The British cast have already been friends for years so them playing people who have been stuck with each others for years, the connection is already there.
Yep, they've been a comedy troupe since 2009, and Ben and Simon were part of a sketch troupe who performed in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival way back in 2003. Also someone said Jim opened for Ben's Edinburgh Fringe Fest duo Priorite a gauche which would have been 1999. So yeah they all go back a long long way, whereas the US cast, whilst having a strong bond, met each other for the first time/did screen tests 3-4 years ago, not 25.
The BBC ghost characters tend to be true to their time - voice and mannerisms, opinions and outlooks - which makes them all fish out of water in Allison and Mike's world, which is very funny! "What is hotel?" "You mean men landed on the moon!" The American ghosts, at least for the most part, act more like contemporary characters, as if the shock of watching TV doesn't last very long, and they are all up on the latest technology and news. Which means we lose the fish out of water trope, which means the contrast between them and the humans is not very marked, and the result is rather dull. The other thing is there's a WHOLE layer of joke about Allison and Mike owning a historical mansion, something typically only enjoyed by members of royalty. Allison and Mike are regular folks, not royalty, so them owning an English manor is its own, long running joke. Plus, they filmed in a real manor in the UK, so the sense of clutter and weird angles is very real and effective. The American ghosts live in a clean cut, watered down version of the BBC setting, which as you so rightly pointed out, takes away from the texture of the story and the setting. Every American ghost plot ends with the ghosts or the humans or both "learning a lesson" on par with a Brady Bunch episode. "Gosh, dad, I never thought about it like that before." Don't get me wrong, I love the Brady Bunch and the parody movies! But those type of sit com lessons are not effective in a setup as interesting as a ghost infested mansion.
This is such a brilliant video. I am autistic and Ghosts has been my special interest since it came out, especially because Horrible Histories was my special interest as a child, so the show means an awful lot to me. You nailed this. BBC Ghosts is made with so much love and you feel it when you watch it, but the US one is just a bit... empty. You basically put all of my feelings into words :D Well, apart from the Captain because, personally, I love that his storyline is more subtle in the original and I think that it feels more carefully considered. There's always a need for 'happy' queer representation and the US one clearly wanted to make that, but the UK one felt, to me, the most realistic and appropriate for the character. I am glad that his coming out was handled the way it was because, though I obviously want him to be happy and open about his sexuality, that isn't in the nature of his character.
All fair. The US version is a professional, corporate remake of an original made by a group of friends and colleagues writing parts that they wanted to play. It’s good, and could easily have been a whole lot worse, but lacks the soul and character of the original.
I have to say one thing first Horrible Histories is not just a sketch show, it is educational and fact checked. My daughter still remembers most of the songs she’s 25 While I think your criticisms of the American Ghosts are valid , I feel they had a slight disadvantage in that each episode is only 20 minutes whereas the British Ghosts is 30 minutes which makes each episode feel a bit rushed. It could have been so much worse because American TV execs do not seem to understand nuance and subtlety, unless they’re conditioning the audience how to think (cue commercial) As you have pointed out you can anticipate what punchline or setup they are going to use. I think this is because they don’t trust the average viewer enough to always get the joke and need to lead them into it. Personally like the American version, don’t get me wrong it will never replace the British version.
Great video! I kind of disagree on the Captain coming out however, I feel like Carpe Diem was his coming out. It was subtle but so beautiful and sad, and made sense when he was facing the possibility of finally being sucked off. I much prefer his more subtle character arc as he grows less rigid and more warm and open-minded and discovers new interests, like he's relaxing into himself bit by bit but still guarding himself. It felt more realistic for both the time period he came from and for the sort of person who would get stuck as a ghost. I get the US version has much longer seasons so structurally it needs these bigger character growth moments to keep the story going across 22 episodes vs the UK only having 6 episodes per season, so that just goes to show how different production demands impact the story and characters.
For me the main problem is that the US had a lot of “tell not show” with the Ghosts deaths and backstories revealed very quickly and in a very obvious way. In the U.K. version this is much more of a slow burn with things revealed to is over time. I also didn’t feel the same level of pathos, which is an important part of the original show. And didn’t feel the same level of emotional connection with the US characters. The U.K. characters, despite some of them being ghastly people, still tug at the audience heartstrings at various points and sometimes episodes can be real tear-jerkers. This is as important to the U.K. version as the jokes. I don’t really feel all that invested in the characters of the US version.
The UK would have a slower burn since they only have six episodes per season, whereas, the US Ghosts has 22 episodes. Frankly, I prefer somewhere in the middle (10-13 episodes) so there's better chance of tighter writing but also more entertainment than just 6 episodes.
I bought the American Ghosts first season for $9.99 and gave it a chance (I don't do cable or most streaming). I really enjoyed it and have bought seasons 2 & 3 as well. I love British humor and TV shows so I figure I will enjoy the British Ghosts as well but so far it has not been on sale and is charging more per season for fewer episodes. Hopefully it will be on sale so I can watch it as well. A lot of British shows have been converted to American versions (and vice versa). Few are as good as the original but most that do it right are entertaining enough. When they do it wrong, it is so wrong.
The UK cast of Ghosts was also the cast of Horrible Histories, so the UK team had a firm grasp on he historical period for each character, which I am not certain is the case for the US version.
When it comes to the comparative shittiness of the house in the original vs the remake: I think both versions of Ghosts are aiming to be fairly earnest, family friendly television, and in that arena specifically I think UK sitcoms have always been slightly more at ease portraying financial instability, but US sitcoms aimed at that audience sometimes trend towards more of an aspirational & escapist fantasy. I'm a Brit living in the US and we've been watching Full House as nostalgia for my wife, and I can't think of a similar show from back home in the same era, they're a huge wealthy family of minor celebrities for whom things largely just go well. There are of course exceptions to this, especially since the 2000's (Malcolm in the Middle comes to mind for me) and there's nothing wrong with that escapist fantasy, it's just a different way of doing things. Personally was an advocate of the US Ghosts before it was even made because I was interested to see how America's different history would result in different ghosts, and I often feel weary with the kneejerk (though sometimes understandable) reactions Brits have to US remakes. It's always going to be different but that doesn't automatically mean bad. I think they've done a pretty good job with Ghosts, there's clearly a lot of talented people involved, but I definitely feel like there is something missing for me personally as well. Perhaps it is that network TV crunch, I'm a supporter of broadcast television (certainly back home with the BBC, etc), the US network landscape does seem gruelling, but there's also more money in US television and writers rooms are very much more common, whereas they're a relative rarity in the UK system. Maybe it is just that unique team behind the original that makes it stand out so much.
