The premise of Ghosts, whether you encounter it across the pond or on this side of the Atlantic, is pure, unadulterated comedic gold: a young, living couple inherits a sprawling, dilapidated country estate, only to discover it's teeming with the spirits of former residents, each trapped in their own particular brand of afterlife. It’s a concept ripe for both slapstick and pathos, an exploration of life, death, and everything in between. But when CBS launched its American adaptation of the BBC original, the inevitable question arose: Is CBS Ghosts better than the UK version? The answer, like the spirits themselves, is less a solid, definitive statement and more a shimmering, multifaceted apparition, dependent entirely on the eye of the beholder.
The original UK Ghosts is a masterclass in understated British humor, a carefully aged single malt. Its brilliance lies in its subtlety, its knack for mining quiet profundity from the ludicrous. The humor often bubbles up from character quirks – Thomas Thorne’s hopelessly romantic, often cringeworthy poetry; Fanny Button’s Victorian prudishness clashing with modern sensibilities; the Captain’s repressed wartime stoicism. The pacing is deliberate, allowing moments of poignant reflection to breathe between the laughs. It’s a show that trusts its audience to pick up on the nuanced expressions, the dry wit, and the deep, often melancholic backstories of its spectral inhabitants. The ensemble cast, which also writes the show, demonstrates an almost telepathic understanding of comedic timing and character dynamics. The UK version feels like a lovingly crafted play, where every line, every glance, every historical anachronism is precisely placed for maximum effect. Its emotional beats land with a gentle thump, reminding us that these spirits, for all their comedic foibles, are eternally bound by their pasts and their inability to move on.
Enter CBS Ghosts, the effervescent, boisterous American cousin. Where the UK version is a wry smile, the US version is a full-throated laugh. It embraces a broader comedic palette, leaning into physical comedy, quicker punchlines, and a more overtly optimistic tone. The core concept remains, but the characters, while sharing archetypal similarities with their British counterparts, are re-imagined with a distinctly American flavor. Jay and Sam, the living couple, are more overtly relatable, their financial struggles and aspirations more explicitly foregrounded. The ghosts, from the flamboyant Isaac (a Revolutionary War officer) to the deadpan Sasappis (a Native American from the 16th century), and the eternally pants-less Trevor, are given clearer, often more exaggerated comedic roles. The CBS version thrives on the "found family" trope, emphasizing how this disparate group of living and dead learn to coexist and even cherish one another. It’s faster-paced, with more episodes per season, allowing for more expansive storylines and a deeper dive into the ghosts' individual backstories, often with a heartwarming, tear-jerking twist. The production values are higher, the jokes land harder, and the overall feel is one of comforting, accessible, prime-time television.
So, is one "better" than the other? To declare one definitively superior is to miss the point entirely. They are two different expressions of a magnificent idea, tailored for different comedic sensibilities and cultural expectations. The UK original appeals to those who appreciate sophisticated, character-driven humor with a melancholic undertone, a show where a lingering glance can be as funny as a pratfall. It’s a show for the Anglophile, for those who relish the dry, the understated, and the quietly profound. The CBS version, on the other hand, is for those who prefer their comedy bright, fast, and overtly feel-good. It’s for viewers who love ensemble sitcoms, who enjoy clear character arcs, and who appreciate a healthy dose of sentimentality alongside their laughs.
The genius of Ghosts, in both its incarnations, lies in its ability to humanize the supernatural, to make centuries-dead spirits feel more relatable than some living people. Both shows excel at this. The UK version might be lauded for its original brilliance and deeper pathos, while the US version might be praised for its broader appeal and consistent delivery of laughs. To some, the subtle nuances of the original are paramount; to others, the infectious energy and clear storytelling of the adaptation are more engaging.
Ultimately, the question of "better" dissolves into a matter of taste, like choosing between a perfectly steeped cup of Earl Grey and a robust Americano. Both are excellent beverages, delivering caffeine and comfort, but brewed and served in distinct styles. Both versions of Ghosts offer immense joy, laughter, and surprisingly tender moments. To pit them against each other unfairly diminishes the unique magic each brings to the table. Perhaps the greatest triumph of Ghosts, in all its forms, is its ability to remind us that even in death, there's plenty of life, and laughter, to be found.
