Paramount to Launch Australian Adaptation of BBC Sitcom

Paramount Australia and BBC Studios Production Australia are to produce a localized Australian version of British light drama format “Ghosts.” It will play on the Paramount-owned Network 10 linear channel and the Paramount+ streaming platform.

The 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.

No cast or creative talent has been disclosed, nor a production schedule. However, the companies said that the completed show would air in 2025.

The original series “Ghosts” was produced by Monumental Television in association with Them There for BBC One. It was distributed by BBC Studios. The fifth and final series of the original U.K. 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. It is produced by CBS Studios in association with Lionsgate Television and BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions and is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. A German version of “Ghosts” was recently announced.

“’Ghosts’ has been a smash hit in the UK and US 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,” said Daniel Monaghan, SVP content & programming, Paramount Australia.

The two companies described the premise of the local adaptation. “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 died in Ramshead Manor over the last 200 years. An optimistic go-getter, Kate wants to revamp the manor into a boutique hotel, but city boy Sean isn’t so sure. When a near-death experience gives Kate the power to see the ghosts, all their lives (and afterlives) will change forever,” they said.
 
Kylie Washington, GM and creative director, BBC Studios Productions Australia said: “’Ghosts’ is one of those brilliant comedies which lends itself perfectly to localization around the world, and we have our own, unique, Australian characters that reflect our very own history and culture.”