Ghosts (2019)

The new BBC sitcom from the Horrible Histories team is a glorious romp set in a haunted country house filled with ancestral spirits who died in silly ways. It delivers high-spirited, clever and crude laughs with an unlikely charm that appeals broadly.

The critic finds the series delightfully bonkers and jolly good fun as a transposition of children's TV silliness to adult comedy. She singles out the ghosts' mix of supreme daftness and a suggestion of darkness, along with the slick execution of the original premise.

The second episode of the Horrible Histories spin-off charms and tickles with its gaggle of historical ghosts in a country house. It plays wittily with horror tropes and offers a silly ray of sunshine amid darker TV schedules.

The episode finds the young couple hosting a dinner party for neighbours after winning over the ghosts, leading to high-energy chaotic comedy. It is lovingly crafted, warm-spirited and references other sitcoms while delivering hilarious results.

The new sitcom from the Horrible Histories team is a curiously life-affirming comedy about death, set in a mansion haunted by petty spectres from various eras. The gentle, nicely observed gags come quickly even if not every one lands.

The critic praises the Christmas special's polished script, strong ensemble performances, and blend of laughs with emotional depth, calling it high-quality festive viewing that elevates the sitcom format.

The critic calls Ghosts the best mainstream British sitcom in years for its smart evolution of the ensemble format and deep character histories for the ghosts. They single out the second series for fleshing out the spirits' backstories with pathos and inventive storytelling.

The piece praises the UK Ghosts as grittier and more willing to embrace the darkness and tragedy of its premise than the US version, highlighting the harsher dynamics in the central couple's relationship. It singles out the British series' comfort with extended sad moments as a strength.

The article recommends the BBC Ghosts as one of the best UK sitcoms of recent years thanks to its unique ensemble cast and rich historical elements. It singles out the 'Six Idiots' creators' chemistry and the show's blend of comedy and heart as standout features.

The review finds both versions genial but notes the BBC original has a broader sensibility and more willingness to let darkness land. It singles out the US version's cheesiness as a flaw while affirming the core premise works well in either iteration.