Ghosts UK vs. Ghosts US: Which Version Has the Most Life?

Which version has the most life? Welcome to MsMojo, and in this installment of Versus, we’re crossing the pond to compare the CBS sitcom “Ghosts” with its original U.K. version. Our verses includes the historical context, setting up the story, the ghosts, and more! Have YOU watched both series? Which one is your winner? Let us know in the comments!
Watch more great sitcom videos here:
Top 10 Funniest Ghosts (U.S.) Moments - • Top 10 Funniest Ghosts...
Friends VS The Big Bang Theory - • Friends VS The Big Ban...
Victorious VS iCarly: Battle of the Nickelodeon Sitcoms - • Victorious VS iCarly: ...
Don't forget to play our Live Trivia games at 3pm EST for a chance to win cash! The faster you answer, the more points you get!: www.watchmojo....
Have Your Idea Become A Video!
wmojo.com/msmo...
Subscribe for more great content!
wmojo.com/msmo...
MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#Ghosts #CBS #Sitcom #Comedy #TV

[@MsMojo]

Have YOU watched both series? Which one is your winner? Let us know in the comments!

[@RosesAreRed615]

Ghosts: USA

[@teresaellis7062]

I watched season 1 of the Ghosts US and only lasted a few episodes into the Ghost UK. I liked the social interactions of the Ghosts US much more and found the Ghosts UK ghosts a bit more mean spirited. (pun, not intended, but left in when noticed😁)

[@slu8269]

The Us version is funny and it got better after the first season, but the UK version has more heart. I still shed tears when I watch Pat´s Christmas gift episode.

[@PRdeSO]

@@teresaellis7062 You didn't watch much of the series if you think that.

[@TheSnowdogsShorts]

I watched and enjoyed both. I have a slight bias for the UK version, as I know most of the actors from Horrible Histories, which I love. I was very pleasantly surprised by how good the US version was. I love the hippy addition, which is a cool twist.

[@heidiroberts7376]

As a Horrible Histories fan, I definitely appreciated the UK version but I appreciate the US Version and the efforts to stay true to the theme while trying to do some things different. I like them both. I also appreciated when some of the UK actors spent some time in the US version.

[@EleanorWhite-ml9xw]

I love Mathew Baynton very much I always have and I always will 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖he is the only one I love and look up to

[@laurah5758]

I really enjoyed both but the one thing that gives the UK the edge is that the same cast played both the upstairs and downstairs ghosts. I loved that.

[@MarlosWorldFTP]

that's weird af 😂😂😂 and super confusing - For Why ???!

[@CyndiWatkins]

The U.S. basement ghosts can interact with the upstairs ghosts more easily than in the UK version, because the UK basement ghosts are played by the same actors as those upstairs. It’s fun to try and pick them out.

[@Jenifer_R_]

Yes, the Six Idiots are very Pythonesque.

[@veronicaaccouche1478]

The UK ghosts follow the stupid 'class system', which would prevent them from communicating with each other even in death. I'm English by the way.

[@MarlosWorldFTP]

why tf would they have the same actors play different characters??? weird af

[@Jenifer_R_]

@@MarlosWorldFTP You've never seen a Monty Python film?

[@veronicaaccouche1478]

@@MarlosWorldFTP it showed off their acting and comedic skills. They also could say everyone is reborn

[@hagarroldson4487]

At first, I struggled to moved from UK Ghosts to the US version, but after a few episodes, I fell in love.

[@SammiPDanton]

I personal like the US better because they give more detail backstory to the ghost. Well the UK seem to mostly just give us the deaths choosing to focus more on the present day antic of the ghost. The US makes the choice to really go into great detail on the ghosts backstories and even have some of them be major long term plot points. I think having more info on who these ghost were well alive kind of make them feel a little more real and less like props just there for the joke

[@gawainethefirst]

I’ve watched both, so I’m the winner.

[@MultiNotAnti]

The US version is good but the UK version just can’t be beat! It’s hard to improve upon perfection after all.