BBC shows are allowed to take risks and produce passion projects - and sometimes that produces timeless gems, like Fleabag, I can destroy you and Ghosts (among many others, made for other audiences). Plenty of their shows are commercial failures - and that's okay. Unfortunately, that might not work for US producers...
Have been watching both, like both. Since the American one presents me with 'American' flavor (localization), I'm more intuned to it. Same with Being Human. I don't mind a well made localization, sometimes appreciate it more when I don't have to turn on sub titles. And if I didn't like how something ended in the across the pond version, it maybe different local because different issues different resolutions.
Happy to see more videos about ghosts!!! BBC ghosts was my comfort show for a good long while and the captian was my comfort character! he means so much to meeee💛
I actually started watching this because my brother at Christmas was talking about shows, and he recommended Ghosts. To back him up my little niece said it was her favourite to watch with him. So that night I went on BBC and binged. Brilliant for all ages!
You realize you're giving a similar review people gave on the American "version", not a remake, of The Office. Once critics stopped criticizing and comparing the American "version" of The Office to the original British version, they started seeing it as its own show.
This is exactly what people were like about what we do in the shadows tv show when it was first coming out. There’s still people who complain and compare the two, not realizing that the humor has to be unique not only to the culture but to the specific network. The US version of Shadows is way more sexual and vulgar. The humor doesn’t land the same way it did in the movie and you can tell after the pilot episode, they strayed away from New Zealand humor. I’ve seen both the UK and US Ghosts versions and like them for different reasons. US Ghosts is built for CBS audiences. I think they wanted to compete with light hearted comedies like Abbot. I do wonder what it would have looked like on a grittier network like FX.
That is the issue - money-led; rather than creative-led. It's always the safe option "this worked there, so let's do it here" "let's do a sequel" "just one more season..." rather than the bold option. But all of those sequels, those originals, those first seasons were the ideas that led to success, so rather than milking that same cow, find a new one. But they rarely do. Or maybe we just get to see the ones that work, and floors are littered with the ones that 'screened poorly' and were never given a real chance.
The BBC original is more subtle and worth repeat viewing. The CBS version goes at a quicker and spelled out pace. I find greater depth in the BBC characters and each character is better defined. I feel more emotionally attached to the BBC original in the way I am not with the CBS version. For a suggestion try watching the film the Lady Killers both the original Ealing comedy and the remake. Cheers.
I really like your thoughts on this. I knew BSJ back when he was a performer/teacher at UCB New York, and he's very funny and clever. I have always thought there's an additional reason why the UK ghosts is funnier and that is the character types. The UK show characters are virtually all known types that writers and audiences are familiar with, so we basically know where to mine the laughs from. Also these character types are all considered "ok to make fun of" and they lean into the stereotypes. On the other hand, the US version has characters such as a black woman from the 1920s, an indigenous American, and a gilded age rich woman. These aren't characters that one would conjure up and then the jokes just would flow naturally from the very idea of them, plus there are huge pitfalls to making fun of some of them for historical oppression reasons. Also as you kind of touched on, the show leans away from rather than into the stereotypes. So for example the hippie woman doesn't talk like your classic comedy show hippie (eg Tommy Chong on That 70s show). So we don't get the sketch/sitcom-ish laughs out of that.
The skill set for doing sketch comedy is VERY different than doing a sitcom. The former allows very dislikeable characters to strut around. A good sit-com needs characters that are likable. It's the reason there were only 14 episodes of the British version of "The Office", and 201 of the American.
And in many people's opinions the American version had 187 episodes too many. There were likeable characters in the UK version, but they were flawed. Like real life, not processed via treacly, insincere Hollywood. ALL the characters were ultimately realistic in the UK version, unlike the increasingly saccharine Michael Scott and the increasingly caricaturish Dwight. If you prefer the US version, fine - there's a lot of Yanks, it seems, who will ALWAYS insist a US remake of a non - US property is "better". But don't presume to dismiss the UK version as a "sketch show", because all you're doing is demonstrating your profound ignorance and parochialism about the country and culture the franchise originated from.
i've seen both versions,. and i think i like the American version better cuz i live in America. the actors playing the ghosts IMO are pretty good. it's funny and i watch it every week.
I love the Horrible Histories crew and I enjoyed the UK version first. However I also came to love the US version and I feel like the US version makes their ghosts more complex, delves into their backstories more, and they're more personable/likeable. The US show adds personal touches like how the livings will order or cook things that smell good for the ghosts or they bought an extra TV so the ghosts could have their own TV to watch. There's more connections made between the chracters on the US version that make the characters in turn form connections to the audience and make them more sympathetic. The US version gives me insights into who the ghosts were, plus they evolve as people despite being dead. We see them trying to be better or resolve their unfinished business so they can get "sucked off" (a stupid gag that never fails to make me laugh). They talk about Alberta's murder which is a mystery lasting across seasons and causes friction between her and Hedy, they have romantic relationships going on between the ghosts, they have the living husband even forming friendships with the ghosts, Sam meets Pete's family and uses that connection to prevent Pete getting embarassed on a TV show, Sam goes out of the house to meet other ghosts, and even Jay's sister gets involved. The first time I recall the UK ghosts doing something for Alison that made me feel a connection was when they wanted to put on the Christmas play for her. I agree that Laurence Rickard is the standout in the UK version playing two characters, the stone age man and the Tudor ghost missing his head. I find his stone age man the most sympathetic and I liked seeing the backstory of his Tudor ghost. He was my favorite on Horrible Histories as well. For the livings I prefer the Alison (UK) and Jay (US). The husband in the UK version is abrasive compared to the US one and doesn't really try to involve himself with the ghosts like the US husband does, who tries more to get on board even though he can't see/hear the ghosts. Sam does get on my nerves because she's so naive in the way she just believes what the ghosts tell her and acts on it immediately. In the Christmas multi-episode where she was putting cookies out for Santa as a grown woman and then judging her SIL she really irked me. She's a tad too earnest and Rose McIver's American accent unfortunately is part of it. I wish she could just use her natural NZ accent. I find Alison the preferable main character. I think the US version is warmer focusing on relationships and backstories using humor interpersed, while the UK version mainly relies on comedy and plots. The UK comes off colder and the husband is played as more of a dick, and while I love the actors on the UK version, I see them as more one-dimensional than the US ghosts. However, I would enjoy seeing more crossovers between the two versions like they did when Mathew Baynton appeared in the US version. A lot of this is also the difference between UK comedy (drier) vs. US comedy and which you prefer.
