Historically, most horror films and TV shows have been just that, horror. Sure, you have your fair share of comedic takes on the genre, but most horror productions are played for the scares. That’s where CBS’ Ghosts is different.
A remake of a British comedy of the same name, It’s a bit of an outlier in the notoriously safe world of broadcast TV. In other words, networks typically stick to what they know is a sure bet for success. Reality competition shows, procedural dramas, and ensemble-centered sitcoms with or without laugh tracks are a few of the most prominent examples. In a world increasingly dominated by streaming, broadcast nets seem less inclined to take risks, relying on what works to keep their ever-dwindling ratings from going any lower.
That’s where Ghosts shakes things up. The straight fantasy/supernatural elements make it stand out in the comedy world, both on CBS and on broadcast in general. In a television world where most comedies fall into either family or friend group stories, Ghosts combines the two with a touch of the spirit world. This uniqueness (and trickiness to film) has likely played a big role in propelling it alongside Young Sheldon as one of TV’s top comedies. So, why exactly is Ghosts the best horror comedy on TV? Let’s get into the spirit of things. Get it?
Let’s set up the show’s plot for those who don’t know. Married couple Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) inherit the stately Woodstone Manor from a deceased relative of Sam. A free mansion seems too good to be true, and it is. We quickly learn the estate is also inhabited by the spirits of several quirky people who died on the property over the last 1,000 years.
Initially, neither Sam nor Jay can see the ghosts, though that changes when Sam slips and falls down the stairs. After briefly legally dying, Sam revives, now able to see and interact with the ghosts. Though she tries to dismiss them as hallucinations, she soon accepts the less-than-alive tenants with which they’ll share their home. Sam and Jay ultimately decide to stay in Woodstone and begin converting it into a bed-and-breakfast.
There’s nothing quite like Ghosts anywhere on network television, which is likely why it’s achieved its success, both with critics and audiences. Though 80% of the main cast is literally made up of ghosts (hence the title), we can’t necessarily call this “horror.” Horror needs to be scary, and Ghosts just isn’t. Don’t worry; that’s good, and it’s by design.
