The Hauntingly Familiar Return
“Ghosts” has always been one of those rare sitcoms that strikes the perfect balance between charm, chaos, and cleverness. With its witty writing, lovable ensemble cast, and heartwarming spirit (literally), it’s no wonder CBS’s version of the British hit quickly became a fan favorite.
But as Season 5 kicks off, something feels… off. It’s still funny, still sweet, but also—frustratingly—still safe. And for a show that lives in a house full of the undead, maybe it’s time to stop playing it like it’s on life support.
The Premise Still Works — Mostly
A House Full of Haunting Humor
At its core, “Ghosts” remains one of television’s most comforting sitcoms. The show’s formula is simple but effective: Sam (Rose McIver) can see ghosts, while her husband Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) cannot. Together, they navigate life in a haunted mansion filled with an eclectic mix of historical spirits.
The setup continues to deliver plenty of laughs — whether it’s the 18th-century aristocrat Isaac getting jealous of Hamilton’s fame, or Viking Thorfinn misunderstanding yet another modern concept.
But Familiarity Breeds… Predictability
That said, the season premiere feels like it’s coasting on old gags. The ghosts bicker, Sam mediates, Jay reacts — and while it’s still charming, there’s a nagging sense that we’ve seen all this before.
The Writing: Still Witty, But Too Comfortable
The Punchlines Hit — But Don’t Surprise
Don’t get me wrong — the writing team hasn’t lost their comedic touch. The jokes land, the dialogue sparkles, and the pacing remains tight. But after five seasons, it’s hard not to notice that the show rarely takes risks anymore.
Where’s the bold narrative swing? The shocking twist? The emotional gut punch that makes you remember an episode days later? Those moments are becoming rarer — and it’s costing the show its edge.
Character Arcs: Frozen in Time
Sam and Jay Deserve More Depth
Sam and Jay continue to be the emotional anchors of the show. Their chemistry is undeniable, but their arcs feel stagnant. After four seasons of running the B&B and dealing with spectral shenanigans, their storyline deserves evolution — or at least a new direction.
The Ghosts: Still Funny, Still Stuck
The ghosts themselves — from Alberta to Pete to Flower — remain scene-stealers. Each has a distinct voice and comedic rhythm. Yet, most of their development feels paused. Instead of exploring their unfinished business or deeper emotional beats, the show often reverts to quick jokes.
The Comedy Still Works (Most of the Time)
Why We Still Laugh
Let’s be honest: “Ghosts” still makes us laugh out loud. Its physical comedy, smart one-liners, and perfect timing keep it one of CBS’s funniest half-hours. Watching Hetty’s outdated moral compass clash with modern values never gets old.
But The Show Needs More Bite
Still, laughter alone isn’t enough to sustain a sitcom past its fourth or fifth season. Other great comedies like “The Good Place” or “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” evolved — blending humor with emotional stakes or social commentary. “Ghosts” could, too, if it dared.
CBS’s “Safety Syndrome”
Playing It Safe for Ratings
CBS is known for comfort TV — shows that audiences can rely on without much emotional strain. And while that’s great for ratings, it can be a creative trap. “Ghosts” fits that mold too neatly now. It’s pleasant when it could be powerful.
Sitcoms That Evolve Win Big
Look at shows like Schitt’s Creek or Parks and Recreation. They started light, but took big emotional swings later — and that’s what cemented them as classics. “Ghosts” has that same potential; it just hasn’t taken the leap.
Production and Performances: Still Stellar
Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar Shine
Both leads continue to ground the absurdity in emotional truth. McIver’s warmth and comedic instincts remain the soul of the series, while Ambudkar brings much-needed realism and levity.
The Ensemble: Pure Comedy Gold
Every ghost is perfectly cast — from Brandon Scott Jones’s pompous Isaac to Richie Moriarty’s adorably awkward Pete. Their chemistry is as strong as ever. It’s the writing that’s letting them down, not the performances.
Visuals and Direction: Cozy and Clever
A Familiar but Functional Setting
The Woodstone Mansion remains a visual treat — the kind of location that feels like a character in itself. The production design captures that blend of the eerie and the endearing perfectly.
Camera Work and Timing
The direction still emphasizes timing over flashiness, allowing the cast’s performances to shine. Every reaction shot and comedic pause is meticulously timed. Still, visually, the show could push boundaries more — maybe even explore flashbacks or spectral sequences with flair.
Storytelling Needs a Shake-Up
Where’s the Risk-Taking?
The premiere hints at potential new storylines, but stops short of following through. The ghosts’ world offers endless storytelling opportunities — time periods, unfinished business, crossovers between realms — yet the writers rarely explore them deeply.
The Emotional Core Needs Reviving
For a show about death, “Ghosts” often avoids emotional mortality. When it does dive deeper — like Alberta’s murder mystery arc — it soars. The audience is clearly ready for more of that depth.
What “Ghosts” Could Learn From Its British Counterpart
The UK Version Dared to Be Weird
The original “Ghosts” from the UK never shied away from bold tonal shifts. It was hilarious, yes, but also melancholy and unpredictable. CBS’s version could benefit from that same courage.
American Audiences Can Handle More
If shows like “The Good Place” or “Ted Lasso” have proven anything, it’s that audiences crave emotional storytelling wrapped in humor. “Ghosts” has the ingredients — it just needs to use them.
Why We Still Love It Anyway
Despite its flaws, “Ghosts” remains a delight. It’s comfort food for the sitcom soul — the kind of show you can rewatch endlessly and still chuckle at. The chemistry, charm, and warmth are undeniable.
But to remain great — not just good — it needs to take risks, grow its characters, and embrace the unexpected. Because even the afterlife shouldn’t feel this predictable.
Conclusion: Still Alive, But Barely Kicking
“Ghosts” Season 5 proves that CBS’s funniest sitcom still has plenty of life left in it — but if it keeps playing it safe, that spark could fade. It’s time for the show to haunt new ground, take creative risks, and remind us why we fell in love with it in the first place.
Funny is great. But fearless? That’s unforgettable.
FAQs
1. Is “Ghosts” Season 5 worth watching?
Absolutely. It’s still charming, funny, and heartwarming — even if it’s not as daring as it could be.
2. Do you need to watch previous seasons to enjoy Season 5?
Not necessarily, but watching earlier seasons helps you appreciate the characters’ quirks and relationships.
3. How does the U.S. version compare to the British “Ghosts”?
The U.S. version leans more into sitcom-style humor, while the British one balances laughs with bittersweet moments.
4. Are there any major twists in the Season 5 premiere?
No big shocks yet — which is part of the issue. The show plays it safe instead of surprising viewers.
5. Will there be a Season 6?
CBS hasn’t confirmed yet, but with solid ratings and fan loyalty, a renewal seems likely — if the ghosts don’t vanish first.