thank you!!! my parents have been trying to get me to watch the us version for ages and they don't get it when i say its so much worse than the uk version 😭 i got partially through the first few episodes when i realized i hated the human characters and also personally that i felt the gay revolutionary was almost homophobically stereotypical in his mannerisms imo, and also that the jokes were just. SO much less funny!!! thanks for this
America remakes tend to pale in comparison to their foreign counterparts. For example, Pure Luck starring Martin Short and Donald Glover was a fun comedy, while the French version La Chevre was on point. However, while I find Louis DeFunes absolutely hilarious, I prefer the American version of Oscar with an All-Star cast including Sylvester Stallone, Marissa Tomei, and Tim Curry (among many others)
I discovered Ghosts UK on CBS/ Paramount Plus. Loved it - then I got really PO'd when I realized that they only had 2 seasons on Paramount. Luckily I found entire series on Daily Motion!
I think it really shows in a series when a writer is also one of the actors. But in a series like Ghosts (or Yonderland) where the majority of the actors are writing the show. You can see that love. There is a radio show I would very much recommend called John Finnemore’s Souvenir programme. There are just 5 actors in it. And one of them is the writer. As a little indication of the skill of the actors and writers and the fact, if you like Ghosts you’ll probably like this writer is that John Finnemore was brought on to help write Good Omens Season 2, he was a sketch writer for David Mitchell and he worked on a comedy show called Cabin Pressure with Benedict Cumberbatch before Sherlock. So he has worked with a previous actor of The Doctor and Sherlock. So if you’re a SuperWhoLock fan. There’s a little thing that may make you think about listening. Also, one of the other actors in the show is Lawry Lewin who acted with many of the Ghosts on Horrible Histories. And Simon Kane who played the adult version of the kid who killed Pat in Ghosts. Also the previously mentioned series John Finnemore wrote that started Benedict Cumberbatch, Cabin Pressure, also had Ben Willbond (The Captain) in one or two episodes as a Russian Yacht broker. Anyway, the first 8 seasons of the show are general Sketch comedy skits like on The Mitchell and Webb Look. But the 9th Season is a proper story, and it is one of those things where every time I listen to it again I notice something new. So I expect you’ll like it. Also WW1 Lesbians are a mood.
12:18 I notice this a lot when UK shows are brought over to the US. Used to drive me mad when Drew Carey would keep mentioning how the points didn't mean anything in Whose Line is it Anyway, it just seemed a given to me in the original. I know you guys aren't dumb, I don't know why they do it 😁
UK comedy is a bunch of losers that have a plan and fail by the end of the episode. US comedy is a bunch of one liners. Also UK knows when to end. US will milk a show forever. I hate the US Ghosts, I made it about 15 minutes and couldn't stand another minute. The UK Button House is a wreck of a mansion, they are trying to fix it now.
Tory politician caught with his pants down, how ironic. Last of the Summer Wine is a British sitcom set in Yorkshire created and written by Roy Clarke and originally broadcast by the BBC from 1973 to 2010. NB one writer. Sid's Café in Holmfirth, a regular filming location. The café has become a tourist destination on the strength of the series, and features a model of Compo outside for photographic purposes.
A problem I had checking out the US pilot was that they softened how much of a dick the politician was - in the US version the protagonist's near death experience in an accident because he accidentally knocked a vase off of a table and she tripped down the stairs on it. In the UK version he deliberately pushes her out of a window, which rightfully causes massive drama when she finds out that that's what happened in the final episode. I also really liked the whole thing with the Polyanna character Lady Catherine/Kitty, who knows that her sister was a monster but refuses to accept it, so when she's telling her backstory there's a sanitised version where her sister is played by Alison representing how Alison is the sister she'd wished that she'd had, and when the true version forces itself to the surface against her will she's played by a far different actress.
Now I'm British and I slightly prefer the American version, partly because I like Sam and Jay better. You should check out Horrible Histories where this originated, it's superb
For the same reason anime was censored and localisation often changed names. Executives don't think middle American audiences will watch something not catering to them specifically. To be fair, seeing how a lot of people react to any kind of diversity in shows now, it makes sense.
I just generally disagree. The British version left me cold. It took a whole season for there to be any kind of character growth. Also, I've always liked a mix of comedy and drama. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was really good at that. Recent Seasons of Star Trek: Lower Decks have swapped the proportions compared to the first two, TNG and DS9 both did a good job of balancing the two.
Just proves how much comedy is effected by "taste". Though I really like both shows I prefer the US version. I also prefered the US version of the Office vice the UK. Though in general I prefer many other types of UK content.
Hi, thanks for this video. I found it interesting since I recently binged both versions of ghosts. I have to say that I agree with a lot of what you said. I disagree however a LOT about the gay storyline. Obviously it is lovely to see a gay character coming into their own and finally being happy. However, the whole point about these ghosts is that they do not change and do not really evolve which is why they are stuck in the first place. So that whole storyline made no sense at all to me. All of the dating of the ghosts with other ghosts was weird to me, tbh. But I guess it is just a completely different show from the British version.
I almost always have an issue with the way American remakes look (and feel). It's polished to the point of being TOO polished. In a strange way, it ends up looking cheap because of how NOT cheap it looks. Like, "oh, this just looks like a toy now". Supermodel looking people wearing perfect clothes (what feel very costume-y) in catalog looking houses. I'm not saying a show has to look messy and rugged to be good but a) sometimes that's relevant b) more often than not this "too polished" thing affects more than just the look, it spreads to other aspects and the entire thing feels plastic.
Essentially this is the difference between British and American humor, but more importantly how American comedy and TV shows have to be more palpable to the general audience cause Hollywood cares more about money than art for arts sake. Also, the fact that it's on CBS is important. CBS is the network for white middle-age conservative America.
I watched the US version first and really enjoyed it. Then found out it was a remake so watched that and just couldn't get into it. I typically really enjoy British humor but this one falls flat to me. Great analysis tho!
