Missing Ghosts? 10 shows to watch to fill the Button House-shaped hole in your life

As a huge fan of brilliantly written and acted sitcoms, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness some truly exceptional shows throughout my life. Having grown up with classics like “Fawlty Towers” and “The Office,” I’ve come to appreciate the artistry behind creating believable and relatable characters that resonate with audiences.

After bidding a bitter-sweet adieu during the last Christmas season, the delightful mix of endearing characters and witty humor displayed in the BBC’s popular haunted house sitcom has left a noticeable gap in our TV lineup.

But what might help fill the Button House-shaped hole in our lives?

Here are our top 10 shows to plug the Ghosts gap (and where to watch them)…

10 shows to watch after Ghosts – and fill the Button House-shaped hole in your life

1. Yonderland (2013-2016)

In the realm of underappreciated comedy shows on Sky, the self-proclaimed “Six Idiots” (Horrible Histories and Ghosts team) produced this gem. The story revolves around Martha Howe-Douglas, a weary stay-at-home mom, who encounters an unexpected visitor – an elf named Mathew Baynton. He reveals that she is the “chosen one,” with a crucial mission: to protect a mystical world hidden behind a kitchen cupboard portal.

In this production, Simon Farnaby assumes double roles – acting menacingly as Negatus, the chief antagonist, while also portraying an Elder with a peculiar fixation on shedding his robes and going au naturel. A hint of Julian, the bare-legged Tory MP, is evident in his performance. Keep an eye out for Stephen Fry’s enigmatic portrayal of Cuddly Dick. An amusing and imaginative take on the story.

Watch it on: Sky or NOW

2. Being Human (2009-2013)

In simpler terms, you’re describing a TV show called “A Supernatural Housemate.” This popular comedy-drama, written by Toby Whithouse for Doctor Who, introduces us to an unusual household. Aidan Turner, who plays a vampire, Russell Tovey as a werewolf, and Lenora Crichlow as a ghost live together in a run-down house in Bristol. They strive to lead ordinary lives, but face challenges such as being discovered or encountering malevolent beings from their respective communities.

As a movie lover, I’d put it this way: In the beginning, some fresh talents graced the screen, but they eventually moved on, making room for newcomers like Michael Socha, Damien Moloney, and Sinéad Keenan. This production was a game-changer for BBC Three, rapidly gaining popularity on iPlayer and ultimately earning itself a devoted fanbase as a cult classic.

Watch it on: ITVX

3. Ghosts US (2019-present)

If you’re yearning for the original British version, consider giving the surprisingly good CBS adaptation a try. It offers a fresh take while still retaining the comforting similarities. Now married New Yorkers Sam and Jay, played by Alison and Mike in the original, receive an inherited country mansion from her great-aunt instead.

The spirits are also altered. Robin the caveman transforms into Thor the Viking, as opposed to Kitty, we have an ’60s hippie, an indigenous tribesman, and a Prohibition-era lounge singer taking the places of Thomas and headless Humphrey. The humor takes on a more gentle and sentimental tone. This reimagined concept resonated strongly with audiences, leading to its quick renewal for a third season, with a fourth anticipated this fall.

Watch it on: BBC Three or iPlayer

4. The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin (2024)

If you’re a fan of Horrible Histories’ quirky old charm and Ghosts’ intriguing flashbacks, prepare to be captivated by this witty period sitcom! Noel Fielding brings the notoriety of 18th-century England’s most wanted highwayman to life as he leads the Essex Gang in their criminal escapades. Simultaneously, he attempts to elude the relentless pursuit of thief-taker Jonathan Wilde, portrayed by the talented Hugh Bonneville.

A number of well-known comedians make appearances in secondary roles. Among them are Dolly Wells, Mark Heap, Marc Wootton, Ellie White, Guz Khan, Jessica Hynes, Connor Swindells, Diane Morgan, Joe Wilkinson, Tamsin Greig, Asim Chaudhry, Greg Davies, and Simon Farnaby. These talented individuals truly add to the production.

Watch it on: Apple TV+

5. Miracle Workers (2019-2023)

In this unconventional sitcom, “Kitty” from “Ghosts,” played by Lolly Adefope, teams up with Daniel Radcliffe. The show centers around a quirky group of angels at Heaven Inc, overseen by a disinterested God portrayed by Steve Buscemi. The story starts as a romantic comedy with a twist: to prevent the apocalypse, our celestial beings must inspire two unlikely humans to share a kiss. This series is actually an anthology comedy, with each season transporting the same characters into new environments. A delightful surprise.

Watch it on: Sky or NOW

6. The Wrong Mans (2013-2014)

Matthew “Thomas the Romantic Poet” Baynton, a collaborator from “Gavin & Stacey,” teamed up with James Corden for this underappreciated comedy-thriller.

At the scene of a breathtaking car crash in Berkshire County, a council worker answers a ringing mobile phone he found. Unknowingly, they stumble into a vast criminal conspiracy. Can these unlikely heroes use their bumbling ways to make a difference? The film’s sharp direction and electric chemistry between the leads guarantee an entertaining ride in this witty and dark thriller.

Watch it on: BBC iPlayer

7. What We Do in the Shadows (2019-present)

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As a huge fan of quirky and offbeat comedies, I’m thrilled to share my excitement about the upcoming sixth season of “What We Do in the Shadows.” Being a long-time follower of this brilliant show, I’ve grown fond of its unique charm and the exceptional talent it brings together.

Watch it on: BBC iPlayer or Disney+

8. Fresh Meat (2011-2016)

In an alternate show, Charlotte Ritchie finds herself living with a quirky group of roommates, who thankfully are still alive. Before her roles in Peep Show and Succession, the talented duo of Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong brought this remarkable student comedy-drama to life.

I, Ritchie, regretfully applied to Manchester Medlock University late in the game. To my dismay, I was assigned off-campus housing with an eccentric group of housemates. Jack Whitehall, a chatty and witty character, shares a room with me. Zawe Ashton, a rebellious hedonist, is another resident. Greg McHugh, who’s socially awkward, also calls this place home. Kimberley Nixon, a ladette, and Joe Thomas, a pretentious fellow, round up the rest of our motley crew. There are moments of heated arguments, but we also form bonds and create a gag-filled living environment filled with sharply-observed humor.

Watch it on: channel4.com or Netflix

9. The Good Place (2016-2020)

In the comedic series “Like Ghosts,” which revolves around the afterlife, a refined and more sophisticated version of it is portrayed by Hollywood. The late pharmaceutical sales rep, Kristen Bell, finds herself in this serene place following her demise. Greeted by its creator Ted Danson, she is praised for her virtuous life. Yet, doubts start to surface, as she wonders if she might have been mistakenly admitted into this heavenly abode.

Michael Schur, known for his work on The US Office and Parks & Rec, is the brainchild behind NBC’s enchanting fantasy series. This popular show boasts intriguing ethical dilemmas, thought-provoking themes, and surprising plot turns that will leave you in awe.

Watch it on: Netflix

10. Stath Lets Flats (2018-2021)

Two former residents of Button House, Katy Wix (portraying the grumbly capable character of Carol) and Kiell Smith-Bynoe (depicting the cynical office worker Dean), can be found in Jamie Demetriou’s BAFTA-winning sitcom. They are long-suffering coworkers of the hapless Greek-Cypriot real estate agent, who manages to keep his job due to his father owning the company.

Over a span of three seasons, this charming and foolish sitcom evolved into a source of immense pleasure, surprising us with undercurrents of deep emotion. As its creator puts it, “it’s the finest thing to come along since the invention of bread.”