[@imsoboredhahaha]

The U.K. version had the 6 Idiots (the original 6 cast members of CBBC’s beloved “Horrible Histories) create it… enough said

[@sharondamoore2148]

The UK version was amazing. I'm from the US btw.

[@crazy-88s]

The Uk cast is on another level . I will try with the US version again, though

[@JessicaCastro-mk6nv]

I thankfully found the UK version during lock down. I'm not a huge fan of British humor but it was love at first watch! Such a smart and witty show that was fun to watch. I was THRILLED when I heard of the US version. The US one is a bit more campy but it's perfect for viewers. A great continuation.

[@stthomassounds]

I have watched both and there is no contest in my view. British version is funnier and more touching. US Version is not as funny and uses too much negative humor. Of course, the reason why the British version is funnier is because most of those actors have worked with each other on successful comedy shows for years.

[@welshygemss]

UK - not even a contest I'm afraid.

[@johnd.4286]

After watching the UK version, I did not want to like the US one at all, but after a while I was very impressed , and can't wait to keep watching .

[@bluelions2275]

Same here didn't think I would like it and ruin my experience of the UK version but I loved it can't wait watch series 4

[@LianaSchr]

Nothing will ever beat " I found him 'pon the groundskeeper with the butler 'pon him." A manwich.

[@oliviadaly4795]

A 'Moroccan tea party' ft George, Henry (the groundskeeper/gardener) and Evans (the butler) (the names from the Button House Archives companion book) 🤣

[@sheepstealinggreatgreatgrandma]

I think the difference between UK and US shows in general can be summed up in the fact that Sam is a writer and Jay is a chef, while in the UK version we never know what jobs Allison and Mike had before they inherited the house, only that they hated their jobs and were ready to quit them immediately. Which made them so much more relatable to me, they are just a pair of ordinary goofballs and it makes me so much more invested when they try to make the hotel work - they've never had the chance to be aspirational before and now they're improvising as they go. They're the underdogs and I love them for it. Also it is hilarious comparing the truce scenes - Alison is at the end of her rope after being tormented by the ghosts and sounds ready to kill them with her bare hands if only she could touch them; Sam feels mildly annoyed in comparison. I appreciate that as the US show goes on it grows into its own thing (with more episodes to do so) and that's great - but when it copied the events of the UK pilot it really felt like an inferior version. When it came to addressing historical issues too I think the UK version was simply more subtle about it, which is a matter of preference really. It feels like the characters address these issues in a more natural way that is more in-character. If it was in the Captain's nature to come out of the closet then he probably would have already been sucked off ;) Instead he has a character arc that is related but not strictly limited to his sexuality - he slowly grows into a less rigid and much warmer person and starts exploring new interests that reveal a different side to his personality. Meanwhile Kitty isn't going to explicitly say she was an outsider in her family because of racism, because she psychologically copes by viewing the past through a rose-tinted lens. And its clear in her friendship with Alison that she's trying to recreate the relationship she pretends she had with her own sister.

[@MsKaz1000]

I admit I liked the fact in the end the sister was upset when her sister died I don't think the sister disliked her because of the colour of her skin but more because she felt she was stealing the love from her parents with her being the bio daughter this can happen even when they are bio siblings in real life it took her dying for the sister to realise it

[@sheepstealinggreatgreatgrandma]

I think race did play a role in their relationship still (plus we see that Kitty even remembers her dad through a bit of a rose-tinted lens too) - it inevitably would have been part of her resentment just because of the time period. But it then took Kitty dying for her sister to feel regret - the prejudices and beliefs of the time would have complicated those feelings, but when finally faced with Kitty dying she begged her to stay

[@carolinemerk9814]

The walking through walls/sitting on furniture is also addressed in the UK version.

[@aprilbrown8790]

I love both versions! I got interested in the UK version because I noticed it was the cast of Horrible Histories. They cracked me up on Horrible Histories so I had to check it out and they did not disappoint. When I finished all seasons or series of UK, I had see what the US version was all about. TBH it didn’t grabbed right away as the UK version but overtime it got me hooked as well. Both versions are my go to when I need a good laugh after a long day

[@lianetallo4866]

UK ghosts is the most perfectly crafted tv show ever. I love it SO MUCH, and horrible histories and yonderland ❤❤❤❤

[@johnsloss9672]

UK is the greatest version of the show 💯

[@thomashowells193]

The British one

[@markholloway143]

When I found out how Mary and Heddy died, yep...I cried. The writers for both shows are sooooo good.

