In a television environment where most sitcoms have moved away from full holiday specials, CBS’s Ghosts remains a rare exception. The show’s 2025 Christmas episode, “It’s a Wonderful Christmas Carol, ” aired as a one-hour double special and once again proved why Ghosts is beloved by fans and critics alike.
Instead of just sprinkling in festive jokes, the episode delivers genuine emotional depth, exploring what life would look like if Sam, the show’s lead, never gained her ability to see ghosts.
This clever twist lets the series examine the importance of connection and community, reminding viewers that the holiday season is about more than just presents and parties.
Fans have responded with enthusiasm, with many calling the episode one of the best in the show’s history. The special’s success comes not just from its humor, but from its ability to balance laughs with heartfelt moments that resonate with audiences of all ages.
As the show approaches its sixth season, it’s clear that Ghosts has become a staple of holiday television, offering something unique that other sitcoms simply can’t match.
Ratings, Reviews, and Fan Reactions
Ghosts’ Christmas special continues to draw strong ratings, with the 2025 episode pulling in over 3.9 million viewers during its initial broadcast. This is a testament to the show’s growing popularity and the appeal of its holiday episodes, which have become must-watch events for fans.
The episode’s critical reception has also been overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising its clever writing, emotional storytelling, and standout performances.
Social media buzz around the special was electric, with fans sharing their favorite moments and emotional reactions. Many noted how the episode’s exploration of Sam’s character and her impact on the ghosts added new layers to the series’ ongoing narrative.
The episode’s ability to deliver both laughs and tears has helped solidify Ghosts’ reputation as a comfort watch for the holidays. This show manages to entertain without losing its emotional core.
Behind the Scenes and What’s Next for Ghosts
Behind the scenes, the production team for Ghosts has gone to great lengths to make the Christmas special feel special. The showrunners have spoken about how the episode serves as a “milepost” for the series, highlighting how much the characters have changed over the past five seasons.
Ghosts (Credit: CBS)
The cast and crew have also shared glimpses into the making of the episode, revealing the care and creativity that go into every detail of the show’s holiday episodes.
Looking ahead, Ghosts’ success has led to renewed interest in the franchise , with new international versions in development and ongoing discussions about potential spinoffs. The show’s ability to adapt its formula to different cultures while maintaining its emotional heart is a major reason for its enduring popularity.
As other sitcoms continue to drop holiday specials, Ghosts remains a beacon for fans who value tradition, emotional storytelling, and the enduring magic of Christmas television.
Ghosts’ 2025 Christmas special is more than just another episode; it’s a testament to the power of tradition in a rapidly changing TV world. By blending humor, heart, and supernatural charm, Ghosts continues to deliver what fans love most: a reason to gather around the TV and celebrate the holidays together.
The episode’s heartfelt message about family, connection, and finding joy in the little things has resonated with viewers, making it one of the most talked-about holiday specials of the year.
The show’s ability to craft episodes that feel both festive and meaningful has helped it stand out in a season crowded with holiday programming. Its unique blend of supernatural humor and emotional depth offers something for everyone, from longtime fans to newcomers drawn in by the holiday cheer.
As Ghosts continues to grow its fanbase and expand its reach, it’s clear that the show’s commitment to holiday traditions is a big part of its lasting appeal.
The success of Ghosts’ Christmas special also highlights the importance of storytelling that connects with audiences on a personal level. In an era where many shows prioritize efficiency over emotional resonance, Ghosts proves that there’s still a place for heartfelt, character-driven narratives on network television.
The episode’s strong ratings and positive reviews are a testament to the power of stories that make people laugh, cry, and feel seen.
Looking ahead, Ghosts is set to build on its success, with new seasons and international adaptations on the horizon. The show’s skillful mix of humor, heart, and supernatural charm has made it a standout among sitcoms, and its dedication to holiday traditions ensures it will remain a favorite for years to come.
