You're sitting on the couch, craving that specific mix of heartwarming sitcom vibes and "wait, did that guy just walk through a wall?" humor. You want to know what can I watch Ghosts on, but there's a catch. Most people don't realize there are actually two entirely different shows with the exact same name.
It’s confusing.
One is the original British masterpiece that started it all on the BBC. The other is the massive American hit on CBS that took the premise and ran with it. Depending on which one you’re looking for—or if you’re a completionist who wants both—your streaming apps are going to look very different. Honestly, the licensing for these shows is a bit of a mess, but I’ve spent way too much time navigating the digital labyrinth of streaming rights to make sure you don't have to.
Finding the American Version of Ghosts
The U.S. version, starring Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar, has become a juggernaut. If you’re looking for Sam and Jay navigating a haunted country estate in New York, Paramount+ is your primary home.
Because the show is a CBS original, Paramount Global keeps the keys to the kingdom. You can find every single season there. If you have the "Paramount+ with Showtime" tier, you can even watch new episodes live as they air. If you're on the cheaper ad-supported plan, you usually have to wait until the next day for the latest antics of Trevor (the pantless finance bro) or Hetty (the Victorian matriarch) to drop.
But wait. There's more.
If you don't want another subscription, you can find the U.S. Ghosts on Hulu, but it’s usually restricted to the "Live TV" package. It's not part of the standard $7.99-a-month library. You can also buy individual episodes or full seasons on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu. This is actually a smart move if you're a "re-watcher" because once you buy the season, you don't have to worry about which streamer loses the rights next month.
What Can I Watch Ghosts UK On?
Now, let’s talk about the OG. The British Ghosts. This is the show created by the Horrible Histories troupe, and many purists argue it’s the superior version because of its darker, more cynical British wit.
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In the United States, Max (formerly HBO Max) used to be the exclusive home for the British version. Things changed. Nowadays, if you're wondering what can I watch Ghosts on when it comes to the UK cast, your best bet is actually Paramount+. In a somewhat rare move, CBS actually started airing the British episodes on American network television during the Hollywood strikes to fill the schedule, which led to Paramount+ snatching up the streaming rights for several seasons.
British viewers have it much easier. If you’re in the UK, just head over to BBC iPlayer. It’s all there. Every "Button House" moment is free (assuming you have your TV license).
Why the Location of the Show Keeps Shifting
Streaming rights are basically a game of musical chairs played by billionaires. A show might be on Max today and gone tomorrow because the licensing agreement expired. For Ghosts, the "co-habitation" of both versions on Paramount+ was a tactical move by CBS to keep fans of the franchise in one ecosystem.
It works. You finish the U.S. version, you get an itch for more, and the algorithm points you toward the UK original.
Interestingly, BritBox is another place where the UK version occasionally surfaces, especially in international markets like Canada or Australia. If you’re using a VPN to find the show, checking the UK or Australian libraries of these services is often the fastest way to find the final series (Season 5) and the Christmas specials, which sometimes take longer to migrate to U.S. platforms.
The Physical Media Loophole
Let's get real for a second. Streaming services are getting expensive and they love to delete content for tax write-offs. If you truly love Ghosts—either version—get the DVDs.
I know, I know. It’s 2026. Who uses a disc?
People who don't want to wonder what can I watch Ghosts on every time a contract expires, that’s who. The BBC versions have some incredible "making of" features and blooper reels that never make it to the streaming versions. Plus, having a physical copy means you aren't at the mercy of your internet connection or a platform's decision to hike their prices by another three dollars a month.
Breaking Down the Options by Device
If you are trying to watch right this second, here is the fastest path based on what you own:
- Roku or Fire TV: Use the "Search" function on the home screen. It’s surprisingly accurate at pulling up which of your installed apps currently has the show.
- Apple TV Users: The "TV" app is great for tracking your progress across both the CBS and BBC versions, especially if you’re jumping between Paramount+ and purchased seasons on iTunes.
- Smart TVs: Most Samsung or LG sets have the Paramount+ app natively. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can also subscribe to Paramount+ as a "Channel" inside the Prime Video app, keeping all your billing in one place.
Why You Should Watch Both
If you started with the American version, the British one might feel "off" at first. The pacing is different. The humor is drier. But give it three episodes. By the time you get to the "Death Comes to Tea" episode, you'll be hooked. Conversely, if you're a die-hard fan of the UK original, the U.S. version might feel too "shiny" or "loud." Stick with it. The U.S. writers did a great job of evolving the characters into their own people rather than just copying the British archetypes.
Watching how the two shows handle the same premise—a couple inheriting a house full of people from different eras of history—is a fascinating study in cultural differences. The U.S. version focuses a lot on the "found family" aspect, while the UK version leans into the "hell is other people" vibe of being stuck with roommates you didn't choose for eternity.
What's Next for the Franchise?
As of now, the U.S. Ghosts is still going strong with new seasons on the horizon. The UK version has technically concluded its main run, though the creators occasionally hint at one-off specials. This means the library of episodes is largely stable. You aren't going to see a "missing" season suddenly appear out of nowhere unless it's a new holiday special.
Practical Steps to Start Watching Now
- Check your existing subs: Open Paramount+. It is currently the "one-stop shop" for the majority of Ghosts content in the U.S.
- Identify the Version: Look at the cover art. If you see a guy in a Scout uniform (Pat) and a lady in Victorian clothes (Lady Button), that's the UK version. If you see a guy in a Viking outfit (Thorfinn) and a scout leader with an arrow through his neck (Pete), that's the U.S. version.
- Check Local Libraries: If you’re broke but want to watch, many local libraries carry the DVD sets. You can use the "Libby" or "Hoopla" apps to see if your library offers digital streaming of the series for free.
- Avoid Spoiling the Ending: If you’re watching the UK version, avoid searching for "Ghosts UK ending" until you’ve finished Series 5. It’s a tear-jerker and easily ruined by a stray Google snippet.
The question of what can I watch Ghosts on is mostly answered by Paramount+, but always keep an eye on Max or even Netflix in the future. Licensing deals in the streaming world are written in pencil, not ink. If you can't find it on one, it's almost certainly moved to the other. Now, go find out why everyone is obsessed with a Viking who loves reality TV and a headless Tudor nobleman. You won't regret it.