451 reviews
Not just a remake, it has its own stories.
Samantha inherits a fabulous old mansion house, when she suffers an accident in her new place, she comes round and can see faces from the past, The Ghosts.
Now, to address the elephant in the room, I am crazy about the original, it is a favourite show, and I came to this with a degree of scepticism, however, having raced my way through the series, my opinions are pretty much all favourable.
I was expecting direct reworkings of The British episodes, and one or two have that element, but largely each story is original, and wonderfully done.
Some ghosts are direct replacements, others are very much original, Flower for example, she's pretty unique.
Favourite ghost for me, has to be Thorfinn, and it seems the producers loved him too, he gets his fair share of big storylines, Devan Chandler Long is just wonderful.
You could very easily race through the whole series, it is that watchable, highlights for me included Thor's funeral, Trevor's trousers and Alberta's fan, but trust me it is loaded with gems.
Go in with an open mind, give it a chance, you may just be surprised, I'm not often impressed with remakes, reinterpretations, whatever you call them, but this one works on most levels.
8/10.
Now, to address the elephant in the room, I am crazy about the original, it is a favourite show, and I came to this with a degree of scepticism, however, having raced my way through the series, my opinions are pretty much all favourable.
I was expecting direct reworkings of The British episodes, and one or two have that element, but largely each story is original, and wonderfully done.
Some ghosts are direct replacements, others are very much original, Flower for example, she's pretty unique.
Favourite ghost for me, has to be Thorfinn, and it seems the producers loved him too, he gets his fair share of big storylines, Devan Chandler Long is just wonderful.
You could very easily race through the whole series, it is that watchable, highlights for me included Thor's funeral, Trevor's trousers and Alberta's fan, but trust me it is loaded with gems.
Go in with an open mind, give it a chance, you may just be surprised, I'm not often impressed with remakes, reinterpretations, whatever you call them, but this one works on most levels.
8/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Jan 5, 2023
- Permalink
Not the UK one
I watched the UK version and liked it..I started watching the US version and didn't think I would like it. At first I didn't give the pilot a very high score. I came back and started it again and fell in love with it...As I got to know all of the ghosts and felt this was a charming series. I laugh at most of the episodes and binged on all of the episodes so far. I found no it's not the British one but It is just as good and I found in a lot of the episodes I liked better. So this Americanized version is very good in it's own right.
- boggie4758
- Oct 7, 2021
- Permalink
redacting my first review....
Originally I was all about the BBC version and against how Americanized this version became. Yet, I find that the story lines and fun and games is just like watching lego masters uk/us/aus there are so many story Arcs to be told. I am now a fan of this. It was fun to watch the similarities but seperating it, biggup to the husband for perfect portrayal of not knowing whats going on but knowing whats good.
One Guy Looks Like Hamilton. Wait how do you know about him?
Ghosts is an ensemble company adapted from a British original version. I haven't seen that version. I do enjoy the North American version though. A young couple inherit an estate in upstate New York. They plan to turn it into a bed and breakfast. The ghosts appear only to the wife after an accident. The ghosts come from different periods in American history, the cast is great and the writing is sharp. It's a well done show.
The ghosts all have different stories about how they ended up dead and earthbound. I love Issac and Hetty. They have great chemistry. There is a Native American male, a Viking, a hippy female, a Boy Scout leader with an arrow in his neck, an early jazz singer and a Wall Street guy, Trevor, with pants and underwear. These are the core ghosts in the cast. There are ghosts downstairs who died from cholera.
I enjoy a good comedy and there is plenty of it here, The writers come up with creative storylines that work for the cast.
The ghosts all have different stories about how they ended up dead and earthbound. I love Issac and Hetty. They have great chemistry. There is a Native American male, a Viking, a hippy female, a Boy Scout leader with an arrow in his neck, an early jazz singer and a Wall Street guy, Trevor, with pants and underwear. These are the core ghosts in the cast. There are ghosts downstairs who died from cholera.
I enjoy a good comedy and there is plenty of it here, The writers come up with creative storylines that work for the cast.
- Sylviastel
- Mar 20, 2022
- Permalink
I hope this haunts CBS for 5 more seasons
I love this show it's absolutely awesome. I know there's a BBC version that came first but this one is really fun and it's different and there's no cops and robbers and thieves or anything like that ... it's just fun. Really needed a serieslike this. I hope it lasts many more seasons. The characters are fun there's great chemistry between the entire cast and especially between the wife and the husband.
- dogma-53668
- Nov 27, 2021
- Permalink
Charming
I have not seen the British version, but I found this show very funny and original. Lots of fun quirky characters and I laughed out loud, which I rarely do. Great addition to the Thursday lineup.
