Ghosts Australia

Network 10 And Paramount+ Announce New Local Comedy Series Ghosts Australia.

The First Local Iteration Of Critically Acclaimed British Sitcom Ghosts. Coming To Network 10 And Paramount+ In 2025.

Paramount Australia with BBC Studios Productions Australia, today announced that a new local adaptation of the beloved and critically acclaimed British sitcom Ghosts , will be landing down under with Ghosts Australia coming to Network 10 and Paramount+ in 2025.

This distinctive and highly spirited eight-part family comedy series will be set in a haunted country house full of hilarious new ghosts who are as chaotic, unpredictable and messy as Australian history itself.

New lovebirds Kate and Sean are about to jump into the hellscape that is the inner-city rental market, until Kate inherits a huge mansion in the country. Moving in together for the first time the young couple are attempting domestic bliss, but unbeknown to them, the house is haunted by a collection of needy spirits who carked it in Ramshead Manor over the past 200 years.

Optimistic go-getter Kate wants to revamp the manor into a boutique hotel, but loveable city boy Sean isn’t so sure, he isn’t built for country living. When a near-death experience gives Kate the power to see the ghosts, all their lives (and afterlives) will change forever.

As Kate and Sean navigate the milestones of a new relationship, building a business and dealing with the emotional needs of six neurotic ghosts, will their relationship survive or end up as dead as their new housemates?

Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content and Programming, Paramount Australia said: “Ghosts has been a smash hit in the UK and U.S. and has also attracted a very loyal fanbase here in Australia. With a stellar cast yet to be announced, we can’t wait to bring to life our very own series with an Aussie twist.”

Kylie Washington, General Manager and Creative Director, BBC Studios Productions Australia said: “Ghosts is one of those brilliant comedies which lends itself perfectly to localisation around the world, and we have our own, unique, Australian characters that reflect our very own history and culture. Our eclectic group of ghosts provides endless entertainment in this share-house comedy series that we hope Australian viewers will fall in love with.”

Ghosts Australia is a BBC Studios Productions Australia production for Network 10 and Paramount+. Based on the original series Ghosts, produced by Monumental Television in association with Them There for BBC One. Distributed by BBC Studios.

A German version of Ghosts was recently announced adding to the international success of the format which first aired on the BBC in the UK. The fifth and final series of the original UK version was the most-watched comedy in 2023, with the finale watched by over 6 million people in seven days.

The U.S. version is in production with its fourth season for CBS, which is produced by CBS Studios in association with Lionsgate Television and BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

1 Like

A show nobody asked for and nobody wants.

We already had this concept in Australia with Spirited starring Claudia Carvan.

2 Likes

I bet this is another NCIS:Sydney situation.

This will air on Paramount+ first then 10 later on.

I like the US version not the UK version so much. I’m interested to see how they do it here and whether we can incorporate some of our own history - ie. a lot more indigenous characters. I’m also interested at how they can make that funny.

I quite like the show and easily transferable to our market. At least we are getting some scripted stuff and it’s in the comedy genre and clearly works on the multi platform approach Paramount has adopted of late.

1 Like

Sounds like this will be the plot:

New lovebirds Kate and Sean are about to jump into the hellscape that is the inner-city rental market, until Kate inherits a huge mansion in the country. Moving in together for the first time the young couple are attempting domestic bliss, but unbeknown to them, the house is haunted by a collection of needy spirits who carked it in Ramshead Manor over the past 200 years.

1 Like

Same plot as posted at the top of the thread.

1 Like

Suggest you watch the other versions. All have basically followed the same plot. I don’t think you need spoilers.

1 Like

Set to film in WA.

The synopsis:

Young lovebirds Kate and Sean are about to jump into the hellscape of the inner-city property market, until Kate inherits a huge and historic mansion in the country. The only problem? It’s haunted by a motley collection of spirits who over the centuries, carked it under this very roof.

When go-getter Kate decides to revamp “Ramshead Manor” into a boutique hotel, nerdy city boy Sean has his doubts. But when a near-death experience gives Kate the power to see the ghosts, all their lives (and afterlives) will change forever.

