'10/10' BBC series hailed 'greatest sitcom of all time' is free to stream on iPlayer

A BBC comedy hailed as the greatest sitcoms of all time is now available to stream for free on iPlayer. Ghosts tells the story of a young couple who unexpectedly find themselves sharing their new home with a group of eccentric ghosts. When Alison (played by Charlotte Ritchie) and Mike Cooper (Kiell Smith-Bynoe) inherit the dilapidated country estate Button House from a distant relative, they dream of transforming it into a luxury hotel.

But shortly after moving in, Alison suffers a near-death experience and suddenly gains the ability to see and hear the many ghosts who haunt the property. It transpires that each ghost died on the property throughout different periods of history. It transpires that each ghost died on the property throughout different periods of history. As Alison and Mike adjust to their unusual living situation, the worlds of the living and the dead collide in hilarious and heartwarming ways.

Ghosts premiered in 2019 and ran for five series, spanning 34 episodes before concluding in 2023. The series also stars Lolly Adefope, Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond.

The series received critical acclaim following its release and has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its success even led to an American remake on CBS in 2021, which has been renewed for a sixth series.

Expressing admiration for the series online, one wrote: "BBC ghosts may just be the greatest sitcom of all time."

Another agreed: "So farewell to Ghosts, the best BBC comedy series of recent years. There's most of the US version still to watch, and it's not bad, but the British original was transcendentally good."

A third shared: " Have you seen BBC Ghosts yet? It's the final series on BBC 1 and @BBCiPlayer. I've seen 2 episodes and it's as fantastic as the previous series. This is one of the best comedies. It'll be missed."

An additional fan echoed: "One of the best shows on TV and a personal favorite. Very gentle humour but extremely emotionally rich, when needed. This is the final series, and that feels the right time to end. Ghosts can't age. A BBC comedy gem and future classic."

"Ghosts is one of the best BBC comedy series," a fifth said.

Another fan declared: "Ghosts BBC is AMAZING 10/10 and HILARIOUS. Those characters are so well-written!!! AND THE ACTING!!!!"

Last year, it was announced that the popular series would be adapted for a German audience. The new version follows a storyline similar to the UK original and features a stellar cast of German actors.

It follows young couple Emma (Cristina do Rego) and Felix (Benito Bause), who inherit an old mansion and decide to turn it into a hotel. The six-part series hit screens in March 2025.