📺 The Spectral Phenomenon: Why Ghosts Became a Global Hit
We’re living in a golden age of sitcoms, but rarely does a show manage to capture the hearts of audiences on two separate continents quite like Ghosts. Whether you’re cheering on the permanently bewildered Alison and Mike Cooper in the original BBC version at the dilapidated Button House
or laughing at the increasingly integrated community of Jay and Sam Arondekar at the sprawling Woodstone Mansion in the CBS version, the premise is genius: a struggling couple inherits a massive house haunted by a motley crew of deceased residents, only one of whom can see the spirits.
The secret to the show’s success? It’s not just the supernatural antics; it’s the heart and the deeply drawn characters, both living and spectral.
But here’s the million-dollar question that has fans scratching their heads: with two separate, equally hilarious versions running, where can you actually watch Ghosts online? Streaming rights are a complex, ever-shifting landscape, often differing wildly between the UK and US. Don’t worry, we’ve done the deep dive into the crypt of streaming contracts to deliver your definitive, up-to-date guide on catching every single laugh, ghost, and accidental possession!
🇬🇧 The Original Haunting: Where to Watch the UK Ghosts Online
The British version of Ghosts, created by and starring the talented team behind Horrible Histories and Yonderland, premiered in 2019 and quickly became a massive hit for the BBC. Known for its quick wit, deep character backstories, and surprisingly poignant moments, the UK version concluded its brilliant run after five fantastic series.
The Primary Streaming Home (UK)
If you live in the United Kingdom, your primary, easiest, and most cost-effective way to binge every episode of the original Ghosts is right where it started.
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Platform: BBC iPlayer
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What You Get: You typically get all five series (or seasons) of the original UK Ghosts, plus the Christmas specials.
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Cost: Free (requires a valid TV Licence in the UK).
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Accessibility: This is the most consistent place to stream the entire UK catalogue.
The Streaming Home for US Viewers (UK Version)
For US fans who fell in love with Julian, the Captain, and Fanny, finding a home for the UK version has historically been a bit more complicated, jumping between different platforms.
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Platform: Max (formerly HBO Max)
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What You Get: Max typically carries all five series of the BBC Ghosts, making it the definitive streaming home for the UK version in the United States.
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Cost: Requires a Max subscription.
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Alternative: Some seasons may also be available for purchase or rental through platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, but Max is your best bet for binge-watching.
🇺🇸 The American Adaptation: Where to Stream the US Ghosts
The American adaptation of Ghosts, which debuted on CBS in 2021, quickly proved that the premise translates beautifully. Starring Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar, the US version has a slightly broader comedic style and has already been renewed for future seasons, cementing its status as a major network hit.
The Primary Streaming Home (US)
Because the US version is a CBS network show, its streaming home is determined by CBS’s parent company’s platform.
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Platform: Paramount+
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What You Get: Paramount+ is the exclusive, primary streaming location for all available seasons of the US Ghosts. New episodes typically drop on Paramount+ the day after they air on CBS.
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Cost: Requires a Paramount+ subscription.
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Live Viewing Option: If you have cable access, you can, of course, watch new episodes live on CBS every week.
The Streaming and Catch-Up Option (US)
If you don’t have Paramount+ but rely on alternative services, you still have options for catching new episodes.
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Platform: CBS.com and the CBS App
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What You Get: CBS often provides the five most recent episodes for free catch-up viewing on its website and app, usually with a short delay after airing. This is a great, free option if you just need to keep up week-to-week.
🛒 Renting and Buying: Securing Your Favorite Ghosts Forever
Streaming services are great, but they are fickle. Content can come and go depending on rights deals. If you are a true fan and want to ensure you always have access to your favorite series, purchasing or renting the seasons is the safest bet.
H3: Digital Purchase Options (UK and US Versions)
Both the UK and US versions of Ghosts are widely available for permanent digital purchase across major platforms globally.
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Amazon Prime Video (Rent/Buy): Offers individual episodes or full seasons of both the US and UK versions.