Excellent video. Your analysis is spot on. I have watched both series and while I find the USA one amusing, I find the UK one makes you care more about the characters, they are on the whole more endearing. Just as a side note - I believe Charlotte Ritchie who plays Alison, is Richard Burton's grand daughter.
Interesting comments. I quite like the US version to be honest. UK aeries tend to be much shorter than US and that alters things. Otherwise I liked the adaptation.
So, so many US shows are based on British shows, from comedies to reality and drama. Also, the Brits tend to have a sense of humour different from that “across the pond”. I love British humour.
As usual rather than just enjoying the original and embracing a little bit of culture that's not American they had to remake it in their own image ruin it apply some sort of odd American value system no doubt to the characters paste over it with what apparently they call humour which is fundamentally unfunny and just utterly ruin it and I haven't even watched more than five minutes of the show but I know exactly what they've done because it's what they do with every other remake that they do and they keep doing it I don't know why they bother here's an idea why not just get the American public used to the fact that there are other countries that make some television that's worth watching. Why didn't they just see how the original was received?
Thank you for your view on this. May I ask if you are born and raised UK? I'am from the Netherlands and a lot of the american caracters speak more to me because of the history I was taught and the deeper dive into the different caracters. At first glans I could understand the difference between the time line and some of the steotypical portraings. As for the woman who was burnt I only realised it when you just said it. (Could have been mensiond in the episode I mist) And I have not been growing up on horrible history :D
It was mentioned a few times and when walked through the live human smells burnt toast also there's a puff of smoke eminating from her at certain times.
I enjoyed both the US and British versions but my (British) husband wouldn't watch the British show. He said there are too many comedies where the man of the house is made to look like an idiot and he felt that was the case with Mike. He has a point.
I think Mike got better. After his scepticism, and inability to see the ghosts, in later series he adapted more, and eventually made concessions to them, rather than just feeling 'left out'. And it was mostly Mike doing all the practical stuff in the house, and the gatehouse.
I had this issue with Mike though I liked the rest of it. I wish they wrote a more fleshed out character because it could have been fun watching him get to grips with the situation through some interesting investigative methods rather than being a bit bumbling and just accepting it. It gets more annoying the later you get on in the show.
Sorry Abbey, I have to disagree. I stopped watching the UK version by S2, even though the Caveman was excellent. For me, the US version is far more enjoyable and funny, plus, I like all the characters all unique in their own right. Maybe a factor for me, is that I wasn't a fan of "Horrible Histories" as I found it very derivative and dull. Anyway, great video! Thank you!
It makes perfect sense why the channel owner has these problems with the US remake if she likes 30 Rock and Arrested Development. She likes chaotic absurdist humor. Knowing that, I deleted the rest of my original comment. I'd suggest that the channel owner, if not already done, someday watch the US remakes by Norman Lear from the 60s through the 80s and their UK originals if she wants to see it done properly.
The British version of this and any other show the yanks try to remake are always better, steptoe and son, the office, the inbetweeners, the it crowd........
@@jwb52z9 yeah he's the dude that copied the original superior show, why race swap it. There was no need. That's all America is a bad copy of England. Couldn't even come up with your own language.
I enjoyed both shows, but I prefer the American one. The UK couple just never clicked for me, I didn't think they had the same chemistry as the US couple. To me, the slower pace of the American show worked better for the plot, too, the UK version felt rushed and hurried. And, quite simply, I like the American ghosts better. Yes, the UK has a lot more history to pull from, but I actually felt they did very well with the American ghosts. And I loved the romance between the revolutionary war British soldier and the Colonial one, it was sweet, and poignant. We do have different tastes in humor, and I find the American show better, and can't wait for the third season. But I am glad I watched the Brithsh show, because it also had a lot to bring. I think it would have been greatly improved by longer seasons, or at least more of them.
The US could have technically used a caveman, but going with a Viking instead made more sense to the area they have the house set in. Making sure that Sass has the correct clothing and hair from the time he's representing was important too.
After watching one clip of the Americanized version, the actors seem to have anti-chemistry. Not only that, it’s as if they all know they’re on camera as opposed to immersing themselves in their character. Blegh
to each their own i guess. the us version is hilarious and the whole cast is very likable. cant wait for season 4. maybe give it another watch because its really good. its obvious the actors play the roles different from the UK version. which is good
@@gothamsmostwantedclownbitc7107 thats's an oxymoron. thats an unobjective statement not and objective one. an objective statement is based on fact not feelings
@@gothamsmostwantedclownbitc7107 That is where you could've used it objectively, except for the passion part. That, again, is unobjective. For me, unobjectively, the us version is funnier. Maybe less passion but better humor. The UK is too deadpan for me. But to each their own
The British cast have already been friends for years so them playing people who have been stuck with each others for years, the connection is already there.
Yep, they've been a comedy troupe since 2009, and Ben and Simon were part of a sketch troupe who performed in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival way back in 2003. Also someone said Jim opened for Ben's Edinburgh Fringe Fest duo Priorite a gauche which would have been 1999.
So yeah they all go back a long long way, whereas the US cast, whilst having a strong bond, met each other for the first time/did screen tests 3-4 years ago, not 25.
The BBC ghost characters tend to be true to their time - voice and mannerisms, opinions and outlooks - which makes them all fish out of water in Allison and Mike's world, which is very funny!
"What is hotel?" "You mean men landed on the moon!" The American ghosts, at least for the most part, act more like contemporary characters, as if the shock of watching TV doesn't last very long, and they are all up on the latest technology and news. Which means we lose the fish out of water trope, which means the contrast between them and the humans is not very marked, and the result is rather dull. The other thing is there's a WHOLE layer of joke about Allison and Mike owning a historical mansion, something typically only enjoyed by members of royalty. Allison and Mike are regular folks, not royalty, so them owning an English manor is its own, long running joke. Plus, they filmed in a real manor in the UK, so the sense of clutter and weird angles is very real and effective. The American ghosts live in a clean cut, watered down version of the BBC setting, which as you so rightly pointed out, takes away from the texture of the story and the setting. Every American ghost plot ends with the ghosts or the humans or both "learning a lesson" on par with a Brady Bunch episode. "Gosh, dad, I never thought about it like that before." Don't get me wrong, I love the Brady Bunch and the parody movies! But those type of sit com lessons are not effective in a setup as interesting as a ghost infested mansion.
This is such a brilliant video.
