Comedy Ghosts, created by stars of the original BBC version, was named the best-selling scripted format of 2025 in K7’s annual Tracking the Scripted Giants report. The British series, which debuted in 2019 and has already ended its run on Reino Unido, gained new versions on Austrália, Alemanha, França and Grécia in the last 18 months.
This achievement highlights the production’s ability to remain relevant even after the end of the original broadcasts. The American version of CBS, produced by Lionsgate, remains on the rise and has been renewed for a sixth season.
The format follows a group of ghosts from different historical periods who share a country house with new living residents, generating comical and emotional situations.
Flexibility in adaptations drives the format
BBC Studios has received praise for its open structure that allows for creative adjustments within each territory.
The German version, for example, quickly incorporated elements from later seasons of the British original and added new plots, which facilitated its renewal for a second season.
This flexible approach appeals to buyers looking to personalize content for local audiences without losing the essence of the core story.
K7 experts highlighted that few traditional half-hour sitcoms achieve this longevity and adaptability in today’s streaming and linear television market.
Remake market values consolidated intellectual properties
Almost 40% of the adaptations analyzed in the report are based on formats launched more than ten years ago, a number almost double that observed in the previous study.
Buyers show greater interest in already tested and known stories, which offers security in a fragmented audience scenario.
Ghosts exemplifies this trend by proving that a simple, well-executed concept can successfully travel across different cultures. BBC Studios also confirmed the progress of other adaptations of the format, expanding its international presence.
Crime and thriller genres dominate volume of remakes
Crime and thrillers represented 28% of the overall market for scripted adaptations in the period evaluated.
This preference reflects recent successes on streaming platforms that explore plots of mystery and tension. Mesmo Thus, comedies like Ghosts manage to stand out by balancing humor with light supernatural elements.
The total market for scripted remakes grew slightly to 60 productions last year, reversing the previously recorded drop, although still below the peak of 77 adaptations in 2022.
British format reduces distance to global leaders
Reino Unido recorded 17 scripted formats among the best-selling, just behind Coreia, which led with 19 titles.
Israel occupied third place with eight prominent formats, driven especially by sales of series such as Your Honor.
Other British titles that performed well include Doctor Foster, Liar and Call My Agent!, the latter now in the process of being adapted into an Netflix film.
The report indicates a reduction in the search for radical novelties and a greater focus on consolidated intellectual properties that serve specific audiences.
American version maintains strength and gains cinematic continuation
In the Estados Unidos, CBS production accumulates consistent seasons and attracts a loyal audience.
Lionsgate collaborates with BBC Film, BBC Studios and Monumental TV in the development of the film Ghosts:
This expansion into film reinforces the format’s lasting value beyond television.
The flexibility demonstrated in international adaptations continues to open doors for new versions in other territories.
BBC Studios expands presence with new partnerships
The British distributor structures adaptations to allow both fidelity to the original and local innovations. Essa strategy directly contributed to the recognition of Ghosts as a sales leader in 2025.
The original format continues to influence productions around the world for its ability to mix comedy, history and human relationships.
New negotiations indicate that interest in the concept is not likely to diminish in the short term.
Trend points towards more personalized adaptations
Buyers prioritize stories that can be culturally adjusted without losing universal appeal.
Ghosts benefits from this openness by allowing each version to incorporate local references and narrative rhythms of its own. The result appears in the rapid renewal of some adaptations and the continued interest in new licenses.
The market remains attentive to formats that combine conceptual simplicity with expansion potential.
Report reinforces moderate growth in the sector
The total volume of scripted remakes rose slightly, signaling a partial recovery after periods of contraction.
Experts observe greater selectivity on the part of platforms and broadcasters, who opt for projects with a proven track record.
Ghosts emerges as a clear example of this preference for tested quality and proven adaptability.
The series’ leading position in the 2025 rankings cements its status as one of the most successful British formats today.
