When “Ghosts” first aired in the UK in 2019, it became a hit for its comedy. The show features a married couple, Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) and Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe), who inherit a large house. They want to renovate it and turn it into a luxury hotel in the English countryside.
After an accident, Alison realizes she can see and hear the ghosts in the house. The ghosts range from a caveman named Robin (Laurence Richard) to Alison’s ancestor, Lady Fanny Button (Martha Howe-Douglas). They all bring humor as they interact with Alison, who can communicate with them.
Alison and Mike work hard to make their hotel dream come true while living with the ghosts, whom they consider friends. After five seasons, the creators decided to end the series.
The US version of “Ghosts” started in 2021 with a similar idea. Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) inherit a property and plan to turn it into a high-quality bed-and-breakfast. In Season 1, Sam falls down the stairs and discovers she can see the ghosts at Woodstone Manor.
The ghosts in the US version are different from the British show. There is a Native American spirit named Sasappis (Roman Zaragoza), Sam’s relative from the 1890s, Hetty Woodstone (Rebecca Wisocky), and an American Revolutionary War soldier, Captain Isaac Higgintoot (Brandon Scott Jones).
‘Ghosts’ in the US Is A More Positive Cast
The show is about to start its fourth season this fall. Besides some cultural differences, there is one major change between the two versions.
In the UK show, Alison and Mike never get their hotel up and running. Over the five seasons, they try various ways to make money. In Season 1, they let a film crew use the estate, but part of the floor collapses, ending that plan.
In Season 2, they start ghost tours since people want to see real ghosts. However, when the ghosts are not available, Alison pretends to be a ghost herself. She is found out, and the tours are called a hoax. They also try to rent the home for weddings but do not earn much.
They even try to sell the property to a hotel chain, but the deal falls through when ‘plague ghosts’ are discovered in the basement. Despite their efforts, Alison and Mike never have a solid business plan or the financial skills needed for long-term success.
On the other hand, Sam and Jay in the US version are more successful than Alison and Mike. They are more organized with their finances and plans. They have clear goals and work well as a team. While they are not making a lot of money right away, they steadily move towards their dream.
Sam and Jay use their past work experience to advance their business. Jay plans to open a restaurant at Woodstone Manor in Season 4, and Sam takes extra freelance writing jobs to support their income. They also use social media and rewards programs creatively to attract more customers.
The US version of “Ghosts” has a more positive and cheerful tone compared to the UK show. Alison and Mike face many problems and disappointments in their world. However, Sam and Jay bring optimism, which adds to the comedy. Their positive outlook makes it easier to enjoy the show.
The characters of Sam and Jay make it believable that they can turn Woodstone into a successful business. They are smart, independent, and creative, and with the ghosts’ help, they can achieve their goals.
This upbeat tone makes the US “Ghosts” more fun and humorous. American comedies often have a lighter tone compared to British comedies. By focusing less on financial failures and more on the ghosts’ antics, the US version is more enjoyable.
For instance, Season 3 includes the memorable episode “Holes Are Bad,” which reveals how Hetty died. The US version’s success allows it to explore various storylines while keeping the mood light.
As the series continues, the US “Ghosts” will likely continue to develop its unique path. The UK version shows Alison having a baby, but the US version does not plan to have Sam and Jay become parents soon.
This means the US “Ghosts” can keep going in its own direction. Even though Sam and Jay might face future business challenges, their current success suggests the show will keep moving forward with hope.
Season 4 of “Ghosts” will start on October 17 on CBS. You can stream Seasons 1-3 of the American version on Paramount+ in the U.S.