I am autistic and Ghosts has been my special interest since it came out, especially because Horrible Histories was my special interest as a child, so the show means an awful lot to me. You nailed this. BBC Ghosts is made with so much love and you feel it when you watch it, but the US one is just a bit... empty. You basically put all of my feelings into words :D Well, apart from the Captain because, personally, I love that his storyline is more subtle in the original and I think that it feels more carefully considered. There's always a need for 'happy' queer representation and the US one clearly wanted to make that, but the UK one felt, to me, the most realistic and appropriate for the character. I am glad that his coming out was handled the way it was because, though I obviously want him to be happy and open about his sexuality, that isn't in the nature of his character.
Hey neurofriend, I see you 😀👋
All fair. The US version is a professional, corporate remake of an original made by a group of friends and colleagues writing parts that they wanted to play. It’s good, and could easily have been a whole lot worse, but lacks the soul and character of the original.
I have to say one thing first Horrible Histories is not just a sketch show, it is educational and fact checked. My daughter still remembers most of the songs she’s 25
While I think your criticisms of the American Ghosts are valid , I feel they had a slight disadvantage in that each episode is only 20 minutes whereas the British Ghosts is 30 minutes which makes each episode feel a bit rushed.
It could have been so much worse because American TV execs do not seem to understand nuance and subtlety, unless they’re conditioning the audience how to think (cue commercial)
As you have pointed out you can anticipate what punchline or setup they are going to use. I think this is because they don’t trust the average viewer enough to always get the joke and need to lead them into it.
Personally like the American version, don’t get me wrong it will never replace the British version.
You might like Yonderland - same cast, very different premise!
Great video! I kind of disagree on the Captain coming out however, I feel like Carpe Diem was his coming out. It was subtle but so beautiful and sad, and made sense when he was facing the possibility of finally being sucked off. I much prefer his more subtle character arc as he grows less rigid and more warm and open-minded and discovers new interests, like he's relaxing into himself bit by bit but still guarding himself. It felt more realistic for both the time period he came from and for the sort of person who would get stuck as a ghost. I get the US version has much longer seasons so structurally it needs these bigger character growth moments to keep the story going across 22 episodes vs the UK only having 6 episodes per season, so that just goes to show how different production demands impact the story and characters.
I just wrote a comment saying almost exactly the same thing about the Captain's storyline hahah. I promise I didn't copy you, but I agree completely.
This was thoughtful and articulate without being preachy about what's "better", thank you
For me the main problem is that the US had a lot of “tell not show” with the Ghosts deaths and backstories revealed very quickly and in a very obvious way. In the U.K. version this is much more of a slow burn with things revealed to is over time. I also didn’t feel the same level of pathos, which is an important part of the original show. And didn’t feel the same level of emotional connection with the US characters. The U.K. characters, despite some of them being ghastly people, still tug at the audience heartstrings at various points and sometimes episodes can be real tear-jerkers. This is as important to the U.K. version as the jokes. I don’t really feel all that invested in the characters of the US version.
Agree.
The UK would have a slower burn since they only have six episodes per season, whereas, the US Ghosts has 22 episodes. Frankly, I prefer somewhere in the middle (10-13 episodes) so there's better chance of tighter writing but also more entertainment than just 6 episodes.
I bought the American Ghosts first season for $9.99 and gave it a chance (I don't do cable or most streaming). I really enjoyed it and have bought seasons 2 & 3 as well. I love British humor and TV shows so I figure I will enjoy the British Ghosts as well but so far it has not been on sale and is charging more per season for fewer episodes. Hopefully it will be on sale so I can watch it as well.
A lot of British shows have been converted to American versions (and vice versa). Few are as good as the original but most that do it right are entertaining enough. When they do it wrong, it is so wrong.
The UK cast of Ghosts was also the cast of Horrible Histories, so the UK team had a firm grasp on he historical period for each character, which I am not certain is the case for the US version.
There’s a plague pit in the US one…
The plague didn’t ravage the US like it did the whole of Europe.
When it comes to the comparative shittiness of the house in the original vs the remake: I think both versions of Ghosts are aiming to be fairly earnest, family friendly television, and in that arena specifically I think UK sitcoms have always been slightly more at ease portraying financial instability, but US sitcoms aimed at that audience sometimes trend towards more of an aspirational & escapist fantasy.
I'm a Brit living in the US and we've been watching Full House as nostalgia for my wife, and I can't think of a similar show from back home in the same era, they're a huge wealthy family of minor celebrities for whom things largely just go well. There are of course exceptions to this, especially since the 2000's (Malcolm in the Middle comes to mind for me) and there's nothing wrong with that escapist fantasy, it's just a different way of doing things.
Personally was an advocate of the US Ghosts before it was even made because I was interested to see how America's different history would result in different ghosts, and I often feel weary with the kneejerk (though sometimes understandable) reactions Brits have to US remakes. It's always going to be different but that doesn't automatically mean bad. I think they've done a pretty good job with Ghosts, there's clearly a lot of talented people involved, but I definitely feel like there is something missing for me personally as well.
Perhaps it is that network TV crunch, I'm a supporter of broadcast television (certainly back home with the BBC, etc), the US network landscape does seem gruelling, but there's also more money in US television and writers rooms are very much more common, whereas they're a relative rarity in the UK system. Maybe it is just that unique team behind the original that makes it stand out so much.
BBC shows are allowed to take risks and produce passion projects - and sometimes that produces timeless gems, like Fleabag, I can destroy you and Ghosts (among many others, made for other audiences). Plenty of their shows are commercial failures - and that's okay. Unfortunately, that might not work for US producers...
Because BBC shows are not made to sell advertising (the main point of this video)
Have been watching both, like both. Since the American one presents me with 'American' flavor (localization), I'm more intuned to it. Same with Being Human. I don't mind a well made localization, sometimes appreciate it more when I don't have to turn on sub titles. And if I didn't like how something ended in the across the pond version, it maybe different local because different issues different resolutions.
Happy to see more videos about ghosts!!!
BBC ghosts was my comfort show for a good long while and the captian was my comfort character! he means so much to meeee💛
I actually started watching this because my brother at Christmas was talking about shows, and he recommended Ghosts. To back him up my little niece said it was her favourite to watch with him. So that night I went on BBC and binged. Brilliant for all ages!
You realize you're giving a similar review people gave on the American "version", not a remake, of The Office. Once critics stopped criticizing and comparing the American "version" of The Office to the original British version, they started seeing it as its own show.
