Ghosts, the renowned supernatural fantasy sitcom, is officially in line for another remake, following the success of the US version. The original series was a British sitcom that aired on BBC One for five seasons from April 2019 to December 2023. It was previously remade by CBS in 2021, with Season 4 currently set to premiere on October 17, 2024. Like The Office and many other versatile concepts, Ghosts is a show that can be adapted into multiple versions, with changes in location creating a unique experience for its viewers.
According to Deadline, BBC Australia is currently developing another remake of Ghosts, soon after the success of the UK and US versions. The series, which will premiere on Paramount+ and Network 10, will follow the same premise as the original, focusing on a couple, Sean and Kate, who inherit a haunted mansion, unaware that it is inhabited by a bunch of restless souls who desperately need her help. Kate can apparently see these ghosts. Daniel Monaghan, Paramount Australia’s Content & Programming SVP, is very thrilled about the new remake, as he noted in a recent statement announcing the Ghosts remake:
Ghosts has been a smash hit in the UK and U.S. and has also attracted a very loyal fanbase here in Australia. With a stellar cast yet to be announced, we can’t wait to bring to life our very own series with an Aussie twist.
Deadline also reported in March 2024 that two or more versions of Ghosts are in the works, citing the recent series’ overwhelming positive ratings on CBS. While an Australian remake is one of them, Ghosts is also being remade in Spain and Germany. Matt Forde from BBC Studios Global Entertainment confirmed the announcement a few months ago, saying:
“There are two or three other versions in the works. We love those shows and love the UK versions. We are finding ways into these worlds in local creative communities.”
The Ghosts Franchise Keeps Growing
Thus far, both versions of Ghosts have been hugely successful with audiences, although the original is held in high regard compared to the US version. Since the latest versions have added their own touch, the original scripts have changed accordingly. As a result, the Australian version will provide a distinct experience, with the creators adding an Aussie spin to cater to the local audiences.
The latest news also highlights the success of Ghosts on a global scale and how the new remake could accomplish a similar result if done correctly. For instance, the CBS program incorporated different characters to make it more of a standalone remake rather than an exact replica, and the results were fairly obvious.
Following the norm, the Australian series is likely to feature stories and characters from the country’s illustrious history, similar to what the US and UK versions did from the Revolutionary War and Georgian era, respectively. Having said that, the setting will essentially remain the same, with the couple confronting new challenges from spirits in the haunted mansion.
