"Ghosts" Actor Utkarsh Ambudkar Discusses the New Season and His Bond with the Creator of "Hamilton"

The latest season of "Ghosts" on Universal+ marks a significant turning point as Jay, the character portrayed by Utkarsh Ambudkar, finally gains the ability to see and interact with the spectral residents of Woodstone Mansion. This development, long anticipated by fans and the cast alike, promises to inject fresh energy and comedic possibilities into the series.

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I think it was something we were all waiting for, not just us but the fans too. There was a lot of expectation to see Jay meet the ghosts, to be able to talk to them. That finally happens, especially in our Christmas episode, where there is a great adventure and many things happen.

Ambudkar, who has built a versatile career across theater, television, and music, including early collaborations with Lin-Manuel Miranda on projects like "Hamilton," brings a unique depth to his role. His journey from freestyle stages to acclaimed roles in "Pitch Perfect" and "The Dropout" showcases his multifaceted talent. In "Ghosts," Jay initially served as the audience's anchor to reality, the sole character unaware of the supernatural occurrences, making the unfolding absurdity all the more humorous.

Now that Jay can perceive the ghosts, Ambudkar notes that it allows for more direct interaction with his co-stars, a welcome change that heightens the on-screen chemistry. However, he emphasizes the delicate balance the show must maintain. Jay's role as the 'everyman' reacting to the extraordinary is fundamental to the comedy. Losing this perspective entirely could alter the show's core dynamic, so the writers are carefully integrating his new ability without sacrificing the relatable viewpoint that has endeared him to audiences.

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It's always more fun to be able to see your colleagues, that's for sure. It was exciting for everyone to have that possibility, even if only for moments. But I also think we did just enough, because there is something very important about Jay: he represents the audience. He is the point of view of an ordinary person within a completely absurd situation.

Ambudkar also touches upon the nature of comedy production, particularly within a tightly structured 22-minute sitcom format. He explains that "Ghosts" leaves little room for improvisation, as every moment is meticulously planned to advance multiple storylines simultaneously. While spontaneous moments can be rewarding, the show's format prioritizes narrative efficiency, ensuring that every scene serves a purpose within the overarching plot. This season's expansion, including the development of the restaurant, further broadens the show's scope, promising more engaging content for viewers.

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I would say almost not. It's a 22-minute format, with many characters and many stories that have to advance in parallel, so everything is quite tight. If you improvise something and it doesn't work, it simply doesn't fit.