The immensely popular British sitcom 'Ghosts' is continuing its global conquest with the confirmation of a second season for German audiences. This news, revealed at the prestigious Series Mania event, underscores the remarkable international appeal and adaptable nature of the BBC Studios format. The series, which playfully depicts a group of historical spirits inhabiting a country estate, has already captivated viewers across various territories, demonstrating the power of collaborative production and compelling storytelling in the global entertainment landscape.
BBC Studios' 'Ghosts' Series Secures Second Season in Germany Amidst Global Expansion
In a significant announcement at the esteemed Series Mania festival on March 25, 2026, Eva Holtmann, the Head of Fiction for BBC Studios in Germany, confirmed the eagerly anticipated return of the hit comedy series 'Ghosts' for its second season in the region. The series, a German adaptation of the successful British original that premiered on the BBC in 2019, features a diverse ensemble of spectral characters from various historical periods, coexisting in a sprawling country house. Holtmann expressed immense delight, stating, "We’re so happy that we’re going to produce a second season, so ‘Ghosts’ will be coming back to Germany." She further noted the exemplary casting, remarking on the "perfect ensemble," and disclosed that production is slated for the summer, once again for its commissioning partners, ARD and WDR. This renewal is a testament to the show's widespread appeal and the effective collaborative strategies employed by BBC Studios. The original British series, conceived by the creative minds behind 'Horrible Histories', has served as a benchmark for successful international format adaptation. Following its U.K. debut, the series quickly found a devoted audience in the United States, where CBS commissioned its own version, which has now enjoyed five successful seasons, with an additional two already commissioned. Across Europe, beyond Germany, 'Ghosts' has inspired numerous local adaptations. A French iteration debuted on Disney+ in 2025, alongside a Greek version on Disney’s Star channel in the same year. Most recently, a Czech adaptation for local broadcaster TV Nova was announced earlier this year. Lea Gimonneau-Sorrel, Series Producer for BBC Studios France, highlighted the valuable cross-border cooperation, mentioning that the French team received crucial advice on pitch decks from their German counterparts, while Germany benefited from their experience, notably regarding the humorous challenge of managing too many ghosts in a single scene. This spirit of shared knowledge and support has been instrumental in the format's widespread success, which may soon extend beyond television. In the United Kingdom, where the original series has aired for five seasons, a feature film adaptation of 'Ghosts' is currently in the works, promising to bring the beloved characters to the big screen.
The continued international triumph of 'Ghosts' provides a compelling illustration of how strong narrative concepts can transcend cultural boundaries when supported by strategic global collaboration. The series' ability to resonate with diverse audiences, from the U.K. to Germany, the U.S., France, Greece, and now the Czech Republic, showcases the universal appeal of its unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. This success not only highlights the creative prowess of its originators but also underscores BBC Studios' expertise in cultivating and expanding successful formats worldwide. The collaborative spirit among the various production teams, as evidenced by the mutual sharing of insights and advice, offers a valuable lesson in fostering creativity and efficiency in large-scale international projects. As the 'Ghosts' universe expands into feature films, it sets an inspiring precedent for future cross-platform and cross-border entertainment endeavors, demonstrating the immense potential when artistic vision meets effective global strategy.