Summary
While CBS’sGhostsis a deservedly popular sitcom, one of the show’s most unfortunate narrative tropes needs to stop before season 4 wraps up.Ghostsis a remake of the British sitcom of the same name and began airing on CBS in 2021. As in the original,the various ghosts ofGhostsare arguably the real stars of the series, constantly getting into scrapes as Sam supervises. However, while this makes the show one of the most likeable on television, it doesn’t save it from repeating a mistake that can undermine sitcoms.
AlthoughGhostsseason 4will see the series bring Thorfinn, Hetty, and Pete back to screens soon, their fates aren’t the ones that have viewers worrying. The Continental Army officer Isaac, who has generally been a minor villain in the house’s undead milieu, was kidnapped by the creepy Patience during season 3, episode 10, “Isaac’s Wedding.” Shortly afterGhostsseason 3’s missing character Flowerreturned, Isaac and Nigel broke up due to Isaac’s inability to stay faithful. Isaac was then dragged through a wall by Patience, a creepy specter who was obsessed with him. This resulted in an unusual ending, ill-suited to the sitcom format.
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Ghosts Season 4 Doesn’t Need A Cliffhanger Ending
Seasons 2 and 3 Both Featured Surprise Twist Endings
Although the breakup in “Isaac’s Wedding” was well handled,Ghostsseason 3 didn’t need a cliffhanger endingafter the event. Cliffhanger endings are designed to keep viewers coming back, but they’re unnecessary in a series that is usually an episodic sitcom rather than a serialized show.Ghostsdoes have longer character arcs, like Nigel and Isaac’s relationship, but it isn’t primarily concerned with dramatic events.Ghostsis usually a light-hearted comedy, so sudden dramatic stings can feel like a cheap ploy in this context. Moreover, the success ofGhostsproves these measures are wholly unnecessary.
In its five seasons, BBC’sGhostsonly featured one cliffhanger.
Unlike a lot of sitcoms,Ghostshas grown progressively more popular since the show began. The pilot earned 5.52 million viewers back in 2021, whereas “Isaac’s Wedding” commanded an audience of 5.95 million. The first episode ofGhostsseason 3fared even better with 7 million viewers. It is clear that the series is popular, soGhostsdoesn’t need cheap cliffhanger endings to keep viewers coming back for more. What makes this frustrating is the fact that the show’s original inspiration, the BBC series, was less invested in this strategy. In its five seasons, BBC’sGhostsonly featured one cliffhanger.
Ghosts Should Take A Cue From The Original UK Show
Ghosts’ British Source Material Used Fewer Cliffhangers
In the penultimate outing of BBC’s originalGhosts, the country house’s adjacent Gatehouse catches fire and burns to the ground. Since the central couple were using the funds from renting the Gatehouse to refurbish the crumbling manor, they are left without a plan for their future. This cliffhanger ending felt a lot likeCBS’Ghostsseason 2 finale, which revealed that one of the ghosts was being taken to the afterlife but didn’t show which one.Both endings promised to upend the status quo of the series, forcing viewers to return next season and find out the outcome.
The difference is that BBC’sGhostsonly pulled this trick once after building up four years of audience goodwill. Earlier seasons, like season 3, could have ended with tantalizing open questions like whether the couple fell for a scammer. However, the British version of the series resisted this temptation and wrapped up these storylines before ending the finale. In contrast,Ghostsseemed desperate to keep viewers investedeven though the show is faring well with audiences. Since the series began, CBS’Ghostshas boasted an impressive audience share, and this has only improved in recent outings.
Ghosts’ Cliffhanger Endings Tempt A Terrible Sitcom Fate
The Show’s Potential Cancellation Could Leave Viewers Disappointed
The reason that BBC’sGhostsoften ended with a sweet, heartwarming send-off is it was rarely clear whether the series would be renewed. British shows have shorter seasons than American sitcoms, with BBC’sGhostshaving only six episodes per outing where CBS’Ghostshas 18, 22, and 10. It is really tempting fate to end every season with a huge cliffhanger, considering any of these seasons could be the show’s last. This means, that with no resolution,viewers would be left frustrated by an unanswered mystery.
Ghostsseason 4 should borrow from its UK inspiration and drop this unnecessary approach to each outing’s ending.
It is fair for shows that risk cancelation to try and keep viewers invested via cliffhanger endings, but this is more understandable when the series is a procedural or a drama rather than a sitcom. Forviewers watching either version ofGhosts, there is no impetus to give up on the series. This is reflected in the CBS show’s impressive ratings. As such,Ghostsseason 4 should borrow from its UK inspiration and drop this unnecessary approach to each outing’s ending. There is no need for a series as fun asGhoststo string viewers along, let alone risk an underwhelming ending.