[@kristentaylor5359]

I love both versions, but I have to admit I've had more laugh out loud moments with the UK version. I don't know if it's because I just love the cast from horrible histories but I think they are just an amazing ensemble

[@Crimefictionaddict]

I had to check to see if I wrote that for a second because that’s exactly my thoughts!

[@kristentaylor5359]

@Crimefictionaddict GMTA!

[@timsamanthony]

I love the UK version more but the US version is pretty good as well, one of the rare times a US remake is actually pretty good

[@cheyennebrennan966]

UK, no question.

[@hollyjillrowsell3744]

I do prefer the UK version.

[@baroquejen]

US version is tepid, overly sweet and sitcom-y. UK version has depth and melancholy to balance the humor. UK for the win a thousand times.

[@zyanycto]

I absolutely love both versions of this show, wish there had been a little more Ghosts UK though.

[@wendymadeline5533]

UK all the way - All the Way !!!!

[@evegusman7626]

They're both great. But the UK version has something so special. It's charm is so beyond

[@nikkicat254]

I actually like them both, I do wish the UK version had as many episodes as the US version. I actually started the US version first, then found out there was a UK version, but as I said I really enjoyed them both, I kinda felt like they both have their own special qualities. I like to imagine that both couples exist in the same universe, both dealing with their own ghosts, lol! Now I want to see Horrible Histories too, but I bet that won't be easily found, since I am in the US.

[@MsKaz1000]

they also did a 3 season show called Yonderland which has two worlds ours and a fantasy world with puppets

[@oliviadaly4795]

S1-6 of Horrible Histories is on Hulu 🙂 Its also on Amazon Prime in its entirety but the show was cancelled after 5 seasons/series, the original cast left, then rebooted a year or so later. S6 is OK because it still had Jim Howick/Pat/Pete and Simon Farnaby (probably where the Farnsby's name comes from)/Julian/Trevor in mostly minor roles but after S7 it's unwatchable so enjoy it on Hulu if you can hah.

[@oliviadaly4795]

Oh yeah of course And the Shakespeare film Bill (on Amazon Prime under Bill 2015) Not sure where you can find Yonderland in the US but for ages here in the UK you could only get S2/3 on streaming/DVD etc as the company who made S1 went bust and the rights were lost so people try to sell the S1 DVD for over £100

[@stoverboo]

We know they don't exist in the same universe, because in the BBC original, Alison can hear the ghosts through the phone, but in the US version, Samantha can't.

[@MsKaz1000]

@@oliviadaly4795 wow did not know that, it would be great to get a box set of all 3 and the Christmas special

[@Zoey1999z]

I have watched both and find the U.S. one to be the better one. The ghost in the UK show are all mostly one note and they never evolve with new experiences. The U.S. ghosts do evolve and have more layers. Plus they are much funnier. A really big difference is the husbands. The way the UK one is written, he is just there and really only interacts with his wife. He does not have much to do. But Jay, the U.S. husband is very interested in the ghosts and very charming about it. He even finds a way to be good friends with Pete developing a real relationship and shared activities with Sam’s help. Jay gets to know the quirks of each ghost.

[@AtomicAus]

It's worth remembering that the them there crew are executive producers of the US version, even if they aren't actively working on the show, they are still at least helping to guide it. I'd also HIGHLY recommend getting the Button House Archives book, the audiobook version is even read by the cast.

[@AudreyC379]

As an American, the U.K version 100% Funnier, has more heart & better characters.