This is exactly what people were like about what we do in the shadows tv show when it was first coming out.
There’s still people who complain and compare the two, not realizing that the humor has to be unique not only to the culture but to the specific network. The US version of Shadows is way more sexual and vulgar. The humor doesn’t land the same way it did in the movie and you can tell after the pilot episode, they strayed away from New Zealand humor.
I’ve seen both the UK and US Ghosts versions and like them for different reasons. US Ghosts is built for CBS audiences. I think they wanted to compete with light hearted comedies like Abbot. I do wonder what it would have looked like on a grittier network like FX.
That is the issue - money-led; rather than creative-led. It's always the safe option "this worked there, so let's do it here" "let's do a sequel" "just one more season..." rather than the bold option. But all of those sequels, those originals, those first seasons were the ideas that led to success, so rather than milking that same cow, find a new one. But they rarely do. Or maybe we just get to see the ones that work, and floors are littered with the ones that 'screened poorly' and were never given a real chance.
The BBC original is more subtle and worth repeat viewing. The CBS version goes at a quicker and spelled out pace. I find greater depth in the BBC characters and each character is better defined. I feel more emotionally attached to the BBC original in the way I am not with the CBS version. For a suggestion try watching the film the Lady Killers both the original Ealing comedy and the remake. Cheers.
I really like your thoughts on this. I knew BSJ back when he was a performer/teacher at UCB New York, and he's very funny and clever. I have always thought there's an additional reason why the UK ghosts is funnier and that is the character types. The UK show characters are virtually all known types that writers and audiences are familiar with, so we basically know where to mine the laughs from. Also these character types are all considered "ok to make fun of" and they lean into the stereotypes. On the other hand, the US version has characters such as a black woman from the 1920s, an indigenous American, and a gilded age rich woman. These aren't characters that one would conjure up and then the jokes just would flow naturally from the very idea of them, plus there are huge pitfalls to making fun of some of them for historical oppression reasons. Also as you kind of touched on, the show leans away from rather than into the stereotypes. So for example the hippie woman doesn't talk like your classic comedy show hippie (eg Tommy Chong on That 70s show). So we don't get the sketch/sitcom-ish laughs out of that.
The skill set for doing sketch comedy is VERY different than doing a sitcom. The former allows very dislikeable characters to strut around. A good sit-com needs characters that are likable. It's the reason there were only 14 episodes of the British version of "The Office", and 201 of the American.
And in many people's opinions the American version had 187 episodes too many.
There were likeable characters in the UK version, but they were flawed. Like real life, not processed via treacly, insincere Hollywood. ALL the characters were ultimately realistic in the UK version, unlike the increasingly saccharine Michael Scott and the increasingly caricaturish Dwight.
If you prefer the US version, fine - there's a lot of Yanks, it seems, who will ALWAYS insist a US remake of a non - US property is "better". But don't presume to dismiss the UK version as a "sketch show", because all you're doing is demonstrating your profound ignorance and parochialism about the country and culture the franchise originated from.
@@steventhomas2856 Is calling it a sketch show dismissive?
i've seen both versions,. and i think i like the American version better cuz i live in America. the actors playing the ghosts IMO are pretty good. it's funny and i watch it every week.
A lot of it is the chemistry of the cast, as they are all friends who have worked together for years. They play off each other perfectly.
I love the Horrible Histories crew and I enjoyed the UK version first. However I also came to love the US version and I feel like the US version makes their ghosts more complex, delves into their backstories more, and they're more personable/likeable. The US show adds personal touches like how the livings will order or cook things that smell good for the ghosts or they bought an extra TV so the ghosts could have their own TV to watch. There's more connections made between the chracters on the US version that make the characters in turn form connections to the audience and make them more sympathetic.
The US version gives me insights into who the ghosts were, plus they evolve as people despite being dead. We see them trying to be better or resolve their unfinished business so they can get "sucked off" (a stupid gag that never fails to make me laugh). They talk about Alberta's murder which is a mystery lasting across seasons and causes friction between her and Hedy, they have romantic relationships going on between the ghosts, they have the living husband even forming friendships with the ghosts, Sam meets Pete's family and uses that connection to prevent Pete getting embarassed on a TV show, Sam goes out of the house to meet other ghosts, and even Jay's sister gets involved. The first time I recall the UK ghosts doing something for Alison that made me feel a connection was when they wanted to put on the Christmas play for her.
I agree that Laurence Rickard is the standout in the UK version playing two characters, the stone age man and the Tudor ghost missing his head. I find his stone age man the most sympathetic and I liked seeing the backstory of his Tudor ghost. He was my favorite on Horrible Histories as well.
For the livings I prefer the Alison (UK) and Jay (US). The husband in the UK version is abrasive compared to the US one and doesn't really try to involve himself with the ghosts like the US husband does, who tries more to get on board even though he can't see/hear the ghosts. Sam does get on my nerves because she's so naive in the way she just believes what the ghosts tell her and acts on it immediately. In the Christmas multi-episode where she was putting cookies out for Santa as a grown woman and then judging her SIL she really irked me. She's a tad too earnest and Rose McIver's American accent unfortunately is part of it. I wish she could just use her natural NZ accent. I find Alison the preferable main character.
I think the US version is warmer focusing on relationships and backstories using humor interpersed, while the UK version mainly relies on comedy and plots. The UK comes off colder and the husband is played as more of a dick, and while I love the actors on the UK version, I see them as more one-dimensional than the US ghosts. However, I would enjoy seeing more crossovers between the two versions like they did when Mathew Baynton appeared in the US version.
A lot of this is also the difference between UK comedy (drier) vs. US comedy and which you prefer.
I was going to say the same thing. I love both shows, but the humor is a little different with each show.
thank you!!! my parents have been trying to get me to watch the us version for ages and they don't get it when i say its so much worse than the uk version 😭 i got partially through the first few episodes when i realized i hated the human characters and also personally that i felt the gay revolutionary was almost homophobically stereotypical in his mannerisms imo, and also that the jokes were just. SO much less funny!!! thanks for this
I love both versions tbh
The cave man is buy far the funniest in either series
BOO ! 😂
America remakes tend to pale in comparison to their foreign counterparts. For example, Pure Luck starring Martin Short and Donald Glover was a fun comedy, while the French version La Chevre was on point. However, while I find Louis DeFunes absolutely hilarious, I prefer the American version of Oscar with an All-Star cast including Sylvester Stallone, Marissa Tomei, and Tim Curry (among many others)
I discovered Ghosts UK on CBS/ Paramount Plus. Loved it - then I got really PO'd when I realized that they only had 2 seasons on Paramount. Luckily I found entire series on Daily Motion!
