7.9 / 10 (based on 20907 reviews)
A young couple’s dreams come true when they inherit a beautiful country house, only to find it’s both falling apart and inhabited by many of the deceased previous residents.
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Brandon Scott Jones, Richie Moriarty
Creators: Joe Port, Joe Wiseman
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1 season, 14 episodes
Shows Most Like Ghosts (2021)
Ghosts (2019)
8.3 / 10 (based on 19164 reviews)
A group of spirits restlessly squabble in an abandoned country home.
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Lolly Adefope, Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas
Creators: Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas
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4 seasons, 21 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
B Positive (2020)
6.3 / 10 (based on 3315 reviews)
Newly-divorced dad Drew faces finding a kidney donor and is at the end of his rope and his hope when he runs into Gina, a rough-around-the edges woman from his past who volunteers her own.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Annaleigh Ashford, Thomas Middleditch, Darryl Stephens, Linda Lavin
Creators: Marco Pennette
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2 seasons, 28 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
United States of Al (2021)
6.5 / 10 (based on 3110 reviews)
The friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir, the Afghan interpreter who served with his unit and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Parker Young, Adhir Kalyan, Elizabeth Alderfer, Dean Norris
Creators: Maria Ferrari, David Goetsch
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2 seasons, 24 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Bob Hearts Abishola (2019)
6.9 / 10 (based on 4645 reviews)
An American guy falls in love with his Nigerian nurse.
Genre: Short, Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Billy Gardell, Folake Olowofoyeku, Christine Ebersole, Matt Jones
Creators: Eddie Gorodetsky, Alan J. Higgins, Chuck Lorre
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3 seasons, 49 episodes, 21.0-minute runtime
La Brea (2021)
5.7 / 10 (based on 13285 reviews)
A massive sinkhole mysteriously opens up in Los Angeles, separating part of a family in an unexplainable primeval world, alongside a desperate group of strangers.
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Natalie Zea, Eoin Macken, Chiké Okonkwo, Karina Logue
Creators: David Appelbaum
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1 season, 11 episodes
CSI: Vegas (2021)
7.5 / 10 (based on 7448 reviews)
Facing an existential threat that could bring down the Crime Lab, a brilliant team of forensic investigators must welcome back old friends and deploy new techniques to preserve and serve justice in Sin City.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria, Mandeep Dhillon, Mel Rodriguez
Creators: Jason Tracey
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1 season, 11 episodes
Only Murders in the Building (2021)
8.1 / 10 (based on 110909 reviews)
Three strangers who share an obsession with true crime suddenly find themselves caught up in one.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Aaron Dominguez
Creators: John Hoffman, Steve Martin
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2 seasons, 11 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
The Lost Symbol (2021)
6.4 / 10 (based on 12347 reviews)
Based on the 2009 Dan Brown novel of the same name, The Lost Symbol is the story of a young Robert Langdon (Ashley Zukerman) being tasked by the CIA to solve a number of puzzles when his mentor (Eddie Izzard) is taken.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Ashley Zukerman, Eddie Izzard, Valorie Curry, Beau Knapp
Creators: Jay Beattie, Dan Dworkin
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1 season, 10 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Yellowjackets (2021)
7.9 / 10 (based on 54144 reviews)
A wildly talented high school girl soccer team becomes the (un)lucky survivors of a plane crash deep in the Ontario wilderness.
Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Ella Purnell, Sophie Nélisse
Creators: Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson
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1 season, 11 episodes
Fantasy Island (2021)
6.2 / 10 (based on 4532 reviews)
People who walk in with a desire, but end up reborn to themselves through the magical realism of Fantasy Island.
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Main Cast: Roselyn Sanchez, Kiara Barnes, John Gabriel Rodriquez, Daniel Lugo
Creators: Elizabeth Craft, Sarah Fain, Gene Levitt
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2 seasons, 11 episodes
Big Sky (2020)
6.8 / 10 (based on 23033 reviews)
A private detective teams up with an ex-cop to solve a kidnapping case in Montana.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Katheryn Winnick, Kylie Bunbury, Brian Geraghty, Dedee Pfeiffer
Creators: David E. Kelley
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2 seasons, 24 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Home Economics (2021)
6.9 / 10 (based on 5130 reviews)
Three grown-up siblings find themselves living at vastly different levels of financial security from one another.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Topher Grace, Caitlin McGee, Jimmy Tatro, Karla Souza
Creators: John Aboud, Michael Colton
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2 seasons, 29 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
In the realm of television, where every other series seems to be a reboot, sequel, or spin-off, the CBS sitcom “Ghosts” (2021) emerges as a refreshing exception. It’s a story that combines humor, the supernatural, and a touch of heart in a way that’s both unique and engaging. Based on a British series of the same name, the American adaptation has quickly carved out its niche, appealing to a broad audience with its quirky premise and lovable characters.