[@Jenifer_R_]

I've seen both and love both. US versions of UK shows have a bad reputation, but never forget The Office exists. The UK cast have been working together for decades. They have the chemistry and comedic timing reserved for Monty Python and old school SNL castmates. They own this series - and rightfully so. But that doesn't mean the US version is automatically bad. In fact, it's been a pleasant surprise. With a strong ensemble cast and local historical references, the bare bones are covered. Just needs character development to flesh it out, and I'm here for it!

[@znt4ever112]

I loved the Uk Ghosts, so was excited to see there was another vertion to see what they did with it...I honestly could not get past the first episode, just not my cup of tea.

[@music2012pink]

The first episode is a shaky start but it does get better and does some stuff better in my opinion just not every thing, their better as their own thing and not trying to be the original, and as it's shorter episodes so not too long to wait for them to find their feet, although everyone's different.

[@oliviadaly4795]

Stick with it it does get better. It's just a handful of the US episodes (for exposition purposes) are the exact same as the UK ones. But it's fun to see how they expand the lore. Very fun to see Sam and Jay accidentally get stuck at their neighbours' swingers party as the ghost of the neighbours mum is unable to tell Jay he's a Swinger 🤣

[@carolcourtney4309]

Love them both but wish there had been many more episodes of the UK version because it was SO good!

[@christistratton]

I loved the British series, and I would love more, but it is not to be. I thought the British one superior to the American remake.

[@parissabastani1239]

I have watched both series and I prefer the UK version

[@NadineDoolittle]

Ghosts UK. I'm on my fourth rewatch and I'm still finding things to laugh at.

[@jennifer_mertens]

US version should end with the livings having a baby and when it's a toddler, they realize he/she could also see the ghosts.

[@whiplashfatigue1430]

Didn’t they already establish that babies could see the ghosts? Thor used to sing Hedy to sleep.

[@jasminerogers9096]

The UK version is funny in such an effortless way

[@tamarknaani8940]

I think the uk, it’s just so charming

[@nicholacourt9214]

It’s funny that I found the vid when I started watching (the us version) and just finished it less than 5 mins ago

[@annamarie4431]

I love them both wish there was more episodes /series of the uk version

[@markthomas6236]

I love what you do

[@blkrogue0]

US version all the way!

[@Josh-g1h9n]

I wish the UK version have more of the plague girl

[@juliusheart2667]

UK one is best, got used to the US one but it's humour is a sledge hammer in comparison. Very little subtlety...

[@bunnyderby6170]

I started watching the US because of Rose McIver from IZombie, when I saw there was a UK version I had to watch that too. Love them both!

[@hellowendy1029]

Oh I liked izombie!

[@brucebush5744]

The US version is pretty decent - but it can’t really ever be more than it is, a competent corporate copy of an innovative “self-made” original. The UK version being writer/actor created is what makes it special.

[@TheDrPhred]

I have watched both and I like both but sadly I must say the US version is better. Both great but the UK version has a couple of characters that are nerve grating

[@slu8269]

First of all, Button House is real and can be visited. I love the UK version and I even have their book about the ghosts. I find Robin the best character, so funny and smart. I also do love when the ghosts meet up every day so they can talk about their favourite food or tell stories to each other. The US version is , like stated in the video, more like friends and sometimes is funnier in the KZbin shorts versions of the scenes.

[@GiuliMaccagnoCiccarelli]

I love love love Ghosts UK. I'm watching Ghosts US and it's fantastic too! I think UK wins, they made me cry lol

[@luxford60]

The US version is better than I thought it was going to be, but is still not as good as the original. The American characters are less 3 dimensional.

[@ellie9311]

our UK version is the best one hands down as its the original

[@Friendly_Newb]

I liked the Uk version, but loved the US One, which is weird because usually I am more into British humour... Both are great :D

[@MickeyDee1984]

I really enjoy both versions!

[@deadhomer8468]

In a few years you're going to have to do ghost UK vs US vs Germany vs Australia vs and possibly France vs Spain

[@zuzukris4952]

I don’t like the US version. The UK version is top notch! ❤

[@adey126]

This was made before the Ghost US Xmas special. It would have been a tie or US would have won bc their ghost dynamics are just better plus the ghost powers evolve.

