BBC finally drops series that fans were adamant should ‘never be made’

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BBC iPlayer has finally released the fourth season of the US remake of hit sitcom Ghosts, an adaptation that sparked fiery debates among fans.

The UK version – starring Charlotte Ritchie, Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Mathew Baynton – follows an eclectic group of ghosts living in a manor house who equally infuriate and endear the new owners, Alison (Charlotte) and Mike (Kiell), when the former gains the ability to see the dead.

The US version, which airs on CBS, follows a similar premise with Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar playing a couple named Samantha and Jay respectively, who must deal with the riotous ghosts roaming their new home-turned-hotel.

Several of the characters are Americanised versions of the UK gang, such as Pete (Richie Moriarty) taking after the ill-fortunate Pat (Jim Howick), and Thorfinn (Devan Chandler Long) taking inspiration from Robin the caveman (Laurence Rickard).

It’s not a total copy, with plenty of original plotlines and characters that set it apart from its British counterpart.

However, as is a time-honoured tradition with over-protective Brits (see The Office UK vs US), many fans of the show were sceptical, to say the least, when the remake first came out in 2022.

Ghosts US caused quite the stir among UK viewers when it first came out (Picture: BBC/CBS Broadcasting, Inc/Bertrand Calmeau) There’s no denying the original version, which stars Charlotte Ritchie as one of the leads, is a hit (Picture: BBC)

Some called it a ‘poor copy of the original’, another said it felt like ‘a cheap knockoff that just simply can’t replicate the brilliance of the original’ and yet another ‘a flawed remake’.

However, as season four finally lands in the UK, more than one naysayer has been converted into a true fan, with some even making bold claims that the ghosts from across the pond might just have eclipsed the competition.

‘As a Brit, who loved the UK version of Ghosts, I was sceptical that the US version would live up to the original, Melanie Smart wrote in a Google review.

‘If you’ve watched Brit Ghosts first, you’ll find this slow to get started, but when it does, you’ll find yourself fully engaged and loving it. As the episodes roll by, the actors clearly engage more with their characters and really begin to shine and bring the storylines alive.’

Although there has been some backlash, many fans have been won over by the US version (Picture: CBS)

Zachary Kluckman claimed: ‘Honestly? This may be the funniest show on television right now. The British original is also great and worth a watch to be sure, and some of the jokes there are exceptional, but I think (and I never say this) the US version may actually be funnier.’

‘I feel that as of late most TV shows and movies are continuations or remakes of past movies/TV shows, whereas Ghosts seems to be fresh and new, yet captivating and funny,’ Princess Mikayla added.

‘I love the UK original Ghosts show, and I had very little hope for a US remake. I was pleasantly surprised at to how the US version was able to maintain the DNA, tone and atmosphere of the original!’ Jennifer Foster praised.

Metro TV writer Asyia Iftikhar on what she loves about Ghosts US

Like many other Ghosts UK fans I originally groaned at the idea of a US version of the show, and was sure it was a mistake.

Nevertheless, as someone who loves the premise of a household of kooky ghosts (and Rose McIver) I decided to give the show a chance and I’m glad I did.

Yes, there were times where the American humour didn’t quite land for me, but more often than not, the show has made me laugh out loud and I have grown quite fond of the eccentric band of spirits conjured up in this new version.

UK viewers have access to a whopping 72 episodes of the remake from today (Picture: CBS/BBC)

There’s a gay Revolutionary War veteran, Isaac, a forever high 60s hippie called Flower and a self-obsessed jazz singer, Alberta. What’s not to love?

The fact that there are so many episodes in every season is the cherry on top, and it fills a void left by the UK version of giving us even more time with our resident ghosts.

For fellow sceptics, take the new season landing as your sign to give the show a try.

‘I saw the previews a few times and thought this will never make it. I am so glad [it] did. It is clever, witty, actors are good,’ Diane Burgess said.

Another fan called ashura izumi quipped that in their opinion, while most UK remarks ‘are the worst’, the US version of Ghosts is ‘absolutely funny’.

Colin Elsdon reflected on the ‘trepidation’ that they had when giving the American show a chance, ‘but all concerns were eradicated from the outset’.

Do you have a preference? Ghosts US Ghosts UK They are both great! Share on FacebookShare your results Share on XTweet your results

‘At first, I had low expectations of the American version as most remakes don’t measure up to the original. However, I must say that I prefer the American version,’ M Chang agreed.

Peter York had been ‘dreading’ the US adaptation, but promised that it’s ‘definitely worth a watch’.

‘This British TV remake in America is a riot. I loved the concept on the BBC and love what they translated over to the US to make it relevant,’ Andrew M concluded.

UK star Kiell Smith Bynoe is in touch with his US counterpart (Picture: BBC/Monumental/Guido Mandozzi)

Unlike the UK version, which only contains six episodes per season (plus a few festive specials), Ghosts US has up to 22 per season, including the latest one.

Altogether, you can dig your teeth into a whopping 72 episodes – a veritable treat for Ghosts UK fans mourning the show and looking for a similar high.

The UK cast even has a sweet connection to the cast of the American version, with Kiell telling Metro he has met with his counterpart Utkarsh and the wider cast.

‘Now we just have more to share because they’re doing similar episodes that have similar storylines, things like that. So hopefully there’ll be a crossover at some point. I’d love that,’ he said.

‘But even just to meet them. I met Brandon [Scott Jones], who plays [Captain Isaac Higgintoot] and he came to see The Government Inspector when me and Martha were doing that so there was a little bit of a link up there.’

The show has been such a hit that Australia is now making its own version set in Perth.

Ghosts US season four is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.

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