere at the Chucky panel at San Diego Comic-Con that same day, but the show's crew cancelled their attendance just days prior for unclear reasons.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/chucky-season-2-trailer-date-confirmed/|title=Chucky Season 2 Trailer Confirmed For Saturday|date=July 21, 2022|access-date=July 24, 2022|website=Screen Rant|last=Fahadullah Hussaini|first=Syed|archive-date=July 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724132647/https://screenrant.com/chucky-season-2-trailer-date-confirmed/|url-status=live}} A second trailer was released by IGN on September 14, accompanied by a promotional poster that shows Chucky sitting on a golden throne that references past films and the religious themes of the second season.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/chucky-season-2-exclusive-trailer-and-poster-reveal |title=Chucky: Season 2 Exclusive Trailer and Poster Reveal |date=September 14, 2022 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=IGN |last=Griffin |first=David |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916161100/https://www.ign.com/articles/chucky-season-2-exclusive-trailer-and-poster-reveal |url-status=live }} A sneak peek of the second episode was screened during the Chucky panel at New York Comic Con, on October 7.{{Cite web |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/chucky-season-2-panel-new-york-comic-con-2022 |title='Chucky' brings Season 2 secrets, info on Andy's fate and a Chucky Cinematic Universe (?!) to NYCC |date=October 7, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Syfy Wire |last=Weiss |first=Josh |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007224606/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/chucky-season-2-panel-new-york-comic-con-2022 |url-status=live }}

The third season premiered on October 4, 2023, on Syfy and USA Network, with each episode later appearing on Peacock. The premiere announcement came in the form of a teaser, where Chucky confirms vague details about the season during a "foul-mouthed" press conference.{{Cite magazine |last=Collis |first=Clark |date=August 17, 2023 |title=Watch Chucky announce Chucky season 3 premiere date at foul-mouthed press conference |url=https://ew.com/tv/chucky-season-3-premiere-date-announcement/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817183803/https://ew.com/tv/chucky-season-3-premiere-date-announcement/ |url-status=live }} The first teaser trailer later came on August 31,{{Cite web |last=Squires |first=John |date=August 31, 2023 |title="Chucky" Season 3 Trailer – Chucky Takes Over the White House This Halloween! |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3777399/chucky-season-3-trailer-chucky-takes-over-the-white-house-this-halloween/ |access-date=August 31, 2023 |website=Bloody Disgusting! |language=en-US |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831181828/https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3777399/chucky-season-3-trailer-chucky-takes-over-the-white-house-this-halloween/ |url-status=live }} followed by the first official trailer on September 18.{{Cite web |last1=September 18 |first1=Clark Collis |last2=EDT |first2=2023 at 11:00 AM |title='Saturday Night Live' stars Sarah Sherman and Kenan Thompson make killer cameos in 'Chucky' season 3 trailer |url=https://ew.com/tv/chucky-trailer-season-3-kenan-thompson-sarah-sherman/ |access-date=September 18, 2023 |website=EW.com |language=en}} The second part of the third season premiered on April 10, 2024.

Reception

=Critical response=

On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds an approval rating of 89% based on 36 critic reviews, with an average rating of 7/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "A bloody good time that benefits greatly from Brad Dourif's return, Chucky may not play well for non-fans, but franchise devotees will find its absurd humor and creative horror very much intact on the small screen."{{cite Rotten Tomatoes|title=Chucky|id=chucky|type=tv|season=1|access-date=November 25, 2021|publisher_hide=y}}}{{cbignore}} Metacritic gave the series a weighted average score of 70 out of 100 based on 10 critic reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{cite Metacritic|title=Chucky|id=chucky|type=tv|season=1|access-date=October 13, 2021|publisher_hide=y}}}{{cbignore}}