The question is, as Kate and Sean navigate the milestones of a new relationship, build a business and deal with the emotional needs of six neurotic ghosts, will their relationship survive… or end up as dead as their new housemates?

WA Government press release

Aussie version of hit BBC sitcom to be filmed in Western Australia

Western Australia’s highly-competitive production attraction incentives have lured BBC Studios ANZ to Perth to film the new local adaptation of the critically-acclaimed British sitcom Ghosts.

Ghosts Australia will be filmed in Perth, directed by Christiaan Van Vuuren (The Office Australia, Top End Bub, A Sunburnt Christmas) and Madeleine Dyer (Colin From Accounts, Austin), produced by Bree-Anne Sykes (Critical Incident, Wellmania) and executive produced by Sophia Zachariou (Ladies in Black, The Office Australia).

Set in a haunted country house, the eight-part series will feature an eclectic group of ghosts who provide endless entertainment throughout the share-house comedy that incorporates Australia’s history and culture.

New lovebirds Kate and Sean are moving in together for the first time, faced with the turbulent inner-city rental market – until Kate inherits a huge mansion in the country.

Optimistic Kate wants to revamp the manor into a boutique hotel, but loveable city boy Sean isn’t so sure. Unbeknown to them, Ramshead Manor is haunted by a collection of needy spirits who died there over the past 200 years.

When a near-death experience gives Kate the power to see the ghosts, all their lives (and afterlives) change forever.

Ghosts Australia will premiere on Paramount+ and Network 10 in 2025.

Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:

"Western Australia’s competitive production attraction incentives are boosting demand for this State as a sought-after filming destination.

"The number of scripted film and television productions now being produced in WA each year has more than doubled in the past five years.

"This augurs well for the Cook Government’s $233.5 million Perth Film Studios, which are currently under construction in Malaga.

“Ghosts has been a smash hit in the UK and US and has also built a strong fanbase in Australia, so it’s exciting that our own series with an Aussie twist is being filmed in WA.”

1 Like

Each episode will be 45 minutes.

https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/upcoming-productions/t/ghosts-2025/42753

1 Like

Very Australian to try extend each episode to fit an hour long runtime for commercial tv, guess it doesn’t matter much for streaming.

The US version has a 21/22 min runtime for a 30 min slot, while BBC’s is closer to 27/28 mins for the public broadcaster.

Good things come to those who believe in Ghosts! :ghost: Filming has commenced on brand new series Ghosts Australia.
GhostsAU is coming soon to #ParamountPlus.

Lights, Camera, Afterlife!

Cameras Roll On Highly Spirited Series, Ghosts Australia.

Paramount Australia, BBC Studios Productions Australia and Screenwest, announced today that filming has commenced in Western Australia for Ghosts Australia, the new local adaptation of the beloved and critically acclaimed British and U.S. comedy.

The eight-episode comedy series is set in a haunted country house full of new ghosts who are as chaotic, unpredictable and messy as Australian history itself.

Ghosts Australia stars Tamala (Cleverman, Nowhere Boys) as Kate and Rowan Witt (Totally Completely Fine, Book Of Mormon) as Sean, with an impressive ensemble of ghosts played by Mandy McElhinney (Love Child, House of Hancock), Brent Hill (Hamilton, School of Rock), Ines English (Last Days of the Space Age, The Last Anniversary), Michelle Brasier (Thank God You’re Here, Aunty Donna), George Zhao (The Family Law, Gold Diggers ) and Jackson Tozer (Ricky Stanicky, Deadloch ).

Young lovebirds Kate and Sean are about to jump into the hellscape of the inner-city property market, until Kate inherits a huge and historic mansion in the country. The only problem? It’s haunted by a motley collection of spirits who over the centuries, carked it under this very roof.

When go-getter Kate decides to revamp “Ramshead Manor” into a boutique hotel, nerdy city boy Sean has his doubts. But when a near-death experience gives Kate the power to see the ghosts, all their lives (and afterlives) will change forever.

The question is, as Kate and Sean navigate the milestones of a new relationship, build a business and deal with the emotional needs of six neurotic ghosts, will their relationship survive… or end up as dead as their new housemates?

Haunting the Australian halls are six ghostly residents, each with a tale to tell.

