At first glance, the premise of Ghosts may sound like the setup for a horror movie: a young couple from New York City inherits a dilapidated mansion and, despite financial challenges, decides to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast—only to discover it’s haunted by numerous ghosts, visible only to the wife.
However, CBS’s Ghosts—airing Thursdays at 9 p.m./8 p.m. central and streaming on Paramount+—isn’t a horror or typical supernatural sitcom. Executive producer Joe Port describes it more as a “weird roommate comedy with a romantic comedy at its core.” Once the BnB opens, it might even take on elements of a workplace comedy. At its heart, Ghosts is a tale of an unconventional family figuring out how to coexist, even when some members are dead.
“In a show about accommodation, about a BnB, it’s about accommodating each other,” says Rose McIver, who plays freelance journalist and novice ghost whisperer Samantha Arondekar, in a recent interview. Her husband, Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), is a quirky chef, and together they navigate life in the haunted Woodstone Manor.
The show has proven popular, becoming one of the most-watched first-year comedies on broadcast TV during the 2021-2022 season, averaging 8.2 million viewers, according to Variety. Its creative blend of genres works seamlessly, reflecting both the humor and the heart of the story.
Adapted from a British series of the same name, Ghosts begins when Sam inherits Woodstone Manor after a distant relative passes away, along with all the spirits residing there. Following an injury, Sam gains the ability to communicate with the ghosts, including a Viking, a Lenape Indigenous American, a Revolutionary War captain, and a Victorian lady, among others. Each ghost brings their own unique history and quirks, creating a rich tapestry of characters.
The dynamic between the living and the dead is central to the show. The ghosts provide insights from their diverse experiences, while Sam and Jay help them navigate their centuries-old issues. As Ambudkar explains, Sam takes on a maternal role, trying to care for everyone’s needs despite feeling overwhelmed. This character complexity makes her relatable and engaging.
McIver describes Sam as “overbearing” yet driven by a deep desire for approval, making her character a joy to portray. Jay, while unable to see the ghosts, believes Sam’s experiences and engages with the situation, showcasing a refreshing acceptance compared to typical portrayals in the genre. Instead of skepticism, Jay’s enthusiasm adds a unique twist, with Wiseman noting it makes for a more entertaining dynamic.
In essence, Ghosts is not just about supernatural antics but also about the challenges of coexistence, acceptance, and the relationships that form in a blended family of the living and the dead. As the series continues, fans can look forward to more heartwarming and humorous moments that explore these themes in inventive ways.