[@theamarothman]

I always have deeper appreciation for the original; because it acted as a catalyst for creating something as equal, better or different (unfortunately, sometime, worse). I do think the US version feels easier to follow and easier to watch, but without the UK, there won't be the US version.

[@jamesjimbob71]

I knew jim Howick from the i uk version, we used to panto together

[@loriloristuff]

"Oh yes he is! Oh no he's not! Oh yes he is!"

[@alisharoach100]

I recently finished the UK series. I just loved it. It is the winner for me though I love the US version, too. I'm a little more aligned with British humor. I appreciate that it's darker and bittersweet.

[@jefffletcher5321]

I enjoy both versions very much! All of the actors feel like family to me!

[@tymecop]

There’s no comparison the US version wins hands-down 👏 ❤

[@cameronjr8]

Just like The Office (UK) and The Office (US)

[@SassyMissBassi]

I really loved the UK version better personally

[@biografiaimmaginaria]

The only time I've liked a US version better than the original

[@EilonwyG]

I do love both, although I came to the US one first as I'm in the US. Both are very funny, although I tend to like the humor of the US version better and I like how the characters evolve and the world of the ghosts grow in the US version. Plus, I really hate how the UK version ended. If you watch up to every episode except the final holiday episode, the UK ended great. But the last episode for the holiday undid everything the episode before it did and it just ended up souring my experience with the show. I also like Sam and Jay better, I feel they support each other even better than Alison and Mike (although they are a fantastic couple as well), and I like Sam's relationship with the ghosts better than Alison's, as Alison often seems like she's just dealing with the ghosts rather than really caring for them. Also, there's a D&D episode in the US version.

[@stoverboo]

The thing I truly hate about the US version is that Sam frequently lies to Jay about the ghosts' opinion when the two of them have disputes. Alison would never do that to Mike.

[@ma.christinarandrup8372]

Sam never really listen to Jay opinion whatsoever so

[@scotthodgins7975]

This is the one time that i have to side with the US version. Only because they stayed true to the original UK intent, but were able to take it further without "americanizing" it beyond recognition. The UK one is enjoyable, and i do love Horrible History (even though i am Canadian and not British), however i have to give the nod (so far) to the US version .. ... as long as they dont try to "jump the shark", and they do the honourable thing and end the show at the right tome and don't try to force things.

[@curtbonnell4308]

I enjoy the US version but the UK version is superior.

[@alanawinters21435]

I got hooked on the US version so I wanted to give the UK version a try cause I love some of the British actors from Horrible Histories - but the UK version lost me. I didn’t like the pacing and some of the characters didn’t resonate well. That being said, I do love how there are 2 versions that aren’t just carbon copies so there’s something for everyone.

[@ireneshafer1340]

I like them both, but love the US version so much more. The characters, the situations, and, yeah, maybe I'm influenced by it being set in the area where I live. lol But really, I find the UK ghosts kind of annoying sometimes...

[@leec6707]

The UK ghosts are naturally funny. The US ghosts are actors delivering witty lines and they don't land as well for me. I like both versions though.

[@busybodybaroness]

I like our version because it's more about our history

[@itscookielookie]

I just started watching this because I kept seeing KZbin shorts of the US one, because of this I have watched a couple episodes of the US version. I haven’t watched a full episode of the UK one yet, but I saw some parts of one episode. From what I’ve seen this might be a weird way to describe it, but the American characters just feel a bit more quirkier and I like that. (I’m American btw)

[@mechatankzilla4733]

I'm a Brit and have watched both, much prefer the cast of the US version, they are far more charming than the plugly UK ones

[@SpandexTree]

I like both series. I think the UK version has better writing, but I think the US version is more fun.

[@baramansari6921]

The USA series is just too too…..American! All very brash and loud. And silly. The uk version is a ghost story with a heart. It would make me laugh and cry in one episode. Winner: uk ghosts.

