Who is Leaving Ghosts in Season 3? Is 'Ghosts' Renewed at CBS?
by Aishwarya R
Updated May 20, 2023
Ghosts
Ghosts is an American television sitcom that premiered on October 7, 2021. It is an adaptation of the British series of the same name and was developed for CBS by Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, who also serve as showrunners. The series was picked up for a full season in October 2021 and was renewed for a second season in January 2022, which premiered on September 29, 2022. In January 2023, the series was renewed for a third season.
The premise of the show revolves around married couple Samantha and Jay Arondekar, who inherits a country house from Sam's distant relative, Sophie Woodstone. However, they soon discover that the house is falling apart and is inhabited by ghosts who are bound to the area until they can reach the afterlife. While Jay cannot see or hear the ghosts, Sam gains the ability to do so after a near-death experience.
The American adaptation of "Ghosts" was announced by CBS on November 29, 2019. The original British series, created by Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, and Ben Willbond for BBC One, served as the basis for the adaptation. CBS Studios picked up the pilot, which was co-produced with BBC Studios and Lionsgate Television, and in March 2021, the adaptation was ordered for a full series. The show premiered on October 7, 2021, and was initially scheduled as a Thursday-night entry, but the premiere was changed to back-to-back episodes.
The series features a talented cast, with Rose McIver in the leading role and Utkarsh Ambudkar in the main role. Other main cast members include Brandon Scott Jones, Richie Moriarty, Asher Grodman, Rebecca Wisocky, Sheila Carrasco, Danielle Pinnock, Roman Zaragoza, and Devan Chandler Long, who joined as a series regular.
Production of the series faced temporary halts due to a positive case of COVID-19 on set. However, the show persevered and received a second season renewal, which premiered in September 2022. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) also acquired the rights to air the American version of "Ghosts" in the United Kingdom under the title "Ghosts US." The series continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of comedy and supernatural themes, leading to its third season renewal in January 2023.
Who is Leaving Ghosts in Season 3?
In the highly anticipated Season 2 finale of Ghosts, there was a surprising development as one of the Woodstone B&B ghosts finally moved on. The spirits in the house referred to this as "getting sucked off," albeit naively. The episode left audiences in a state of shock and had fans eagerly speculating about the upcoming Season 3, especially considering the hints dropped by some of the show's stars about a significant cliffhanger that would shake up the dynamics of the house.
Unfortunately, viewers will have to wait until the show returns in the fall on CBS to find out who will no longer be a part of Ghosts Season 3. However, the departure of this character is crucial in showcasing the show's potential and its ability to be a remarkable sitcom that contributes to the conversation surrounding critically acclaimed shows on network television. The Season 2 finale, titled "The Heir," seemingly provides some clues about the character's departure.
Although Jay, portrayed by Utkarsh Ambudkar, hoped that Trevor, played by Asher Grodman, would be the one to leave, all signs from the finale point to Nigel Chessum, portrayed by John Hartman, the Lieutenant Colonel of the King's Army, as the one who moves on or departs to heaven. In a moment that left Sam Arondekar, played by Rose McIver, stunned as she sat in her car outside Woodstone with Jay, the cliffhanger ending of the episode is sure to keep audiences on edge throughout the summer. Analyzing the episode more closely might offer early hints about Nigel's departure.
In the episode, Sam gifts Isaac, portrayed by Brandon Scott Jones, half of her $20,000 advance on the Higgintoot biography. Isaac decides to spend the money on a new daybed, which angers Nigel since the chosen bed can only accommodate one person. Nigel, who has since moved into the mansion to be closer to Isaac, becomes confused by the outburst.
Sasappis, Flower, and Nancy, played by Román Zaragoza, Sheila Carrasco, and Betsy Sodaro respectively, explain to Isaac how Nigel's reaction reveals that he is not ready to progress in their relationship. Following a pep talk with Thorfinn, portrayed by Devan Chandler Long, and Trevor, Isaac confronts Nigel, expressing his upset over the situation. However, Isaac tells Nigel that he believes their relationship is not yet at the stage of moving in together. Instead, Isaac decides to propose to Nigel, and Nigel happily accepts. The engaged couple then decides to move in together and use the money to purchase a king-sized bed.
The revelation of Nigel's departure and the engagement of Isaac and Nigel has left fans eagerly awaiting the return of Ghosts in Season 3. The fall season premiere on CBS will provide the answers and resolution to the cliffhanger ending of the Season 2 finale, driving audiences' excitement and further solidifying Ghosts as a critically acclaimed sitcom on network television.
Which Character is Leaving the Show?
While it is heartbreaking to acknowledge, it seems that Nigel, portrayed by John Hartman, will likely make an early exit in Ghosts Season 2. Nigel's character has been a fan favorite since his introduction in Season 1, Episode 8, titled "D&D," and Hartman has delivered a beautiful performance throughout. In the final moments before Sam witnesses a spirit ascending, Nigel and Isaac are shown at their happiest together.