  • Eileen (Mandy McElhinney) is an Irish potato famine survivor, hardworking publican and mother of 13 children - all of which she never, ever complains about. Ever.

  • Gideon (Brent Hill) is a stoic naval officer, fresh off the Third Fleet with similarly fresh ideas about race, gender and politics.

  • Miranda (Ines English) is a socialite bride-to-be from the early 1900s, repressing more than just her brutal opinions on the other Ghosts.

  • Lindy (Michelle Brasier) is a vibrant 1980s aerobics instructor with people-pleasing tendencies and terrible taste in men.

  • Joon (George Zhao) is a handsome young Chinese miner from the gold rush era with an eternal concussion and a penchant for married women.

  • Satan (Jackson Tozer) is a misunderstood 90s bikie with a heart of gold who is most comfortable in a 2IC role and watching rom coms in secret.

Six spirits, one sprawling mansion, and enough supernatural shenanigans to fill a haunted eternity.

Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content and Programming, Paramount Australia said: “We’re delighted to commence production on the Australian iteration of this much-loved global comedy hit.

“Ghosts Australia boasts a stellar cast and an incredibly talented creative team. We can’t wait to bring this witty and heartfelt show to life, complete with our set of uniquely Australian ghosts.”

Kylie Washington, EVP and General Manager, Global Entertainment Australia, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand, said: “We’re excited to have assembled such a talented ensemble cast to breathe life into our distinctly Australian reimagining of Ghosts.

“Ghosts has been a runaway hit in the UK and U.S. and we’re looking forward to introducing audiences to these comedic, warm-hearted and unlikely group of flat mates that draw on our unique Australian culture and history.”

Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest Chief Executive Officer, said: “Ghosts has entertained audiences all around the world, and we’re so pleased to welcome Network 10, Paramount+ and BBC Studios Productions Australia to Western Australia for the Australian series. The production will kick off what is set to be an exciting year for the WA screen sector, creating a slew of opportunities for Western Australians.”

Directed by Christiaan Van Vuuren (Top End Bub, A Sunburnt Christmas ) and Madeleine Dyer (Colin from Accounts, Austin), the series is produced by Bree-Anne Sykes (Critical Incident, Wellmania) and Executive Produced by Sophia Zachariou (Ladies in Black, The Office Australia), Kylie Washington, EVP and GM Global Entertainment BBC Studios ANZ plus Paramount ANZ Head of Scripted and Comedy, Sophia Mogford.

The writing team is led by writer and executive producer Josh Mapleston (Surviving Summer ), with script editor and writer Libby Butler (Surviving Summer, Neighbours) alongside writers Shontell Ketchell (Gold Diggers), Philip Tarl Denson (Zero-Point) and Steph Tisdell (Fisk, Rosehaven).

Ghosts Australia is produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia for Network 10 and Paramount+ with major production investment from Screenwest and the Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive. Based on the original series Ghosts , produced by Monumental Television in association with Them There for BBC One. Distributed by BBC Studios.

First produced for the BBC in the UK, the format continues to go from strength to strength. The U.S. version on CBS has just been renewed for a further two seasons, the German and French adaptations are now airing, and a Greek version is currently in production.

Ghosts Australia is made possible thanks to the State Government’s Western Australian Production Attraction Incentive – Australia’s most competitive incentive, which is designed to attract high profile, market driven screen productions to the State.

Ghosts Australia will premiere on Paramount+ and Network 10 later this year.

Sad thing is that looks eerily like my family Christmas photo.

1 Like

Not one indigenous ghost??? Unbelievable.

It could be difficult to include an indigenous ghost in a comedy show if it’s not done well.

Not to mention how some indigenous groups have certain sensibilities and superstition about depicting those who have passed - I would be keen to hear from an indigenous user on whether those sensibilities apply to a fictional TV show.

3 Likes

Absolutely agreed.

I reckon they haven’t included an indigenous ghost to avoid any sort of offence that it could cause.

Are you usually the one without pants? :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

Done well it would be a masterclass. The best thing about the US and UK version is the representation it has over history. To ignore a fundamental part of our history and Australian timeline is a big shame in my opinion.

1 Like