CBS's critically acclaimed sitcom 'Ghosts,' a US adaptation of the British series of the same name, is now available to stream for free on Pluto TV. The show, which premiered in 2021, has become a sleeper hit for the network, earning multiple renewals and an extended future.
The premise of 'Ghosts' follows a young couple who inherit a grand mansion, only to discover it is inhabited by a host of ghosts from various historical periods. While the core concept mirrors the original BBC series, the CBS adaptation, developed by showrunners Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, carves out its own identity. Unlike the original's working-class protagonists, the US version features Samantha "Sam" (Rose McIver) and Jay Arondekar (Utkarsh Ambudkar), a couple looking to leave city life behind.
The adaptation significantly expands on the original's narrative, with the first season of the CBS version comprising 18 episodes compared to the BBC's six. This larger scope allows for more extensive character development for both the living residents and the spectral inhabitants. The ghosts themselves represent diverse American historical eras, including the Prohibition era, the American Revolutionary War, and 1960s cult communities, offering a distinct flavor from the more British-centric characters of the original.
While certain character archetypes, such as the uptight lady of the manor, draw parallels to their British counterparts, the US 'Ghosts' develops its spectral cast into unique individuals. For instance, Thorfinn, a Viking character, offers a different dynamic compared to the original's prehistoric caveman. Despite these divergences, the series retains the essential elements that made the original successful.
Core Elements Remain Intact
The US adaptation successfully maintains the grounded perspective provided by the living couple, whose interactions with the ghosts serve to humanize the spectral characters. Furthermore, the show's narrative arc, which sees the ghosts evolving from territorial spirits to embracing the changes brought by the living residents, underscores the familial dynamic that defines the sitcom. This evolution, combined with the show's commitment to the original's core themes, elevates the series beyond a simple remake.
'Ghosts' is currently streaming on Pluto TV.