Utkarsh Ambudkar Discusses Directorial Debut on ‘Ghosts’ Season 5

The fifth season of the CBS comedy series *Ghosts* has premiered, and actor Utkarsh Ambudkar is poised to make his directorial debut. In a recent interview with *Decider*, Ambudkar shared insights about his character Jay, who has faced significant challenges, including a near encounter with death. Despite the gravity of these situations, Ambudkar indicated that Jay is unlikely to change his ways.

In the Season 4 finale, Jay’s life was left hanging in the balance after a dramatic cliffhanger involving the character Elias Woodstone, played by Matt Walsh. Ambudkar stated, “Sorry to disappoint you, Jay’s not one for learning from his mistakes. That’s not how good comedy is made.” He elaborated that the ongoing narrative keeps Jay and his partner Sam, portrayed by Rose McIver, focused on their day-to-day lives rather than reflecting on past decisions.

Ambudkar expressed enthusiasm for his new role as director, emphasizing the importance of fostering a creative and collaborative environment on set. He noted, “I think I know, at this point, what the show *Ghosts* wants to be, what it should be, and what it shouldn’t be.” His goal is to maintain a joyful atmosphere while ensuring the production stays on track.

Character Dynamics and New Developments

As Season 5 begins, Jay is depicted as being in a precarious situation, having narrowly escaped death. “He’s really scared,” Ambudkar explained. Jay’s approach to his predicament involves humorous preparations, such as covering himself with sports padding and pondering what snacks he might need for the afterlife.

Ambudkar’s portrayal of Jay as a “damsel in distress” has allowed him to explore different facets of the character’s personality, particularly the comedic aspects of being in peril. He added, “It’s fun to be sort of at the center of the hurricane,” highlighting the chaos surrounding him as other characters attempt to resolve the situation.

While Jay’s character may not evolve significantly, Ambudkar noted that the couple’s journey is relatable. “They are just scrambling to get to the next day like most of us are,” he said, which contributes to their appeal as a couple on television.

Ambudkar’s Directorial Aspirations

Ambudkar’s transition to directing stems from a desire to enhance his understanding of the show. He shadowed various directors and participated in a course with the Directors Guild of America (DGA) to prepare for his new role. He reflected on the confidence gained from watching McIver excel in her directing debut, stating, “I think that if I do the same for how I approach it, I’ll be okay too.”

Looking ahead, he is eager to collaborate with the talented crew and cast, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment conducive to creativity and laughter. “It’s all about pace,” he explained, underscoring the technical aspects that are crucial for the effectiveness of comedy.

Regarding upcoming episodes, Ambudkar hinted at exciting developments for the Halloween and Christmas episodes, teasing the potential for new ghosts and humorous storylines that might draw inspiration from classic holiday films.

The first episode of *Ghosts* Season 5 is now available for streaming on Paramount+. The service offers an ad-supported Essential plan for $7.99 per month and an ad-free Premium plan, featuring Showtime and live CBS, for $12.99 per month. New subscribers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial, allowing them to experience the latest adventures of Jay and his ghostly companions.