- cockezville
- Oct 15, 2021
- Permalink
LOVE IT!
I just binge watched the first season and I must say I love it!
It's sweet and funny and interesting. Very entertaining!
I love the story and the fact that the ghosts are from different periods of times makes it even funnier.
The cast is doing a great job!
Can't wait for a second season!!
Give it a chance, don't listen to the bad reviews! Highly HIGHLY recommended!!
Thumbs up!
Season two is as great as the first one! This show always puts a smile on my face! Love it!!!
It's sweet and funny and interesting. Very entertaining!
I love the story and the fact that the ghosts are from different periods of times makes it even funnier.
The cast is doing a great job!
Can't wait for a second season!!
Give it a chance, don't listen to the bad reviews! Highly HIGHLY recommended!!
Thumbs up!
Season two is as great as the first one! This show always puts a smile on my face! Love it!!!
- Just-A-Girl-14
- Apr 8, 2022
- Permalink
pretty good if you haven't seen the original
If I had never watched the brilliant, hilarious, charming British TV series Ghosts I probably would watch a few more episodes of this American version. It's cute, it's somewhat funny, it's an interesting premise.
But it is also inferior in every way to the original. The living couple protagonists are so much more charming, the jokes are so much funnier, the pacing is so much sharper.
The ghosts are a mix of copies the English originals (pantless politician, arrow-through-the-neck scout leader) and ghosts unique to this version (hippy chick, flapper) and I feel they might have been better off taking the idea but creating all original ghosts, simply to make it less like a pale shadow of the original.
No reason not to watch this, but definitely check out the British version. It's amazing.
But it is also inferior in every way to the original. The living couple protagonists are so much more charming, the jokes are so much funnier, the pacing is so much sharper.
The ghosts are a mix of copies the English originals (pantless politician, arrow-through-the-neck scout leader) and ghosts unique to this version (hippy chick, flapper) and I feel they might have been better off taking the idea but creating all original ghosts, simply to make it less like a pale shadow of the original.
No reason not to watch this, but definitely check out the British version. It's amazing.
Glad I ignored the sceptics
Enjoying this very much so far - of course it's not the Original, so it lacks a fair bit of Originality (like the replacement cast of Horrible Histories, come to think of it, but so far much better than that disappointment). Starting strong with well-developed parallels to many of the original characters, bouncy dialogue and gags, so I'm cheerfully ploughing through batches of these short episodes with great content and lots of chuckles. Of course I prefer Lady Fanny to her Henry Jamesian counterpart and know there could never have been a substitute Captain, but it seems already that superficially-cheery Scout-ish masters and sleezy yuppies are the same in the afterlife everywhere. Quality Viking contribution, although I'm perplexed ay his fixation with cod rather than herring so far. A great Jazz age diva and a Native American wiseguy are promising and I'm looking forward to more of lovechild Flower and alternative founding Father Isaac too. An American adaptation of a BBC original that really hasn't got it wrong at all.
- carol-morley
- Nov 20, 2022
- Permalink
Before and Laughter
Okay, okay, everyone knows this series was based on an earlier British version. But did you know that criticizing this eclectic cast of ghosts could lead one self to being haunted for the rest of your petty lives?
The first episode reminded me of a stage play but then Mrs. Shullivan and I continued watching episodes 2 and 3 and as the cast of ghosts became more familiar to us, it grew on us and we are starting to enjoy the storylines. In some regards it also reminded us of the much earlier (1968-1970) TV series The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.
The two stars are a young married couple Samantha (Rose McIver) who inherited the haunted castle and her husband Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) and decide to renovate it and try and turn it into a bed and breakfast. The ghosts who have inhabited the castle for centuries are not too thrilled with their home being turned into a Bed and Breakfast but a compromise is achieved.
Samantha has acquired the ability to see and speak to her castle full of ghosts as well as a basement filled with zombies and her husband Jay has no choice but to believe Samantha's ability to speak to the dead as she proves through her actions that only a ghost could have known.
I say to the naysayers, give it time, and maybe, just maybe the ghosts will not haunt your dreams. It is an eclectic cast of characters, funny, innovative and quirky. They will grow on you just as they have on Mrs. Shullivan and I after only the first three (3) episodes.
The first episode reminded me of a stage play but then Mrs. Shullivan and I continued watching episodes 2 and 3 and as the cast of ghosts became more familiar to us, it grew on us and we are starting to enjoy the storylines. In some regards it also reminded us of the much earlier (1968-1970) TV series The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.
The two stars are a young married couple Samantha (Rose McIver) who inherited the haunted castle and her husband Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) and decide to renovate it and try and turn it into a bed and breakfast. The ghosts who have inhabited the castle for centuries are not too thrilled with their home being turned into a Bed and Breakfast but a compromise is achieved.
