There are many reasons why remakes can be beneficial. They can bring new audiences to a show and remind fans why they loved a project in the first place. Franchises will always hold a spot in our viewing schedules.
Adding more shows to franchises like Law & Order, 9-1-1, or One Chicago allows viewers to see more details about a particular world.
These franchises can create dedicated fans who will watch anything related to the original shows, and there’s always a chance for a fun crossover episode.
However, sometimes franchises can expand too much, which can lead to a less enjoyable experience for viewers.
The Origin of Ghosts
Ghosts began as a British sitcom on the BBC in 2019. The show tells the story of a married couple who inherit a property filled with spirits.
After the wife has an accident, she gains the ability to see the ghosts, which include a Shakespearean poet and a caveman.
This situation leads to many funny moments. The series ran for five seasons and ended in December 2023.
In 2019, CBS announced plans for an American version of the show, which debuted in October 2021. The US version has become very popular, with many loyal fans.
It is one of CBS’ top shows, attracting millions of viewers and preparing for its fourth season. However, recent news about future versions of Ghosts has raised concerns among fans that the franchise might be expanding too much.
Will More Adaptations Harm Ghosts?
Even though the US version of Ghosts is a remake, it has enough differences to stand alone. The ghosts have been adapted to American culture, adding characters like a Revolutionary War soldier, a Native American man, and a 1920s jazz singer.
Sam (played by Rose McIver) and Jay (played by Utkarsh Ambudkar) also manage Woodstone Manor better than their British counterparts managed Button House.
Still from Ghosts (Credit: Paramount+)
Many viewers in the US did not see the UK version because it did not air on major television networks, although some might have watched it on streaming services.
Having both versions seemed fine at first since there has not been much overlap in plot, aside from the basic idea of the show.
However, now there is a German version being made by BBC Studios Germany, and a French version is also in development.
An Australian adaptation has been announced, set to premiere on Paramount+ in 2025. The US version will now have to compete for viewers with these other adaptations, which can dilute what makes Ghosts special.
The US version is already following familiar territory laid out by the UK sitcom. With multiple shows sharing the same idea and similar characters airing at once, the unique qualities of the series may become less noticeable.
The original Ghosts was not based on a major movie, toy, or another successful project, making it unique with its fresh concept. However, if there are many versions of the same series, its specialness may fade.
A Bigger Problem in Hollywood
Creating many adaptations of the same show highlights that many studios prefer to promote ideas that have already been successful rather than support original ideas. Recent Emmy winner Richard Gadd (from Baby Reindeer) mentioned this in his acceptance speech.
He said, “I know the industry is in a slump right now, and I know it might put pressure on networks and stuff to tighten the purse strings and broaden the slate, but I do believe no slump was ever broken without willingness to take risks.”
Gadd’s statement is significant and addresses the current state of Hollywood. It calls out studios that focus too much on airing franchises or shows with an established fan base. This limits the chances for truly unique ideas to shine.
If studios and streaming services can only approve a limited number of projects each year, this restricts the number of original projects that can be seen by viewers.
At this rate, in the future, we might only watch reboots, remakes, and spin-offs with no special or different ideas.
It is understandable that the Ghosts team wants to take advantage of their success, but the US version may struggle to keep some of what made it great.
It will have to compete with various global versions of their show that are airing simultaneously. This expansion could also push away the core fans who started watching because of the original concept.
What’s Next for Ghosts?
The US version of Ghosts has many exciting storylines planned for its next season. It has been revealed that Jay will gain the ability to see the ghosts for the first time, while Isaac (played by Brandon Scott Jones) will find himself in trouble with a new ghost named Patience.
The interesting developments in the show should not be overshadowed by yet another version of the series being created.
While it is great that more people around the world will experience the Ghosts universe, it is unfortunate that the ongoing series might be affected by these new adaptations.
Still from Ghosts (Credit: Paramount+)
Hopefully, Ghosts US will continue its fun supernatural adventures and remain distinct from the many international versions. Maybe Hollywood will learn that creating many adaptations does not always guarantee success, but great storytelling does.
The first three seasons of Ghosts US are available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S. The fourth season will premiere on October 17 on CBS.
Real-life couple Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer star as lovers in the Australian romantic comedy series Colin From Accounts. In the show, Brammall and Dyer play two strangers named Gordon and Ashley. They come together after an accident leaves them with a lost dog they name Colin.
Season 1 of Colin From Accounts follows Gordon and Ashley as they deal with the challenges of being pet parents and their growing feelings for each other.
With Season 2 of Colin From Accounts starting on Paramount+ in the U.S. later this week, it’s time to refresh our memories about this unique and fun couple and where they end up at the end of Season 1.
Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer Play an Odd Couple in ‘Colin From Accounts’ Season 1
Episode 1, titled “The Flash,” begins with a surprising meeting between Dyer’s character, Ashley Mulden, and Brammall’s character, Gordon Crapp. Gordon runs a new brewery with his friends, Brett (Michael Logo) and Chiara (Genevieve Hegney).