Ryan Murphy’s new series, The Beauty , plunges viewers into a world where physical perfection is no longer a dream; it’s a reality. The first official trailer introduces “The Beauty,” a designer drug that instantly transforms anyone who takes it into a vision of physical perfection.
The promise is seductive: erase flaws, boost confidence, and step into a new life of glamour and attention. The trailer’s visuals are striking, showing ordinary people morphing into supermodels, their faces and bodies glowing with an almost supernatural radiance.
But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this transformation comes at a terrifying cost. The drug, which is based on a sexually transmitted virus, doesn’t just enhance beauty; it fundamentally alters the body, and those changes are far from permanent.
After a period of euphoric beauty, users begin to suffer gruesome and fatal consequences. The trailer hints at exploding supermodels and flesh sacks, a gruesome side effect Murphy has described as “self-ignition ketosis,” where users literally incinerate from the inside out after a set number of days.
Murphy’s signature blend of high fashion and body horror is on full display, with the series weaving together elements of sci-fi, thriller, and social commentary. The Beauty is adapted from the Image Comics graphic novel by Jeremy Haun and Jason A.
Hurley, which examines beauty culture through a lens of crime and horror. The show’s creators promise a narrative that is both visually stunning and deeply unsettling, asking viewers what they would be willing to sacrifice for perfection.
The Global Epidemic and the Race Against Time
As the Beauty drug spreads, so do its consequences. The series follows FBI agents Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters) and Jordan Bennett (Rebecca Hall), who are dispatched to Paris to investigate a string of mysterious deaths among international supermodels.
What starts as a high-profile murder case quickly spirals into a global epidemic, with the virus and its designer drug version affecting people across Paris, Venice, Rome, and New York.
The agents’ investigation leads them into the shadowy world of “The Corporation,” a tech empire run by a billionaire played by Ashton Kutcher.
This mysterious figure is revealed to be the mastermind behind the Beauty drug, determined to protect his trillion-dollar empire at any cost, even unleashing a lethal enforcer, “The Assassin” (Anthony Ramos), to silence anyone who threatens to expose the truth.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Pope plays Jeremy, a desperate outsider caught in the chaos, searching for purpose as the epidemic escalates. The narrative explores not just the physical horror of the drug but also the psychological toll on those affected and those left behind.
Ryan Murphy (Credit: BBC)
As the virus spreads, society grapples with questions of vanity, obsession, and the lengths people will go to achieve beauty.
Murphy has teased that the series will feature “incredible action sequences, substantial body horror, a compelling love story, an engaging buddy-comedy aspect, and a formidable antagonist.
The blend of genres promises a thrilling ride, but also raises ethical questions about the commodification of beauty and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.
Controversy and Cultural Impact
The Beauty has already sparked controversy even before its release. Fans and critics alike are drawing comparisons to recent body horror films like The Substance, and some have questioned whether Murphy’s adaptation takes too much inspiration from other works.
The show’s plot, which centers on a sexually transmitted virus that grants beauty, has also raised concerns about its portrayal of STIs and the potential for stigmatization.
Murphy is no stranger to controversy, with a reputation for pushing boundaries and skewing real stories for dramatic effect. The Beauty’s cast is star-studded, featuring Evan Peters, Ashton Kutcher, Jeremy Pope, Anthony Ramos, and Rebecca Hall, among others, and the show is expected to attract a wide audience.
However, some fans have voiced mixed emotions about the plot and the return of Murphy’s frequent collaborator, Evan Peters.
The series also invites reflection on broader societal issues, such as the obsession with physical perfection, the influence of social media, and the dangers of unchecked corporate power.
By blending high fashion with gruesome horror, The Beauty holds a mirror up to a culture that often values appearance over substance, and asks viewers to consider the true cost of chasing beauty.
With its premiere on FX and Hulu set for January 21, The Beauty is poised to become one of the most talked-about shows of 2026. Whether it will be celebrated for its bold storytelling or criticized for its controversial themes, one thing is certain: Ryan Murphy’s latest creation is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