Nigel has always been portrayed as someone who is comfortable with himself, has no secrets, and possesses a deep understanding of who he is. On the other hand, Isaac is still in the process of discovering himself after recently coming out. In the early parts of the episode, Isaac's thoughts about the new bed did not involve Nigel.
Instead, he looked forward to having his own space, something he has been accustomed to for years. While this could be seen as a reflection of Nigel's childish nature, similar to the other ghosts at Woodstone, it is unlikely that the writers included these actions unintentionally. If Nigel is indeed the character departing, it will serve as a significant catalyst for Season 3, pushing the characters, particularly Isaac, into deeper themes that complement the show's comedic tone.
One aspect that Ghosts has not explored thoroughly is the theme of grief, despite the lighthearted approach to the afterlife and the deceased characters. Since all the ghosts at Woodstone have already died, none of them, except Hetty, have truly experienced the loss of a loved one in their afterlife. Ghosts has touched on themes of regret, shame, and insecurity through different characters and storylines. However, it has yet to delve into the concept of loss to drive its narratives or force the ghosts into action, knowing that each moment could be their last.
Nigel's exit is the right kind of departure to create new consequences that propel the plot forward and eventually allow the ghosts to find peace. The loss needs to have a significant impact going into the show's third season, matching the meaningfulness that the series holds for its fans. This also means that the departing character cannot be Nancy or one of her cholera pit ghosts, Crash or Stephanie. Even Stephanie's Sixteen Candles-style date does not provide enough weight to the story.
The hijinks in the Season 1 finale to Season 2 premiere, where there was a brief moment when it seemed like Jay could see the ghosts after an accident, lacked significant payoff in terms of the overall story. The departure of Nigel will bring about new consequences and emotional depth to Ghosts, giving the show an opportunity to explore deeper themes and provide a meaningful payoff for its dedicated fan base.
'Ghosts' Renewed for Season 3 at CBS
While some may argue for the departure of one of the core eight characters, such as Alberta, who resolved her murder and reconciled with Hetty, there is still much to explore about her life, dreams, and aspirations before her death. So it's unlikely that Alberta will be the one leaving. Additionally, the other seven characters have not reached any significant conclusions or progress in their individual story arcs to move on.
However, regardless of who departs, the exit will hold importance for the show and the trajectory of Season 3 as Ghosts continues to lead on CBS. In an era where streaming often dominates primetime TV in terms of viewership and awards, the removal of main or recurring characters becomes crucial for strong, impactful storytelling that resonates with the audience.
It also allows the writers to avoid complacency and embrace boldness through genuine stakes and conflicts faced by the characters. Furthermore, it provides actors with an opportunity to deliver powerful performances outside their character's comfort zones. While the first two seasons of Ghosts have demonstrated the show's ability to convey obvious lessons, Season 3 needs to venture beyond its usual comforts and explore more nuanced and layered narratives.
If Nigel is the one departing, it will undoubtedly affect Isaac. However, it will also provide an opportunity to showcase the emotions of other characters as they grapple with the loss. Our life stories and plans are often deeply intertwined with those of others, and when a character dies (or moves on in this case), those narratives and plans are shattered.
Not being able to say goodbye is one of the most challenging aspects of grief, and it can open up Isaac's character in a way that resonates with others. Ghosts strike a balance between humor and pathos, and addressing sudden loss through its sharp wit should be the next step forward for the show, elevating its various story arcs.
Fans of the original British version of Ghosts know that it wasn't afraid to shock its audience with gasp-inducing and tear-jerking plot twists, such as the sudden departure of Mary. While the CBS adaptation is not ready to let go of its core eight characters just yet, Mary's exit added gravitas to the show amidst its comedic elements. Even though the departure was rooted in the actress's off-screen decision to leave the series (she now appears on Ted Lasso), the creative choice had a profound impact and inspired other characters to delve into deeper emotions and ways of handling grief.
Ultimately, sudden loss reflects the tragic reality of life, which can humanize the ghosts even further. Many of the spirits at Woodstone believe they are invincible, but anything less than Nigel (or even one of the core eight) would undermine the series' exploration of how love transcends death. Love, in this sense, is eternal and forms the core of our lives. While love allows us to delve deeper into ourselves and discover our purpose, it is also the element that imbues our lives with meaning.
Through the ghosts at Woodstone, we have learned that every sudden death is unique and potentially traumatizing, as different life stories and character combinations create various reasons why sudden loss is difficult to bear. While the ghosts may not know why they are at Woodstone or have had a chance to ascend like Sam, a twist involving someone like Nigel will continue to provide a solid sense of unpredictability, a rare quality in sitcoms, and further develop the arcs of our beloved characters.
Who is Leaving Ghosts in Season 3 - FAQs
The American sitcom Ghosts premiered on October 7, 2021.
The American adaptation of Ghosts for CBS was developed by Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, who also serve as showrunners.
Ghosts has been renewed for a second season and a third season.
The premise of the show revolves around married couple Samantha and Jay Arondekar inheriting a country house that is inhabited by ghosts. The ghosts are bound to the area until they can reach the afterlife and appear as they did at the times of their deaths.
The original British series of "Ghosts" aired on BBC One.