Ghosts is capable of serving as a reasonably breezy binge. Using a procedural format, iZombie blends comedy with the supernatural. Liv uses her job as a medical examiner to quench her thirst for brains but also realizes that eating brains allows her to absorb the memories and personalities of the dead. She used her unique set of skills to solve murders, which helps the show craft mysteries laced with humor. And like Ghosts, it boasts a cast of quirky and engaging characters. Those who enjoy watching Jay bumble through a house with roommates he can’t see, may also appreciate watching Rahul Kohli bring his excellent comedic timing to Ravi, Liv’s co-worker and part-time crime-solving sidekick.
At times, ghosts can feel a bit stuck in a mansion. Most characters can’t leave the estate’s grounds, so the show is self-contained. iZombie, as a police procedural, gets out into the streets more to explore the world. While a procedural, iZombie still has the overarching mystery of why Liv became a zombie. Diving into that mystery means that the episodes aren’t as self-contained as episodes of Ghosts. The shifts in location make the show feel a bit more fast-paced. Liv is constantly battling the clock, whereas the ghosts have nothing but time. Naturally, that affects the tone of the show.
Liv and her friends are in their 20s and dealing with the stresses of being single.
The show is also inherently darker because Liv works in a morgue and eats brains with hot sauce, but the show typically plays most of the brain-eating for laughs. Liv often mixes the brains with ramen because they have a similar appearance. iZombie also skews a bit younger. Sam and Jay are in their 30s and building a business, whereas Liv and her friends are in their 20s and dealing with the stresses of being single.
Both shows bring a unique twist to the supernatural comedy, but iZombie has a grittier, more fast-paced tone than the heartwarming humor of Ghosts. Both shows expertly incorporate supernatural elements and an engaging cast of funny characters. The weekly mysteries should provide a fun binge while waiting for the next season of Ghosts.
