Finding the original Ghosts BBC online can feel like a scavenger hunt. You've likely seen the American version on CBS—which is great in its own right—but there is something fundamentally different about the British original. It’s drier. It’s more eccentric. And honestly, it’s a bit more "human" for a show about dead people.
If you are currently trying to figure out where to watch this ensemble masterpiece in 2026, the answer depends entirely on which side of the pond you're sitting on. Streaming rights for British comedies are notoriously finicky, often jumping from one platform to another without a moment's notice.
Where to Stream the Original Ghosts BBC Right Now
In the UK, the situation is straightforward. BBC iPlayer is the definitive home for the series. You can find all five seasons, including the 2023 Christmas finale, sitting there for free—provided you have a TV license. It's the highest quality version available and usually includes the behind-the-scenes "ghost-bits" that fans adore.
If you’re in the United States, things are slightly more complicated. For a while, the show was a staple on Max (formerly HBO Max). That deal ended, leaving a lot of fans high and dry.
The US Streaming Landscape
Paramount+ is currently your best bet. Because Paramount and CBS are under the same umbrella, and CBS produces the American remake, they’ve managed to snag the rights to the British original to bolster their library.
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- Paramount+ with Showtime: This gives you full access to the episodes on-demand.
- Paramount+ Essential: You'll have to sit through a few ads, but the full 5-season run is generally available here as well.
- Kanopy: If you have a library card or a university login, you might be able to stream seasons of the show for free. It’s a hidden gem of a service that many people overlook.
The CBS Broadcast Twist
A weird thing happened over the last few years. Because of various Hollywood strikes and schedule gaps, CBS actually started airing the BBC version on American network television. They called it "Ghosts UK" to avoid confusing people who were used to the Rose McIver version.
While this was great for exposure, be careful watching it this way. American broadcast slots are shorter than British ones. To fit the episodes into a 30-minute window with commercials, CBS frequently trims about five minutes of footage from each episode. You miss the tiny character beats and some of the best jokes. If you want the real experience, stick to the streaming versions on Paramount+ or buy the digital seasons.
Why People Keep Searching for the British Version
You might wonder why people bother hunting down the BBC version when there’s a perfectly good US remake with 22 episodes a season.
Basically, it's the cast. The "Six Idiots"—as the creators are affectionately known—wrote and starred in the show together. Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, and Ben Willbond have been working together since their Horrible Histories days. That kind of chemistry can’t be manufactured in a casting room.
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The British version is also finite. It ended on its own terms after five seasons. There’s a beautiful, cohesive arc to the story of Alison and Mike that doesn't feel stretched out for the sake of ratings.
Global Availability at a Glance
If you aren't in the US or UK, here is the current state of play:
- Australia: Stan has been the long-term home for the series, though Paramount+ has recently started pulling some of the weight there too.
- Canada: CBC Gem often carries British imports, though seasons frequently rotate onto Paramount+ or StackTV via Amazon Prime.
- New Zealand: TVNZ+ is the hero here, usually offering it for free.
Watching via VPN: Is It Worth It?
If you're traveling or living in a region where the show isn't available, many people turn to a VPN to access BBC iPlayer. It’s a common move for die-hard fans who want to see the episodes exactly as they aired in the UK.
Just keep in mind that the BBC is getting better at blocking VPN IP addresses. If you go this route, you’ll need a premium service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN that specifically markets its ability to bypass iPlayer's "telly-blocks."
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Buying vs. Streaming
Streaming services are fickle. One day Ghosts is there, the next it’s gone because a contract expired. Honestly? If you love the show, just buy it.
You can get the digital seasons on Amazon Video, Apple TV, or Vudu. Usually, a full season goes for about $10 to $15. Given how often this show warrants a rewatch (the background jokes with the plague ghosts are endless), it’s a solid investment. Plus, you get the unedited, full-length British episodes without having to worry about which streaming app currently holds the keys to Button House.
If you’re a physical media nerd, the Series 1-5 DVD Box Set is widely available. It’s one of the few ways to ensure you have the show forever, regardless of what happens in the streaming wars.
To get started right now, check your Paramount+ subscription if you're in the US, or head over to iPlayer if you're in the UK. If you've only seen the American version, start with Season 1, Episode 1. The premise is the same, but the vibe is entirely its own thing.
Next Steps:
Check your local Paramount+ library to see if they have all five seasons of the "UK" version, or look for the "Series 1-5" bundle on Apple TV if you want to own it permanently without a subscription.