[@marieclapdorp2580]

I think that, in some of the areas where you gave the US version the edge, it's simply due to the fact that they have more episodes per season, therefore more time to develop the characters and back stories. I watched the UK version because I love Horrible Histories. When I heard about the US version, I decided to give it a try. The first few episodes just came across as re-worked versions of the UK show. But I stuck with it, and as the US versions started to distinguish itself from the UK version, I started liking it more. I audibly gasped when Hetty's husband went to hell in a flash of red light (Isaac would have been so proud). I still prefer the original UK version though. I hear that there are other versions of the show coming out in other countries (Australia, Germany, France and Spain). They'll incorporate ghost characters that reflect their own history and culture. Could be interesting to watch.

[@Oma386]

Love them both!

[@johnlbirch]

I have watched both - well I have watched all of the UK version and some of the US version. Which is sort of the point. The UK version was unmissable with each episode being "important" and taking things forward, or telling us something new. No fillers. No long drawn out episodes saying nothing other than some cheap gags. And in the UK version their attempts to make the House a hotel fails, helped by the nasty neighbours. And each episode was mutil-layed with often several stories, so of which often had pathos as well as humour. I rather gave up with the US version. Once the setup was done each episode was one tone, with generally one story. And those stories were so often so damn predictable, and so preachy - so "what did we learn today, kids!". And everyone damn project succeeds all the damn time. The hotel venture works, the cooking works. No-one ever fails. But that is British v American humour - failure is the centre of British humour, whereas US humor is based on winning. Anyway I had to give up with US ghosts as I in the end could not cope with the saccharin sweetness, the everything will work out for the best positivism and above all the "and today's moral is...".

[@eliselianaboyd2547]

The us version is fun but the uk version is simply better 😂😂

[@caoillainn]

UK, hands down.

[@noelpizarro3812]

I thank the UK version for being the originators of this awesome premise, but the US version sweeps all the categories. Alison was attempted murdered (too dark for a comedy) and the US version has Nancy. Also, there are more episodes. The US version is just more fun in every way.

[@kathywattier4551]

I love both of them... my favorite ghost is Robin by far, out of US & UK.❤

[@LL-525]

I love both versions

[@jenniferedwards1752]

I actually like the US version better. The characters are more likable.

[@tudorjason]

I've only seen a few scenes of the UK version. My favorite is when Kylie Minogue guest-stars as herself who can see ghosts. It's hilarious!

[@timsamanthony]

That was actually a sketch for Comic Relief and not an actual moment from the series

[@stoverboo]

@@timsamanthony It was well done, though. I think we all enjoyed it.

[@markleon411]

Sass sounds more like a Millennial. He's the one that's least authentic.

[@lydiareyes766]

I can’t tell you til the end of the ghosts I’m watching now cause the uk version of an ending was to me perfectly done

[@starscreamsniper926]

I prefer the US Ghosts over the UK Ghosts. I enjoyed the characters and story more with the more colorful cast in the US version, and I loved Rose McIver since I saw her in iZombie as Liv Moore.

[@christophermunn3819]

I like the USA one better, as the ghosts develop in character over time.

[@tarahanson1321]

The achy breaky heart scene in ghosts UK makes it the winner ... always!!

[@lilymarinovic1644]

The UK version is famtastoc because the cast have done so much ensemble work that they very maturally embody a bunch of disparate characters who have been together for years and just gel.

[@MikeChera-j5p]

Watched UK first, then US. US is far superior. Clearly a larger budget, better writers, better actors. And, instead of relying on the UK living couple always failing at the end of each episode, the US version has a mixture of positive and negative outcomes. Found the UK version frustrating because the story went out of its way to punish the characters when the US version let things flow organically. The US version wins because they had a great show to work off of.

[@yuncreations]

UK is way better

[@greggcollins4215]

I understand why the 'cannot leave the property' rule. But it should be the property borders when they died not the present property.

[@--------04]

I prefer the uk version. In part because I like history, and in the uk version they felt more realistic to their era. There is also subtly, that is not present in the us version (for example Isaac is a lot less subtle than the captain, even before he came out). I still like the us version, in particular that they did their own thing instead of being just a copy. The characters from the uk at the beginning fell less likeable, but they grow on you. I think that in the uk version it's a little more relatable in a way.