The fifth season of Ghosts US has landed on BBC iPlayer, a remake of the original UK version, which faced tough criticism when it first came out in 2021.
The British comedy, helmed by the Horrible Histories and Yonderland stars, landed in 2019, about a gaggle of eccentric ghosts haunting a large manor inherited by unassuming couple Alison and Mike, ran for five seasons and will return for a feature-length movie.
It was met with widespread praise during its run on TV, but there was far more scepticism when its American counterpart (starring Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar as our central couple) aired.
It was dubbed everything from a ‘poor copy of the original’ to a ‘cheap knockoff’ to a ‘flawed remake’.
But it seems to have proved the haters wrong and, with 22-episode-long seasons to tuck into – considerably more than the British show’s modest six-episode stints – it’s comfortably hit its stride, already eyeing up a sixth season which will land in the US this autumn.
The show is not a beat-for-beat rehash of the original, with its own unique ghosts and storylines, and by season five, we’ve long strayed from any recognisable plotlines as it goes totally in its own direction.
In fact, the new series seems to have impressed fans who have already watched it.
‘The American version is consistent, pretty good with some bright moments,’ Blanca M praised on Rotten Tomatoes, averaging an impressive 87% audience score for the show as a whole.
‘Well if the last season was the best yet then this is better. It’s also the funniest season in the entire show. There are episodes in this season that will keep you laughing throughout,’ Zane T hailed.
‘First half of this season has the old magic back,’ Jen N reflected.
Metro TV writer Asyia Iftikhar on what she loves about Ghosts US
Like many other Ghosts UK fans I originally groaned at the idea of a US version of the show, and was sure it was a mistake.
Nevertheless, as someone who loves the premise of a household of kooky ghosts (and Rose McIver) I decided to give the show a chance and I’m glad I did.
Yes, there were times where the American humour didn’t quite land for me, but more often than not, the show has made me laugh out loud and I have grown quite fond of the eccentric band of spirits conjured up in this new version.
There’s a gay Revolutionary War veteran, Isaac, a forever high 60s hippie called Flower and a self-obsessed jazz singer, Alberta. What’s not to love?
The fact that there are so many episodes in every season is the cherry on top, and it fills a void left by the UK version of giving us even more time with our resident ghosts.
For fellow sceptics, take the new season landing as your sign to give the show a try.
‘The series manages to keep itself fresh with new situations, ghosts and stunts. The feel of an old sitcom is to be cherished. There aren’t many shows that manage to accomplish what Ghosts does in this day and age,’ Cin C echoed.
Phillip A agreed that it was ‘such a fun show’ and ‘binge-worthy’.
‘Ghosts Season 5 continues to ensure that the series remains the best sitcom on TV.’ Fangirlish declared.
‘From new ghost powers to saving Jay from a Hell-ish fate, it’s always fun to see what shenanigans this found family gets up to. A top-tier cast that continues to deliver!’ Pop Culture Planet teased.
In fact, Ghosts US has paved the way for more remakes to be made, and Australia just launched their own spin-off, following the UK with a traditional six-episode format.
The Australian version is also a bucket of fun with its own culturally and historically specific ghosts roaming the halls of the Aussie couple’s home.
But if you’ve already binged the new remake and are getting withdrawals, then look no further. This is your sign to binge-watch Ghosts US.
Ghosts US seasons one to five are now streaming on BBC iPlayer.