Ghosts parents guide: It's not going to be a huge spook for the preteen spirits
Ghosts, the CBS comedy, is currently airing season 4, and just in the premiere episode last week, things at the Woodstone Bed and Breakfast have the spirits engage in unsettling scenarios. I've been a fan of Ghosts since Day 1, and I love learning about the characters' past lives, becoming a page in American history books. With modern-day humor blended in, Ghosts gives a brilliant direction of combining old-world knowledge with current times.
But as you watch this delightfully haunting series, your kids might seep in like one of the spirits to join in. In such an event, will Ghosts be appropriate for them? Or should you summon the kiddos back to their rooms until it's over?
The CBS sitcom has a TV-PG rating, and just because it has a generally-safe rating, it doesn't always reflect that it'll be okay for young ones to watch. However, it's entirely up to you whether if you want your children to watch.
Ghosts parents guide: Explaining the TV-PG rating
Note: The parents guide reflects ALL seasons; not just season 4.
As mentioned, Ghosts offers a look into the past lives of the deceased Woodstone residents, who are forever trapped in limbo and can't cross over. It's a sad situation, but also, the spirits use their time wisely and adapt to the modern world. The outcomes are hilarious and fun because they learn through visual communication with Sam, the only live human who can see them, and they can see her.
I must warn you that the discussion and jokes contain some sexual innuendo, which some parents may not feel comfortable with. However, these tend to go over the kids' heads as nothing is shown onscreen. That said, let's continue with the explanation.
Sex & Nudity: Sam and her husband, Jay, are shown in bed, but nothing intimate happens. Also, there is plenty of innuendo talk, and words such as "thruple" and "horny" are used. But nothing is shown onscreen. Spirits are dating one another and sharing kisses, but nothing extends further. There is also one character who died pantless and therefore does not wear pants in the series.
Violence: There are flashbacks to the Revolutionary War with battle violence and death, There are flashbacks of how each of the characters met their maker, and that can be a little scary for the audience.
Language: General profanity is spoken under the words of "damn," "hell," and "crap."
Drinking & Drugs: Period drugs are mentioned, such as cocaine from the 19th century, hallucinating mushrooms from 1969, and there's a party with drugs in 1999. As for drinking, there's a Prohibition-era speakeasy in a flashback to 1929, and social drinking is shown.
Overall verdict: What is Ghosts appropriate for?
Kids 12 and older might enjoy Ghosts for its humor and content, but for younger ones, it's not advisable for them to partake in the ghostly seances.