Movies

Ghosts Owes Its Success to Friends, Explains BBC Producer

BBG News

In simpler terms, a key figure behind the hit TV show “Ghosts” discusses why its concept is significantly influenced by the beloved sitcom “Friends”. Originally based on a British comedy with the same name, this supernatural series has become one of the most-watched shows on television and consistently attracts millions of viewers. Despite changes throughout its run, as it approaches season 5, the fundamental idea revolves around Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) transforming an old mansion into a thriving bed and breakfast.

As reported by Deadline, Charles Harrison, a Scripted Formats Producer at BBC Studios International, recently discussed the reasons behind the popularity of the show “Ghosts” at the Seriencamp Conference. In his words, Harrison noted that the British adaptation of “Ghosts” has certain similarities with what he referred to as “the most iconic flat-share comedy,” which is none other than the classic sitcom “Friends.

The essence of the castle holds a profound significance within the English mindset. Over the past two decades in Britain, our television programming has primarily revolved around the desire to own a house, a rural home, or to renovate an existing one. Thus, the prospect of winning a castle embodies the ultimate dream for many British individuals. This scenario implies that you’ll never be lonely and instead, it leads to a humorous flat-sharing arrangement. The most celebrated example of such a comedic flat-share is Friends, and this particular show draws inspiration from it.

What The Concept Of Home Means For Ghosts

The Setting Brings Out A Lot Of Comedy

Similar to how Friends derives a significant amount of its humor from its setting, the supernatural comedy also benefits greatly from its location. For instance, during the final episode of Ghosts season 4, humor was found in the situation where Jay’s life was endangered due to the Woodstone Manor objects malfunctioning like in Final Destination. This lighter aspect highlights the fact that Sam and Jay, among others, invest a great deal of their hopes in the success of Woodstone Manor, thereby adding a touch of heart to this otherwise quirky sitcom.

Character Name Played By
Samantha Rose McIver
Jay Utkarsh Ambudkar
Thorfinn Devan Chandler Long
Sass Román Zaragoza
Isaac Brandon Scott Jones
Hetty Rebecca Wisocky
Alberta Danielle Pinnock
Flower Sheila Carrasco
Pete Richie Moriarty
Trevor Asher Grodman

As a movie enthusiast, I’d agree with Harrison that the TV show Friends masterfully utilized its setting as another key character. The apartments where the six Friends resided played a significant role in shaping their characters and providing some of the iconic moments that made the seminal NBC comedy so exciting. Similarly, the Ghosts cast is following suit, making the location they’re mostly confined to a memorable part of the show, with Richie Moriarty’s Pete being the notable exception who can leave.

Our Take On The Ghosts & Friends Connection

The Best Shows Inform Others

It’s not unexpected that BBC Studios might point to “Friends” as an inspiration. What’s surprising, though, is how deeply “Friends” seems to have permeated the seemingly disparate plot of “Ghosts.” At their heart, both shows revolve around a concept often seen in comedies—diverse individuals cohabiting and experiencing conflicts. The best ones manage to make this familiar setup feel fresh and unique.

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2025-06-03 22:23

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