While Ghosts has a lot in common with the original UK sitcom that inspired the series, the show made one great change to the formula of its predecessor. Ghosts follows Sam and Jay, a couple who move into a rundown mansion that they inherit from a distant relative. After a near-death experience, Sam gains the ability to see and communicate with the many ghosts that haunt the house. To her surprise, most of the ghosts in CBS’s Ghosts are surprisingly affable, even if their in-group squabbles keep her busy. This premise is almost identical to the original series.
Beginning in 2019, the original British version of Ghosts features Allison and Mike, a couple who go through almost the exact same trials and tribulations as their American counterparts. Mike is more impulsive and immature than Jay, and Sam is less level-headed than her British equivalent, Allison. The two shows also have different ghosts, although their lineups share a lot of similarities. However, the biggest existential difference between the US and UK versions of Ghosts has more to do with the divergent outlooks of both shows, as epitomized in two very different approaches to the same subplot.
CBS’s Ghosts Makes Sam and Jay’s Hotel More Successful
In CBS’s Ghosts, Sam and Jay’s attempts to convert the mansion into a hotel are largely successful, and their financial struggles aren’t the driving force of the series. It takes the pair most of season 1 to iron out the kinks with their plan, but the couple are soon the owners of a successful hotel. In contrast, the British show’s central duo spent all five seasons struggling to make ends meet. This might be part of the reason for the success of CBS’s Ghosts, as the series has a more optimistic outlook than the British series it is based on.
Like The Office, Ghosts changed a lot of details while translating a UK comedy show to US television. Ghosts is less cynical than the BBC sitcom, and Sam and Jay’s success is the most notable example of this. In the British version of Ghosts, it can be tough to watch Allison and Mike repeatedly fail to make the mansion’s upkeep financially viable whether they are using the house as a hotel, a party venue, or a shooting location. In the US version of the series, the couple’s finances are mentioned less frequently, and keeping the mansion from ruin doesn’t stress them.
Changing Sam And Jay’s Struggles Works For CBS’s Ghosts
While Ghosts season 3’s twists proved the show does have some surprises up its sleeve, the CBS hit is mostly known for its warm sense of humor and light-hearted tone. Although the British original shares these qualities, the show does have a darker sense elf humor that delights in setting the heroes up for failure. Like the CBS show’s addition of new ghosts, the decision to jettison this darker edge ensures that the remake doesn’t feel like a carbon copy of the original show. Thus, CBS’s Ghosts is simultaneously both a worthy follow-up and its own unqiue show.