Earlier reviews, which focused on the first four episodes that were sent to critics,{{cite web|last=McLevy|first=Alex|date=October 10, 2021|title=Chucky is as foul-mouthed and homicidal as ever in his new Syfy series|url=https://www.avclub.com/chucky-is-as-foul-mouthed-and-homicidal-as-ever-in-his-1847793081|url-status=live|access-date=October 14, 2021|work=The A.V. Club|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007183039/https://www.avclub.com/chucky-is-as-foul-mouthed-and-homicidal-as-ever-in-his-1847793081}}{{cite web|last=Fienberg|first=Daniel|date=October 11, 2021|title=Syfy and USA's 'Chucky': TV Review|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/chucky-review-1235029747/|url-status=live|access-date=October 14, 2021|work=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date=October 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011233213/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/chucky-review-1235029747/}} commented on how the franchise was adapted to the television format. Alex McLevy from The A.V. Club said that the series "retains all of [Chucky's] penchant for grotesque kills and juvenile, acidic humor", and that "when the oddball mix of sensibilities works, [the show] can be daffily entertaining". Television critic Daniel Fienberg finds the franchise "more funny than scary", with this installment still leaning towards the latter; writing for The Hollywood Reporter, he affirmed that "the series delivers solidly" when it comes to displaying Chucky in action, although being "a tiny bit unnerving when it shows how humans interact with the doll". Allison Keene from Paste described it as "surprisingly warm in terms of its atmosphere and direction",{{cite web|last=Keene|first=Allison|date=October 12, 2021|title=Chucky Makes a Delightfully Deranged Return in a New Series Full of Familiar Mayhem|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/syfy-usa/chucky-tv-series-review/|url-status=live|access-date=October 14, 2021|work=Paste Magazine|archive-date=October 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014090841/https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/syfy-usa/chucky-tv-series-review/}} whereas Steven Scaife from Slant called it a "funny, absurd series that engenders sympathy as well as shock", also stating: "It creates a world of malleable, alienated kids failed to varying degrees by their parents, and then it expresses the danger of what they find once they're pushed away".{{cite web|last=Scaife|first=Steven|date=October 8, 2021|title=Review: Chucky Is a Gruesome, Surprisingly Insightful Coming-of-Age Story|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/tv/chucky-childs-play-review/|url-status=live|access-date=October 14, 2021|work=Slant Magazine|archive-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016003305/https://www.slantmagazine.com/tv/chucky-childs-play-review/}}

On Rotten Tomatoes, the second season has an approval rating of 91% based on 11 reviews, with an average rating of 7/10.{{cite Rotten Tomatoes|title=Chucky|id=chucky|type=tv|season=2|access-date=October 16, 2022|publisher_hide=y}}}{{cbignore}} Reviewing the first two episodes that were sent to critics, Collider's Alyse Wax said that the show at first "just seems like standard everyday horrors", although being "fun" and "a delight".{{Cite web |last=Wax |first=Alyse |date=October 3, 2022 |title='Chucky' Season 2 Review: A Joyous Return for the Good Guy |url=https://collider.com/chucky-season-2-review-brad-dourif-jennifer-tilly-syfy-usa/ |access-date=October 11, 2022 |website=Collider |archive-date=October 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010145918/https://collider.com/chucky-season-2-review-brad-dourif-jennifer-tilly-syfy-usa/ |url-status=live }} Slash Film's Jeff Ewing highlighted the way the three main actors (Arthur, Arnarson and Alyn Lind) play off each other's performances, since they are "more convincing together than apart".{{Cite web |last=Jeff |first=Ewing |date=September 27, 2022 |title=Chucky Season 2 Review: The Series Makes Surprising Changes For A Fresh, Dangerous Season |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1026488/chucky-season-2-review-the-series-makes-surprising-changes-for-a-fresh-dangerous-season/ |access-date=October 11, 2022 |website=Slash Film |archive-date=October 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011131941/https://www.slashfilm.com/1026488/chucky-season-2-review-the-series-makes-surprising-changes-for-a-fresh-dangerous-season/?utm_campaign=clip |url-status=live }}

On Rotten Tomatoes, the third season holds an approval rating of 100% based on 13 reviews, with an average rating of 8.1/10. The website's critics consensus states, "Chucky takes Washington and ought to earn every horror fan's vote with this raucous third round of mayhem."{{cite Rotten Tomatoes|title=Chucky|id=chucky|type=tv|season=3|access-date=November 29, 2023|publisher_hide=y}}{{cbignore}}