Samantha has acquired the ability to see and speak to her castle full of ghosts as well as a basement filled with zombies and her husband Jay has no choice but to believe Samantha's ability to speak to the dead as she proves through her actions that only a ghost could have known.
I say to the naysayers, give it time, and maybe, just maybe the ghosts will not haunt your dreams. It is an eclectic cast of characters, funny, innovative and quirky. They will grow on you just as they have on Mrs. Shullivan and I after only the first three (3) episodes.
- Ed-Shullivan
- Oct 23, 2021
- Permalink
A lot of fun
Utkarsh Ambudkar and Rose McIver star as a yuppie couple from the Big Apple who inherit a mansion that's inhabited by eight ghosts of different eras. There's a Viking who grunts a lot; a Native American; an effeminate Revolutionary War captain; a 19th Century schoolmarm with aristocratic roots; a sassy flapper from the Prohibition Era; a flower child who is permanently tripping through the afterlife; a square scout leader from the 80s; and a Wall Street playboy from the 90s. The octet makes for a brilliantly strange found family of people whose only commonality is that they died in the the same spot -- seemingly all of them in comic ways.
Before the arrival of Sam, the ghosts simply had little choice but to entertain each other and passively experience the house's occupants. However, when Sam has a near death experience, the ghosts are suddenly able to communicate with her and suddenly the living and dead residents of the house have to renegotiate a living arrangement between them.
While there might not be a clear stand-out character among the ghost crew, the contrasts and dynamics between them add up to making them more than the sum of their parts. This a clever premise that's executed with just the right light-hearted tone. There's a certain urgency stemming from the couple's financial uncertainty regarding their plan that adds some stakes but mostly it's a lot of fun.
Before the arrival of Sam, the ghosts simply had little choice but to entertain each other and passively experience the house's occupants. However, when Sam has a near death experience, the ghosts are suddenly able to communicate with her and suddenly the living and dead residents of the house have to renegotiate a living arrangement between them.
While there might not be a clear stand-out character among the ghost crew, the contrasts and dynamics between them add up to making them more than the sum of their parts. This a clever premise that's executed with just the right light-hearted tone. There's a certain urgency stemming from the couple's financial uncertainty regarding their plan that adds some stakes but mostly it's a lot of fun.
Watch the original first
Watch the original version first then maybe watch this one. That's all I gotta say.
- lilstreet08
- Oct 6, 2021
- Permalink
Another great show from the UK ruined when it was redone for N.American Market!
I have watched the UK version of this show it started. However this show is not funny just like the ghost are week interpretations of the UK show. This.even the house is down market of the one in the UK show. Why couldn't the UK show just been been exported to N. American and not have this bad imitation of the original show!
- cdeanroane
- Oct 7, 2021
- Permalink
GET OVER IT!
Come on y'all! Why are some of you wonderful reviewers literally flaming this series so quickly? This is just the pilot. Wouldn't it be prudent to first see if it has "legs" before you decide to "decapitate" it completely?
Sure, it's a "remake." Yes, it's not the BBC. Of course, it's American. But it has potential.
A few years ago I remember reading the initial IMDb user reviews on the new series, "What We Do in the Shadows." Some of the reviews were deplorable, even mean spirited. And now, 2021, it's a hit series doing great in season 3. But it took a full season to catch on with the masses.
Lastly, please don't blame the actors if you don't like their characters. They're actors, not ghosts, and they've been given a script that they are required to execute. It's how they make their living. If you don't like a character, blame the writers. It's their "invention." I must give these actors a lot of credit. It's a large cast and in less than an hour we're supposed to get to know them all. It's going to take a tad longer I suspect.
Let's give Ghosts a chance. If it's truly bad, I'll amend my review. Promise.
Sure, it's a "remake." Yes, it's not the BBC. Of course, it's American. But it has potential.
A few years ago I remember reading the initial IMDb user reviews on the new series, "What We Do in the Shadows." Some of the reviews were deplorable, even mean spirited. And now, 2021, it's a hit series doing great in season 3. But it took a full season to catch on with the masses.
Lastly, please don't blame the actors if you don't like their characters. They're actors, not ghosts, and they've been given a script that they are required to execute. It's how they make their living. If you don't like a character, blame the writers. It's their "invention." I must give these actors a lot of credit. It's a large cast and in less than an hour we're supposed to get to know them all. It's going to take a tad longer I suspect.
Let's give Ghosts a chance. If it's truly bad, I'll amend my review. Promise.
- Sunsphxsuns
- Oct 8, 2021
- Permalink
CLEVER & FUNNY SHOW - STOP COMPARING IT TO THE UK VERSION!!!