The Premise
The show centers around Samantha and Jay, a young couple who inherit a sprawling country estate from a distant relative. Their dream of turning the dilapidated mansion into a bed and breakfast is quickly complicated by the discovery that the house is inhabited by an eclectic group of ghosts from different eras. These spirits are invisible and intangible to Jay, but after a near-death experience, Samantha gains the ability to see and interact with them.
The Ghostly Ensemble
One of the show’s greatest strengths lies in its diverse cast of ghostly characters, each bringing their unique backstory and era-specific quirks to the table. Let’s meet some of them:
- Captain Isaac Higgintoot: A military man from the Revolutionary War era, whose stiff upper lip occasionally slips to reveal a more vulnerable side.
- Hetty Woodstone: A wealthy socialite from the Gilded Age, whose haughty demeanor hides a deep loneliness.
- Thorfinn: A Viking explorer who’s not as fierce as he looks and has a surprisingly gentle heart.
- Sassapis: A Lenape Native American, who often provides sage advice and commentary, cutting through the nonsense of his fellow spirits.
- Alberta Haynes: A Prohibition-era jazz singer, whose flair and zest for life haven’t dimmed in death.
- Trevor Lefkowitz: A finance bro from the 1990s, who died in a rather embarrassing state of undress, adding a dose of humor to his interactions.
This motley crew of spirits, along with several others, brings a rich tapestry of stories, perspectives, and comedic opportunities to the show.
The Living Among the Dead
At the heart of “Ghosts” is the dynamic between the living couple, Samantha and Jay, and their spectral housemates. Samantha’s ability to communicate with the ghosts puts her in the unique position of mediator, navigating the challenges of catering to both the living guests of their would-be B&B and the whims of their deceased residents. Jay, on the other hand, must contend with the bizarre and often inexplicable situations that arise from sharing a home with invisible entities.
Their relationship with the ghosts evolves from one of inconvenience and fear to mutual respect and affection. This journey is filled with hilarious mishaps, misunderstandings, and moments of genuine connection that underscore the show’s underlying theme: the universal nature of human (and ghostly) experience.
Standout Episodes
“Ghosts” has a knack for blending humor with heartwarming moments, and several episodes stand out for their ability to do just that. For instance:
- “Dinner Party”: When Samantha and Jay host a dinner party for their living friends, the ghosts’ attempts to help lead to a series of comedic disasters.
- “Alberta’s Fan”: A touching episode where the ghosts help Samantha solve a mystery from Alberta’s past, showing the depth of their bond with the living couple.
- “Pete’s Wife”: This episode delves into the backstory of one of the more reserved ghosts, revealing the tragic circumstances of his death and offering him a chance for closure.
These episodes, among others, showcase the show’s ability to balance its comedic elements with storytelling that resonates on an emotional level.
Why “Ghosts” Stands Out
In a television landscape crowded with high-stakes dramas and reality TV escapades, “Ghosts” offers something different: a light-hearted yet meaningful exploration of life, death, and the connections that transcend both. It’s a show that doesn’t shy away from the absurdity of its premise, embracing the silliness while still delivering moments of genuine emotion and insight.
The writing is sharp, the performances are spot-on, and the chemistry among the cast—both living and dead—is undeniable. It’s this combination that makes “Ghosts” more than just another sitcom. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most compelling stories are the ones that make us laugh, make us think, and maybe even make us believe in the impossible.
Conclusion
“Ghosts” is a rare gem in the current TV landscape, offering a mix of humor, heart, and a hint of the supernatural. Its unique premise, combined with a talented cast and thoughtful writing, makes it a must-watch for anyone looking for something different from the usual fare. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the ghostly antics, or the touching moments of connection between the living and the dead, “Ghosts” delivers on all fronts. It’s a show that proves, in the end, that we’re not so different from the spirits that might be lingering in the corners of our own homes—seeking connection, understanding, and a place to belong.