=Ratings=

Within its first week, the show attracted a total of 4.4 million viewers, half of them being in the 18-49 demographic, according to Nielsen Media Research.{{cite web|first=Tony|last=Maglio|url=https://www.thewrap.com/chucky-tv-series-premiere-ratings-usa-network-syfy/|title='Chucky' Series Premiere Scares Up 4.4 Million Viewers Across USA and Syfy|work=The Wrap|date=October 25, 2021|access-date=October 26, 2021|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025205845/https://www.thewrap.com/chucky-tv-series-premiere-ratings-usa-network-syfy/|url-status=live}} It was one of the highest-rated premieres of 2021 in cable television.{{cite web|last=Selinger|first=Julia|date=October 25, 2021|title=Chucky Show Had One Of The Most-Watched New TV Series Premieres Of 2021|url=https://screenrant.com/chucky-show-premiere-numbers-viewership-2021-details/|url-status=live|access-date=October 27, 2021|work=Screen Rant|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026183543/https://screenrant.com/chucky-show-premiere-numbers-viewership-2021-details/ |archive-date=October 26, 2021 }} With the episodes later debuting on both Syfy and USA Network's official YouTube channels for free, Chucky also gathered 2.9 million views combined in the United States by October 25. Although it was the second most in-demand new TV series in mid-November, the sixth episode saw a 10.9% decrease in viewership as the Christmas season approached.{{cite web|date=November 17, 2021|title='Squid Game' and 'Chucky' Are This Week's Most In-Demand New TV Series {{!}} Chart|url=https://www.thewrap.com/squid-game-chucky-lost-symbol-tv-series-popular-parrot-analytics/|url-status=live|access-date=November 30, 2021|work=The Wrap|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117225619/https://www.thewrap.com/squid-game-chucky-lost-symbol-tv-series-popular-parrot-analytics/ |archive-date=November 17, 2021 }} The seventh episode, "Twice the Grieving, Double the Loss", was watched by 0.348 million viewers on USA Network and 0.350 million on Syfy, meaning an increase in viewership compared to the previous episode.{{cite web|last=Squires|first=John|date=November 29, 2021|title="Chucky" Again Experienced an Increase in Viewership on the Road to This Week's Season Finale!|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3693750/chucky-experienced-increase-viewership-road-weeks-season-finale/|url-status=live|access-date=November 30, 2021|work=Bloody Disgusting|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129171806/https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3693750/chucky-experienced-increase-viewership-road-weeks-season-finale/ |archive-date=November 29, 2021 }} The first season ended with its eighth episode and a smaller decrease in audience than the sixth, with 0.296 million viewers on Syfy and 0.313 million on USA Network.{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Marc |date=December 1, 2021 |title=Tuesday Ratings: NBC's 'La Brea' Concludes Season 1 on a Respectable Note; ABC and NBC Share Dominance |url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-nbcs-la-brea-concludes-season-1-on-a-respectable-note-abc-and-nbc-share-dominance/ |access-date=October 11, 2022 |website=Programming Insider |archive-date=December 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202021142/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-nbcs-la-brea-concludes-season-1-on-a-respectable-note-abc-and-nbc-share-dominance/ |url-status=live }}

The season two premiere was watched by 0.335 million viewers on Syfy and 0.320 million on USA Network.{{Cite web |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3737283/chucky-season-2-premiere-has-scared-up-nearly-5-million-views-across-all-platforms/ |title="Chucky" Season 2 Premiere Has Scared Up Nearly 5 Million Views Across All Platforms! |date=October 20, 2022 |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Bloody Disgusting |last=Squires |first=John |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202163320/https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3737283/chucky-season-2-premiere-has-scared-up-nearly-5-million-views-across-all-platforms/ |url-status=live }} In the following two weeks, the show was watched by 4 million people. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chucky was among the top 10 dramas in cable television among adults 18–49 in 2022.{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=January 15, 2023 |title='Chucky,' 'Reginald the Vampire' Renewed at Syfy |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/syfy-chucky-reginald-the-vampire-renewed-1235299943/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115170054/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/syfy-chucky-reginald-the-vampire-renewed-1235299943/ |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

=Accolades=

class="wikitable sortable"

|+

! Award

! Date of ceremony

! Category

! Nominee(s)

! Result

! class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}

Critics' Choice Super Awards

| March 17, 2022

| Best Horror Series

| Chucky

| {{nom}}

| align="center"|{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/awards/news/critics-choice-super-awards-spider-man-1235187084/|title=Critics Choice Super Awards: 'Spider-Man,' 'Justice League' Among Film Nominees; 'Evil,' 'Midnight Mass' Lead TV|date=February 22, 2022|access-date=April 7, 2022|website=Variety|last=Clayton|first=Davis|archive-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222170921/https://variety.com/2022/awards/news/critics-choice-super-awards-spider-man-1235187084/|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/critics-choice-super-awards-winners-2022-1235113929/|title=Critics Choice Super Awards 2022 Winners List|date=May 17, 2022|access-date=April 7, 2022|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Couch|first=Aaron|archive-date=March 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320131136/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/critics-choice-super-awards-winners-2022-1235113929/|url-status=live}}

GLAAD Media Awards

| April 2, 2022

| Outstanding New TV Series

| Chucky

| {{nom}}

| align="center"|{{cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2022/01/19/glaad-media-awards-nominations-2022-full-list-tv-nominees/ |title=GLAAD Media Awards: Yellowjackets, Chucky, Doom Patrol, Harlem and Hacks Among First-Time TV Nominees |work=TVLine |first=Matt Webb |last=Mitovich |date=January 19, 2022 |access-date=January 20, 2022 |archive-date=January 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119180613/https://tvline.com/2022/01/19/glaad-media-awards-nominations-2022-full-list-tv-nominees/ |url-status=live }}

