The Australian adaptation of the BBC's beloved sitcom Ghosts, which fans have branded a 'masterpiece', is set to land on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three soon. The original series, starring Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe, ran from 2019 to 2023 and left viewers devastated when it ended after five seasons.
Acquisition and Premise
The BBC has acquired the rights to the Australian version, which premiered last year. The eight-part series follows young couple Kate and Sean, who inherit Ramshead Manor after the death of Kate's great-uncle. As they debate whether to turn the dilapidated property into a boutique hotel, they discover the manor is also home to an eclectic group of ghosts.
The cast includes Tamala as Kate and Rowan Witt as Sean, alongside Mandy McElhinney, Brent Hill, Ines English, Michelle Brasier, George Zhao, and Jackson Tozer.
Fan and Executive Reactions
Nick Lee, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, said: “It’s a fresh and very fun spin of the wheel for this beloved BBC format. Fans will really enjoy the world this new ghoulish gang create.”
Fans have already hailed Ghosts: Australia as “excellent,” with one calling it “the best thing since toast.” They added: “With just enough familiarity to make one feel at home, but sprinkled with unique elements and spirit unlike any series seen before, Ghosts Australia is a must-watch.” Another viewer described the characters as “magnificent,” while someone else wrote: “I’m so impressed with this adaptation! I binged the entire series in one night. The performances are outstanding, the production is stellar, and the writing is sharp, clever, and full of heart.”
Original Series Legacy and Upcoming Film
The original UK sitcom Ghosts concluded after five seasons, with the team stating: “After five incredible years haunting the halls of Button House, we have decided that the time is right to let our beloved sitcom Ghosts rest in peace.” The show's creators also noted, “We could never have imagined the reception the show has enjoyed, or the fun we have had making it.”
A highly-anticipated feature film, The Possession of Button House, is now set to air, with the original cast returning. The creators said: “We never planned to come back. But when we had the idea for this story, we all got so excited that we couldn't resist returning to our haunted home for one more adventure.”