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Apple TV (Buy): A reliable source for purchasing entire seasons of both shows in high-definition quality.
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Google Play/YouTube (Buy): Another major platform where you can purchase and permanently own the seasons.
H3: Physical Media (DVD/Blu-ray)
For collectors or those with unreliable internet, the physical media option is always available.
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UK Version: All five series of the BBC Ghosts have been released on DVD in the UK, making them easy to acquire.
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US Version: Seasons of the CBS Ghosts are typically released on DVD shortly before the next season premieres, perfect for catching up or gifting!
🌐 Global Access: Watching Ghosts Outside the Primary Markets
If you’re watching from Australia, Canada, or any other country, the streaming rights are often sold to local broadcasters or specialized platforms.
Canada
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US Version: Typically available on Global TV (the Canadian broadcaster for CBS shows) and possibly streaming on Paramount+ Canada.
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UK Version: Often found on services like CBC Gem or specialized British content streamers.
Australia
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US Version: Check local network streaming services like Paramount+ Australia or networks that air CBS content.
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UK Version: Frequently found on the ABC iview service (the Australian broadcaster) or on specialized streamers like BINGE or Foxtel.
❓ The Big Question: Should I Watch the UK or US Version First?
Many fans wonder which version they should start with. Honestly, there’s no right or wrong answer—both are fantastic!
H4: Why Start with the UK Original?
The UK version offers a slightly darker, more character-driven humor and concludes its story beautifully across five tight seasons. Watching the original first gives you an appreciation for the subtle brilliance of the premise’s initial execution.
H4: Why Start with the US Adaptation?
The US version is a faster-paced, slightly gentler sitcom with higher production values and a longer-running commitment. Starting here is perfect if you want an ongoing, multi-season commitment and a focus on the romantic comedy elements of the living couple.
Regardless of your choice, the beauty of the Ghosts universe is that both versions deliver on the core promise of finding humor, and ultimately, a strange, spectral family in the most unexpected places.
Final Conclusion
The streaming landscape for both the UK and US versions of Ghosts is surprisingly well-defined, albeit separated by platform boundaries. UK fans can rely on BBC iPlayer for the original, while US fans can find the original on Max and the ongoing CBS adaptation exclusively on Paramount+. Whether you are catching up on the brilliantly concluded British series or keeping pace with the American hit, every laugh, life lesson, and ghost backstory is readily available across these major streaming, rental, and purchasing services. No matter where you are, it’s easy to tune in and join the spectral fun!
❓ 5 Unique FAQs After The Conclusion
Q1: Can I watch the new episodes of the US Ghosts for free without a subscription?
A1: You can often watch the five most recent episodes of the US Ghosts for free on the CBS website and CBS App with ads, even without a subscription to Paramount+. However, to binge-watch entire previous seasons, you need a Paramount+ subscription.
Q2: Does the US version of Ghosts follow the same exact storylines as the UK version?
A2: The US version follows the same core premise and character archetypes (e.g., the pants-less ghost, the scout leader ghost). However, it quickly develops its own unique storylines, character backstories, and overall comedic tone, offering fresh viewing even for fans of the original.
Q3: Is the UK Ghosts streaming on Netflix in the US or UK?
A3: No. The UK Ghosts is generally not available on Netflix in either the UK (where it streams on BBC iPlayer) or the US (where it streams on Max). Always check the official streaming home for the most reliable access.
Q4: Are the US and UK Ghosts Christmas specials available on the same streaming platforms as the main seasons?
A4: Yes, generally. The Christmas Specials for both versions are considered part of the main series run and are typically included with the full season purchase or streaming access on their respective primary platforms (BBC iPlayer/Max for UK; Paramount+ for US).
Q5: Is there a spin-off of Ghosts currently planned in either the UK or US?
A5: Neither the BBC nor CBS has confirmed a direct spin-off. However, the UK creators have discussed the possibility of revisiting the characters in special formats in the future, and given the massive success of the US version, it’s a constant source of fan speculation for CBS.