He is on his way to work when he sees Ashley, a medical student who is recovering from a painful breakup with her ex, James (Tai Hara). After the breakup, Ashley, who has been drinking, decides to flash Gordon while walking in front of his car. This distraction causes Gordon to crash, injuring a lost dog.
Since both are responsible for the dog’s situation, they take it to a veterinarian named Yvette (Annie Maynard). Yvette, who is Gordon’s ex-girlfriend, sadly informs them that the dog has a spinal injury and will need wheels for its back legs.
Although Ashley and Gordon initially think about putting the dog to sleep, they cannot go through with that choice. In the end, Gordon pays for the dog’s treatment, and Ashley agrees to take care of the dog, which they name Colin.
Sadly, Ashley cannot keep Colin in the house she is renting because the landlord does not allow pets. Since she has nowhere else to go, Ashley asks Gordon if she and Colin can stay at his house while she finds a new place. However, staying at Gordon’s house brings its own challenges.
For instance, Ashley sleepwalks one night and accidentally pees in Gordon’s bedside table drawer. Also, Gordon starts to worry about the possibility of his testicular cancer coming back. Ashley’s life is not easy either, especially with her mother, Lynelle (Helen Thomson), constantly interfering.
Luckily, Ashley’s best friend and fellow med student, Megan (Emma Harvie), reminds her that she does not have to handle Colin’s care alone. After all, Gordon was the one who hit the dog. Ashley finds her strength and states that she will stay at Gordon’s apartment until she finds a permanent solution for herself and Colin.
Still from Colin From Accounts (Credit: Paramount+)
In typical romantic comedy fashion, Ashley and Gordon begin to develop feelings for each other. Despite their growing attraction, things hit a snag when Gordon hesitates to sleep with Ashley because of a medical procedure he had earlier that day.
He decides to hide this fact from Ashley, making her believe he is not interested in her. The situation becomes even more complicated when Gordon briefly reconnects with Yvette.
Nevertheless, Ashley and Gordon eventually face their feelings for each other, especially after Ashley learns about Gordon’s cancer history from her practical supervisor at med school.
Gordon’s Birthday Party for Ashley Ends in Disaster in ‘Colin From Accounts’ Season 1
As Ashley and Gordon’s relationship progresses, they get to know each other better. On Ashley’s 30th birthday, the couple visits Ashley’s mother Lynelle’s house, where Gordon meets Lynelle’s odd boyfriend, Lee (Darren Gilshenan).
True to form, Lynelle tries to embarrass Ashley multiple times throughout the night. Ashley finally loses her patience when Lynelle brings up Alejandro, a friend who died on Ashley’s 22nd birthday.
Since Alejandro’s death, Ashley has felt guilty because she was unable to save him through CPR. Gordon helps Ashley understand that it was not her fault and even stands up to Lynelle for not supporting her daughter.
Towards the end of Season 1 of Colin From Accounts, Ashley and Gordon’s relationship faces another challenge. Gordon throws a birthday party for Ashley at his brewery, but it turns into a disaster. Gordon, who is older than Ashley, tries hard to fit in with her friends.
Unfortunately, Ashley’s friends turn out to be rowdier than he expected, and he becomes the target of age-related jokes, even from Ashley’s ex, James.
Eventually, Gordon loses his temper and kicks everyone out, humiliating Ashley in front of her friends. Episode 7 ends with Ashley and Gordon arguing about what happened at the party, leading them to break up in anger.
What Happens to Colin at the End of Season 1?
After their breakup, Ashley and Gordon run into each other again when Ashley sees a “missing” poster put up by Colin’s real owner.
Sadly, the owner refuses to take Colin back, now that he is a special-needs dog. With Ashley and Gordon no longer a couple, they realize they cannot care for Colin on their own.
Looking for a safe place for Colin, they visit a dog shelter, but the terrible conditions there make them rethink their decision. In the end, they decide to give Colin to Brett’s neighbor, Phoebe (Sophie Bloom).
Although the family seems nice at first, Ashley and Gordon feel uneasy about giving Colin away. However, they cannot change their decision now, and they say goodbye to their beloved Colin.
Still from Colin From Accounts (Credit: Paramount+)
At the end of Colin From Accounts Season 1, Ashley and Gordon try to come to terms with their breakup and saying goodbye to Colin.
Thankfully, as they realize Colin is leaving, Ashley and Gordon fully acknowledge their love for Colin and for each other.
After embracing and accepting their feelings, they decide to try to get Colin back. Season 2 of Colin From Accounts will continue their story as Ashley and Gordon take another chance on love and become permanent dog parents to Colin “From Accounts.”
Season 2 of Colin From Accounts will premiere in the U.S. on Paramount+ on September 26.