The show - based on a UK sitcom of the same name - is very funny and cleverly done. Each of the actors plays their character well. Definitely a fun, light-hearted comedy that gives some good laughs.
Yes. The UK version is EXCELLENT. But that doesn't mean that the US version is a bad show. If I hadn't watched the UK version, I would have thought the US version was hysterical and unique. Generally, people do prefer the series they watch first. I loved the US version of The Office and then tried to watch the UK version, but couldn't get into it.
That said, the US version is different enough to make it enjoyable even for those of us who've seen the UK version. While a few of the ghosts are similar to the UK version, the US version has enough diversity in the characters and episode plots to make them interesting on their own.
And as for those comparing the living married couples: just stop. The US wife is optimistic and perky (the UK wife more sarcastic and snarky). The US husband is adorable and a little nerdy (the UK husband a bit of a clueless blue-collar guy). Again - stop comparing. Enjoy it for what it is.
Finally - DO watch the British version. It is really funny.
Yes. The UK version is EXCELLENT. But that doesn't mean that the US version is a bad show. If I hadn't watched the UK version, I would have thought the US version was hysterical and unique. Generally, people do prefer the series they watch first. I loved the US version of The Office and then tried to watch the UK version, but couldn't get into it.
That said, the US version is different enough to make it enjoyable even for those of us who've seen the UK version. While a few of the ghosts are similar to the UK version, the US version has enough diversity in the characters and episode plots to make them interesting on their own.
And as for those comparing the living married couples: just stop. The US wife is optimistic and perky (the UK wife more sarcastic and snarky). The US husband is adorable and a little nerdy (the UK husband a bit of a clueless blue-collar guy). Again - stop comparing. Enjoy it for what it is.
Finally - DO watch the British version. It is really funny.
- roxygirl-33571
- Jan 8, 2022
- Permalink
LOVE Ghosts - both the American AND UK version!
- fiona_r_lamb
- Apr 21, 2022
- Permalink
It's actually good
All this whining about the UK vs American version. Stop. The first few episodes are a bit rough but this US version warms up and finds its pace pretty quickly. I like the characters from both versions. The biggest difference is the humor, UK is dry, sarcastic...American is more direct and unfortunately too woke. But still funny. Stop with the comparisons, they are both good. Give it a chance. To fulfill the character count.... Heddy and Sass are my favorite American character ghosts. Mary, Kitty and Thomas are favorites in the UK show. If there is one big weakness that the American show has, it's the leads. I like Sam and Jay fine, but Alison and Mike are more relatable.
- guineverescott
- Nov 12, 2022
- Permalink
Love the ghosts
Enjoying the ghosts but the main couple may as well have been brother and sister. No chemistry at all. He's such an uncaring cad.
I like it
I saw one reviewer trash it because it didn't "top topper" To him I say, get real buddy topper was a classic. All the show wants to be is a quirky midweek prime time comedy. On that level It. Exceeds beyond my expectations. Almost didn't recognize Rose Mcliver. A far cry from her zombie make up. It's will worth a watch.
Ghosts of the orginal BBC sitcom should haunt the creators of this show
Why did they even make this show? There was nothing wrong with the original, Characters of the orginal BBC Ghosts are already very popular. Episodes of both shows have same story, duration and language. Also the original show is not ended yet. Then why? Original BBC ghosts is funny and the characters are very likeable. SKIP IT.
- Laqshayaroraofficial
- Oct 7, 2021
- Permalink
The hate is probably out of hand
If you've never seen the original, BBC version, then this show is fine. I understand plenty of Americans don't find quirky British humor, or accents appealing. While I think the British show is way better, this one is doing a good job.
- jamaalross
- Oct 13, 2021
- Permalink
Better Than Expected
Enjoyed the players and especially the subtle lines, some not so subtle, regarding the basis of each character. Listen carefully.
- vintagegeek
- Oct 7, 2021
- Permalink
Took a while to find its footing but it's a good show
Fans of the original UK series may initially be put off as the first few episodes follow very similar plot lines and it just doesn't work as well. As the series progresses, however and they start to use more original plots the show gets better and better. Definitely a worthy addition to the franchise.
UK version is 100% better
Please don't judge the UK Ghosts based on this one. I wasn't sure why they were making this version to begin with, the original is wonderful. The US version really isn't that funny and seems rushed. UK version is hands down is funnier and better story telling!
- valmmckenna
- Oct 8, 2021
- Permalink
BOO!
Think of it as "Parks & Recreation" with friendly poltergeists. Well written, surprisingly emotive, & oddly engaging. You will laugh, be charmed, & look forward to the next episode.
- estathena2
- Nov 20, 2021
- Permalink