There are many reasons why remakes can be beneficial. They can bring new audiences to a show and remind fans why they loved a project in the first place. Franchises will always hold a spot in our viewing schedules.
Adding more shows to franchises like Law & Order, 9-1-1, or One Chicago allows viewers to see more details about a particular world.
These franchises can create dedicated fans who will watch anything related to the original shows, and there’s always a chance for a fun crossover episode.
However, sometimes franchises can expand too much, which can lead to a less enjoyable experience for viewers.
The Origin of Ghosts
Ghosts began as a British sitcom on the BBC in 2019. The show tells the story of a married couple who inherit a property filled with spirits.
After the wife has an accident, she gains the ability to see the ghosts, which include a Shakespearean poet and a caveman.
This situation leads to many funny moments. The series ran for five seasons and ended in December 2023.
In 2019, CBS announced plans for an American version of the show, which debuted in October 2021. The US version has become very popular, with many loyal fans.
It is one of CBS’ top shows, attracting millions of viewers and preparing for its fourth season. However, recent news about future versions of Ghosts has raised concerns among fans that the franchise might be expanding too much.
Will More Adaptations Harm Ghosts?
Even though the US version of Ghosts is a remake, it has enough differences to stand alone. The ghosts have been adapted to American culture, adding characters like a Revolutionary War soldier, a Native American man, and a 1920s jazz singer.
Sam (played by Rose McIver) and Jay (played by Utkarsh Ambudkar) also manage Woodstone Manor better than their British counterparts managed Button House.
Many viewers in the US did not see the UK version because it did not air on major television networks, although some might have watched it on streaming services.
Having both versions seemed fine at first since there has not been much overlap in plot, aside from the basic idea of the show.
However, now there is a German version being made by BBC Studios Germany, and a French version is also in development.
An Australian adaptation has been announced, set to premiere on Paramount+ in 2025. The US version will now have to compete for viewers with these other adaptations, which can dilute what makes Ghosts special.
The US version is already following familiar territory laid out by the UK sitcom. With multiple shows sharing the same idea and similar characters airing at once, the unique qualities of the series may become less noticeable.
The original Ghosts was not based on a major movie, toy, or another successful project, making it unique with its fresh concept. However, if there are many versions of the same series, its specialness may fade.
A Bigger Problem in Hollywood
Creating many adaptations of the same show highlights that many studios prefer to promote ideas that have already been successful rather than support original ideas. Recent Emmy winner Richard Gadd (from Baby Reindeer) mentioned this in his acceptance speech.
He said, “I know the industry is in a slump right now, and I know it might put pressure on networks and stuff to tighten the purse strings and broaden the slate, but I do believe no slump was ever broken without willingness to take risks.”
Gadd’s statement is significant and addresses the current state of Hollywood. It calls out studios that focus too much on airing franchises or shows with an established fan base. This limits the chances for truly unique ideas to shine.
If studios and streaming services can only approve a limited number of projects each year, this restricts the number of original projects that can be seen by viewers.
At this rate, in the future, we might only watch reboots, remakes, and spin-offs with no special or different ideas.
It is understandable that the Ghosts team wants to take advantage of their success, but the US version may struggle to keep some of what made it great.
It will have to compete with various global versions of their show that are airing simultaneously. This expansion could also push away the core fans who started watching because of the original concept.
What’s Next for Ghosts?
The US version of Ghosts has many exciting storylines planned for its next season. It has been revealed that Jay will gain the ability to see the ghosts for the first time, while Isaac (played by Brandon Scott Jones) will find himself in trouble with a new ghost named Patience.
The interesting developments in the show should not be overshadowed by yet another version of the series being created.
While it is great that more people around the world will experience the Ghosts universe, it is unfortunate that the ongoing series might be affected by these new adaptations.
Hopefully, Ghosts US will continue its fun supernatural adventures and remain distinct from the many international versions. Maybe Hollywood will learn that creating many adaptations does not always guarantee success, but great storytelling does.
The first three seasons of Ghosts US are available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S. The fourth season will premiere on October 17 on CBS.