Hollywood Critics Association Awards

| August 13, 2022

| Best Cable Network Series, Drama

| Chucky

| {{nom}}

| align="center"|{{Cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hca-tv-awards-broadcast-cable-2022-full-winners-list-1235198593/ |title=HCA TV Awards: 'White Lotus,' 'Abbott Elementary,' 'Better Call Saul' Lead Winners |date=August 13, 2022 |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |last=Gajewski |first=Ryan |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219194352/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hca-tv-awards-broadcast-cable-2022-full-winners-list-1235198593/ |url-status=live }}

rowspan="4"|Saturn Awards

| rowspan="4"|October 25, 2022

| Best Horror Television Series: Network/Cable

| Chucky

| {{nom}}

| rowspan="4" style="text-align: center;"| {{cite web |first=Armando |last=Tinoco |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/saturn-awards-2022-nominations-list-movies-tv-1235089636/ |title=2022 Saturn Awards Nominations: 'The Batman', Marvel Studios Score Big |publisher=Deadline |date=August 12, 2022 |accessdate=August 15, 2022 |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812202430/https://deadline.com/2022/08/saturn-awards-2022-nominations-list-movies-tv-1235089636/ |url-status=live }}

Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Network or Cable Television Series

| Zackary Arthur

| {{nom}}

Best Guest-Starring Performance in a Network or Cable Television Series

| Jennifer Tilly

| {{won}}

Best Television Series Release

| Chucky (Season 1)

| {{won}}

rowspan="2"| Critics' Choice Super Awards

| rowspan="2"| March 16, 2023

| Best Horror Series, Limited Series or TV Movie

| Chucky

| {{nom}}

| rowspan="2" align="center"|{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2023/awards/awards/the-batman-rrr-the-boys-rrr-critics-choice-super-awards-nominees-1235531937/ |title=Critics Choice Super Awards Nominees: The Batman, RRR, The Boys, Andor |date=February 22, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2023 |website=Variety |last=Davis |first=Clayton |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223044222/https://variety.com/2023/awards/awards/the-batman-rrr-the-boys-rrr-critics-choice-super-awards-nominees-1235531937/ |url-status=live }}
{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/2023-critics-choice-super-awards-winners-list-movies-tv-1235301769/ |title=Critics Choice Super Awards 2023 Winners List |date=March 16, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328224417/https://deadline.com/2023/03/2023-critics-choice-super-awards-winners-list-movies-tv-1235301769/ |url-status=live }}

Best Villain in a Series, Limited Series or TV Movie

| Brad Dourif

| {{nom}}

GLAAD Media Awards

| March 30, 2023

| Outstanding Drama Series

| Chucky

| {{nom}}

| align="center"|{{Cite web |url=https://tvline.com/lists/glaad-awards-2023-winners-list/ |title=GLAAD Media Awards 2023: Full Winners List |date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2023 |website=TVLine |last=Lanucci |first=Rebecca |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331063905/https://tvline.com/lists/glaad-awards-2023-winners-list/ |url-status=live }}

Fangoria Chainsaw Awards

| May 22, 2023

| Best Series

| Chucky

| {{nom}}

| align="center"|{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2023/awards/news/fangoria-2023-chainsaw-awards-nominations-1235502663/ |title=Fangoria's 2023 Chainsaw Awards: Full List of Nominees |date=January 27, 2023 |access-date=May 25, 2023 |website=Variety |last=Gilchrist |first=Todd |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127203113/https://variety.com/2023/awards/news/fangoria-2023-chainsaw-awards-nominations-1235502663/ |url-status=live }}
{{Cite web |url=https://www.fangoria.com/original/fangoria-2023-chainsaw-awards-winners/ |title=FANGORIA 2023 Chainsaw Awards Winners! |date=May 22, 2023 |access-date=May 25, 2023 |website=Fangoria |last=Melanson |first=Angel |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525015955/https://www.fangoria.com/original/fangoria-2023-chainsaw-awards-winners/ |url-status=live }}

rowspan="2"|Saturn Awards

| rowspan="2"|February 4, 2024

|Best Horror Television Series

| Chucky

|{{nom}}

|rowspan="2"|{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/saturn-awards-nominations-list-movies-tv-1235654052/ |title='Avatar: The Way of Water', 'Oppenheimer', 'Star Trek' Series Lead Nominations for Genre-Focused Saturn Awards |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=December 6, 2023 |access-date=December 8, 2023}}

Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series

|Zackary Arthur

|{{nom}}

Future

In March 2024, Don Mancini announced he was in the early stages of development on a new Chucky movie that would work in tandem with the series.{{Cite web |title=New Chucky Movie Confirmed |url=https://comicbook.com/horror/news/new-chucky-movie-confirmed-don-mancini-chucky-8/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=ComicBook.com |date=March 27, 2024 |language=en}}

In September 2024, he stated that the Chucky franchise would continue following the cancellation of the television series.

See also

References

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