I think it really shows in a series when a writer is also one of the actors. But in a series like Ghosts (or Yonderland) where the majority of the actors are writing the show. You can see that love.
There is a radio show I would very much recommend called John Finnemore’s Souvenir programme. There are just 5 actors in it. And one of them is the writer. As a little indication of the skill of the actors and writers and the fact, if you like Ghosts you’ll probably like this writer is that John Finnemore was brought on to help write Good Omens Season 2, he was a sketch writer for David Mitchell and he worked on a comedy show called Cabin Pressure with Benedict Cumberbatch before Sherlock. So he has worked with a previous actor of The Doctor and Sherlock. So if you’re a SuperWhoLock fan. There’s a little thing that may make you think about listening.
Also, one of the other actors in the show is Lawry Lewin who acted with many of the Ghosts on Horrible Histories. And Simon Kane who played the adult version of the kid who killed Pat in Ghosts.
Also the previously mentioned series John Finnemore wrote that started Benedict Cumberbatch, Cabin Pressure, also had Ben Willbond (The Captain) in one or two episodes as a Russian Yacht broker.
Anyway, the first 8 seasons of the show are general Sketch comedy skits like on The Mitchell and Webb Look. But the 9th Season is a proper story, and it is one of those things where every time I listen to it again I notice something new. So I expect you’ll like it. Also WW1 Lesbians are a mood.
12:18 I notice this a lot when UK shows are brought over to the US. Used to drive me mad when Drew Carey would keep mentioning how the points didn't mean anything in Whose Line is it Anyway, it just seemed a given to me in the original. I know you guys aren't dumb, I don't know why they do it 😁
An American watching what would appear to be a game show would expect points to matter. It's one reason a show like QI wouldn't work in the US.
May I suggest you look up Stephen Fry, the difference between British and American Humour.
UK comedy is a bunch of losers that have a plan and fail by the end of the episode. US comedy is a bunch of one liners. Also UK knows when to end. US will milk a show forever. I hate the US Ghosts, I made it about 15 minutes and couldn't stand another minute. The UK Button House is a wreck of a mansion, they are trying to fix it now.
I love both versions
The US version is completely, totally and absolutely devoid of any quirkiness or charm, everyone is far too knowing. It is boring.
Tory politician caught with his pants down, how ironic.
Last of the Summer Wine is a British sitcom set in Yorkshire created and written by Roy Clarke and originally broadcast by the BBC from 1973 to 2010. NB one writer.
Sid's Café in Holmfirth, a regular filming location. The café has become a tourist destination on the strength of the series, and features a model of Compo outside for photographic purposes.
A problem I had checking out the US pilot was that they softened how much of a dick the politician was - in the US version the protagonist's near death experience in an accident because he accidentally knocked a vase off of a table and she tripped down the stairs on it.
In the UK version he deliberately pushes her out of a window, which rightfully causes massive drama when she finds out that that's what happened in the final episode.
I also really liked the whole thing with the Polyanna character Lady Catherine/Kitty, who knows that her sister was a monster but refuses to accept it, so when she's telling her backstory there's a sanitised version where her sister is played by Alison representing how Alison is the sister she'd wished that she'd had, and when the true version forces itself to the surface against her will she's played by a far different actress.
Now I'm British and I slightly prefer the American version, partly because I like Sam and Jay better. You should check out Horrible Histories where this originated, it's superb
Arrested Development comedy was so perfect
Brilliant video!
I should get around to watching Ghosts, the UK one specifically!
I really enjoy the UK version I wish it hadn't ended the cast ensemble were great together
Why is the US obsessed with remaking things they could perfectly watch?
UK shows are almost never shown in the US, outside of educational TV. Most Americans won't watch that.
For the same reason anime was censored and localisation often changed names. Executives don't think middle American audiences will watch something not catering to them specifically. To be fair, seeing how a lot of people react to any kind of diversity in shows now, it makes sense.
I just generally disagree. The British version left me cold. It took a whole season for there to be any kind of character growth. Also, I've always liked a mix of comedy and drama. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was really good at that. Recent Seasons of Star Trek: Lower Decks have swapped the proportions compared to the first two, TNG and DS9 both did a good job of balancing the two.
Like most American versions, when it does it’s own stuff it massively succeeds more
Watch horrible history to understand the British actors, they have been together a long time
I ENJOYED ALL THE GHOSTS👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
One crucial thing missing from US Ghosts is character empathy. I just didn't like any of them and didn't care for their stories.
Just proves how much comedy is effected by "taste". Though I really like both shows I prefer the US version. I also prefered the US version of the Office vice the UK. Though in general I prefer many other types of UK content.
Sometimes it works (The Office) Sometimes it doesn't work (Red Dwarf).
The American version of Red Dwarf was gawd awful! IMHO
It worked on "THE OFFICE" BRIT TO US.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Americans often tend to be the ones who think that.
Hi, thanks for this video. I found it interesting since I recently binged both versions of ghosts. I have to say that I agree with a lot of what you said. I disagree however a LOT about the gay storyline. Obviously it is lovely to see a gay character coming into their own and finally being happy. However, the whole point about these ghosts is that they do not change and do not really evolve which is why they are stuck in the first place. So that whole storyline made no sense at all to me. All of the dating of the ghosts with other ghosts was weird to me, tbh. But I guess it is just a completely different show from the British version.
I almost always have an issue with the way American remakes look (and feel). It's polished to the point of being TOO polished. In a strange way, it ends up looking cheap because of how NOT cheap it looks. Like, "oh, this just looks like a toy now". Supermodel looking people wearing perfect clothes (what feel very costume-y) in catalog looking houses.
I'm not saying a show has to look messy and rugged to be good but a) sometimes that's relevant b) more often than not this "too polished" thing affects more than just the look, it spreads to other aspects and the entire thing feels plastic.
Essentially this is the difference between British and American humor, but more importantly how American comedy and TV shows have to be more palpable to the general audience cause Hollywood cares more about money than art for arts sake.
Also, the fact that it's on CBS is important. CBS is the network for white middle-age conservative America.
