CBS's sleeper hit sitcom, "Ghosts," a remake of the BBC original, is now available to stream for free on Pluto TV. The adaptation, which premiered in 2021, has quickly become a success for the network, earning multiple season renewals and no foreseeable end.
Like its British counterpart, the U.S. "Ghosts" centers on a young couple who inherit a large mansion, only to discover it is inhabited by a host of spectral residents. Showrunners Joe Port and Joe Wiseman adapted the beloved U.K. series, bringing its charm to American audiences while establishing its own unique identity.
While the original series benefited from the established chemistry of its creators and stars, the U.S. adaptation faced the challenge of replicating that dynamic. However, the CBS version quickly forged its own path, largely due to its expanded episode count in the first season compared to the BBC original. The American couple, Sam and Jay Arondekar, played by Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar, are portrayed as more interested in a lifestyle change than the desperate house hunt of their British counterparts.
The ensemble cast of ghosts also provides significant appeal. While the U.S. version draws inspiration from the original's characters, it introduces its own distinct personalities and historical contexts. For instance, the U.S. adaptation incorporates ghosts from periods such as Prohibition and the American Revolutionary War, alongside figures from 1960s cult communities. Although some characters, like Rebecca Wisocky's uptight Lady Henrietta Woodstone, echo their British counterparts, the show allows its spectral residents to develop unique characteristics as the series progresses. Thorfinn, a Viking character played by Devan Chandler Long, offers a different interpretation compared to the original's prehistoric protagonist.
Staying True to the Core
Despite these divergences, the American "Ghosts" successfully captures the essence of the original. The series grounds its supernatural elements through the relatable experiences of the living couple, highlighting how their interactions humanize the ghosts. Furthermore, the development of the ghost characters, from spectral nuisances to a cohesive, albeit undead, family, forms the heartwarming core of the sitcom.
By embracing these fundamental themes, Port and Wiseman have crafted an adaptation that transcends mere imitation, offering a truly engaging viewing experience. "Ghosts" is currently available to stream for free on Pluto TV.