I watched the US version first and really enjoyed it. Then found out it was a remake so watched that and just couldn't get into it. I typically really enjoy British humor but this one falls flat to me. Great analysis tho!
I watched all 5 seasons of UK Ghosts. Couldn't get through episode one of US version....
I'm really unhappy that Paramount+ stopped adding Ghosts UK episodes. I can't really enjoy the US version.
briiliant totally agree, really enjoyed your insights
Okay now do what we do in the shadows the movie versus the tv show.
Excellent video. Your analysis is spot on. I have watched both series and while I find the USA one amusing, I find the UK one makes you care more about the characters, they are on the whole more endearing. Just as a side note - I believe Charlotte Ritchie who plays Alison, is Richard Burton's grand daughter.
Woops, just checked, apparently that has been debunked.
Watch Horrible History’s it’s the same team brilliantly comedy.
really like your videos hope to see your channel grow 🙂
This team created a film called Bill about Shakespeare. Can you review it?
Wanting "sweet moments" is very American, as is the idea of characters on some sort of journey.
If you like UK Ghosts, if you haven't already, try UK Red Dwarf.
There is no US version as it failed as a remake.
Interesting comments. I quite like the US version to be honest. UK aeries tend to be much shorter than US and that alters things. Otherwise I liked the adaptation.
I enjoyed both series❤❤👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
So, so many US shows are based on British shows, from comedies to reality and drama. Also, the Brits tend to have a sense of humour different from that “across the pond”. I love British humour.
I heard some say the American office is funnier, But ive not seen it. I guess sometimes it works and sometimes it dont.
As usual rather than just enjoying the original and embracing a little bit of culture that's not American they had to remake it in their own image ruin it apply some sort of odd American value system no doubt to the characters paste over it with what apparently they call humour which is fundamentally unfunny and just utterly ruin it and I haven't even watched more than five minutes of the show but I know exactly what they've done because it's what they do with every other remake that they do and they keep doing it I don't know why they bother here's an idea why not just get the American public used to the fact that there are other countries that make some television that's worth watching. Why didn't they just see how the original was received?
I only watched the special/last episode.
Thank you for your view on this. May I ask if you are born and raised UK? I'am from the Netherlands and a lot of the american caracters speak more to me because of the history I was taught and the deeper dive into the different caracters. At first glans I could understand the difference between the time line and some of the steotypical portraings.
As for the woman who was burnt I only realised it when you just said it. (Could have been mensiond in the episode I mist)
And I have not been growing up on horrible history :D
It was mentioned a few times and when walked through the live human smells burnt toast also there's a puff of smoke eminating from her at certain times.
The video maker has a strong American accent so I think it is very likely she has not spent a lot of time in the UK
I enjoyed both the US and British versions but my (British) husband wouldn't watch the British show. He said there are too many comedies where the man of the house is made to look like an idiot and he felt that was the case with Mike. He has a point.
aww boohoo
I think Mike got better. After his scepticism, and inability to see the ghosts, in later series he adapted more, and eventually made concessions to them, rather than just feeling 'left out'. And it was mostly Mike doing all the practical stuff in the house, and the gatehouse.
I had this issue with Mike though I liked the rest of it. I wish they wrote a more fleshed out character because it could have been fun watching him get to grips with the situation through some interesting investigative methods rather than being a bit bumbling and just accepting it. It gets more annoying the later you get on in the show.
Sorry Abbey, I have to disagree. I stopped watching the UK version by S2, even though the Caveman was excellent.
For me, the US version is far more enjoyable and funny, plus, I like all the characters all unique in their own right.
Maybe a factor for me, is that I wasn't a fan of "Horrible Histories" as I found it very derivative and dull.
Anyway, great video! Thank you!
word byee
It makes perfect sense why the channel owner has these problems with the US remake if she likes 30 Rock and Arrested Development. She likes chaotic absurdist humor. Knowing that, I deleted the rest of my original comment. I'd suggest that the channel owner, if not already done, someday watch the US remakes by Norman Lear from the 60s through the 80s and their UK originals if she wants to see it done properly.
The British version of this and any other show the yanks try to remake are always better, steptoe and son, the office, the inbetweeners, the it crowd........
You must not be familiar with Norman Lear.
@@jwb52z9 yeah he's the dude that copied the original superior show, why race swap it. There was no need. That's all America is a bad copy of England. Couldn't even come up with your own language.
I can suggest "The Switch" Jennifer Anniston and Jason Bateman
I enjoyed both shows, but I prefer the American one.
The UK couple just never clicked for me, I didn't think they had the same chemistry as the US couple.
To me, the slower pace of the American show worked better for the plot, too, the UK version felt rushed and hurried.
And, quite simply, I like the American ghosts better.
Yes, the UK has a lot more history to pull from, but I actually felt they did very well with the American ghosts.
And I loved the romance between the revolutionary war British soldier and the Colonial one, it was sweet, and poignant.
We do have different tastes in humor, and I find the American show better, and can't wait for the third season.
But I am glad I watched the Brithsh show, because it also had a lot to bring.
I think it would have been greatly improved by longer seasons, or at least more of them.
The US could have technically used a caveman, but going with a Viking instead made more sense to the area they have the house set in. Making sure that Sass has the correct clothing and hair from the time he's representing was important too.
After watching one clip of the Americanized version, the actors seem to have anti-chemistry. Not only that, it’s as if they all know they’re on camera as opposed to immersing themselves in their character. Blegh
You think that the characters of the US version of Ghosts are unlikable. Just a few minutes of your video & I find YOU unlikable.
to each their own i guess. the us version is hilarious and the whole cast is very likable. cant wait for season 4. maybe give it another watch because its really good. its obvious the actors play the roles different from the UK version. which is good
Yeah, but objectively the UK version was better written an acted. Way more passion.
@@gothamsmostwantedclownbitc7107 thats's an oxymoron. thats an unobjective statement not and objective one. an objective statement is based on fact not feelings
@@thenhl1015 The fact is that it wasn't just a cast of people, it was a friend group who'd done similar things in the past i.e. more passion.
@@gothamsmostwantedclownbitc7107 That is where you could've used it objectively, except for the passion part. That, again, is unobjective. For me, unobjectively, the us version is funnier. Maybe less passion but better humor. The UK is too deadpan for me. But to each their own
@@thenhl1015 You're probably from the US then. I started the US version and preferred it until I got into the UK version.