Well, that’s definitely one way to figure out you’re headed for trouble.
**Season 4 Finale spoiler alert for Ghosts**
In a recent episode of Ghosts, Jay (played by Utkarsh Ambudkar) discovers that he unwittingly entered a deal with the demonic contractor Elias Woodstone (Matt Walsh). This contract guarantees that Jay’s soul is destined for hell. To complicate matters, Elias even attempts to eliminate Jay in a dramatic moment by causing a chandelier to fall while he’s underneath it—talk about a close call.
Fortunately, the beloved non-intrusive B&B owners manage to dodge death, but who knows how long their luck will last? Sitting down with Ambudkar, he shared his thoughts on how Jay’s fate in season 4 paves the way for exhilarating near-death scenarios in future seasons.
“Spending the whole season with me and a stunt double dodging bullets sounds like a blast as an actor,” he said about the upcoming season of the CBS comedy. “But now we’ve introduced this extra layer of risk, so it’s always a bit concerning for Woodstone B&B, right?”
As for what lies ahead, whether or not Jay will have a serious chat with his ghostly friend Pete (Ritchie Moriarty)—Spoiler alert: it’s quite possible—Ambudkar is eager for another season.
Deciding: Let’s dig into the season 4 finale. So, it looks like Jay might be headed to hell.
Utkarsh Ambudkar: That seems to be the case.
How far away are you from the possibility of that being the season 4 ending for Jay? Is his soul genuinely in peril?
The producers teased a scenario where Elias approaches Jay about trading his soul for an easier life in hell. In that final scene, there’s a moment where Elias and Jay sign the contract, and until the end, it was uncertain if they would follow through. I think they always envisioned pushing Jay into precarious situations. He’s a relatable character, which works for the show. So, filming schedules may hint at something strange on the horizon. Typically, I don’t pry too much—I just show up and enjoy the ride. The unpredictability suits Jay’s character, and hopefully, people find that engaging.
What if Jay hadn’t signed the contract? What do you envision?
Well, something different would have happened, perhaps involving the restaurant—we’ve already had someone fall off the roof. The romantic dynamic between Pete and Alberta was compelling enough to carry into season 5. Their chemistry is fantastic. Watching them is a joy. But considering this new layer of danger is interesting, leaving the Woodstone B&B at risk keeps things thrilling.
How might this tension play out in the next season? Do we see Jay dodging chandeliers like in the finale?
Oh, that sounds so entertaining! A series of near-death experiences could unfold. If the season revolves around me and a stunt double dodging bullets, that could be a lot of fun. I think we’re really in a precarious position. If Matt Walsh’s Elias returns to play with us, that would be a treat. He’s a comedic legend. I mean, does that mean Jay might die? Are we facing a ghost version of Jay? I wonder what the audience thinks—should Jay die? Are they on board with that idea? I’m keen to know. If he does become a ghost, at least he’ll still be a dad.
Your fanbase is quite enthusiastic, and they’re very aware of all the character dynamics. One aspect we’ve yet to see is the interaction between Jay and Pete [Ritchie Moriarty]. Do you think Jay’s struggles with Elias will foster their collaboration?
Maybe Jay dies temporarily, or Elias does something bizarre to him, who knows? It would be amusing for Jay and Pete to interact in a setting where they can connect physically or share moments as ghosts. I really enjoy working with Richie; we get along famously on and off set. It’ll be interesting to see if we can capture that dynamic on screen. Season 5 has set up many relationships poised for development.
When we chatted at Comic-Con, you mentioned Jay would finally encounter a ghost in season 4. It’s remarkable to reflect on how far things have come. Did you feel nostalgic about that trajectory?
Jay runs into a ghost during a special Christmas episode, and there was a lot to navigate in that hour. Rose McIver plays the iconic Nancy, and she nails it. I played three roles—myself, Zombie Jay, and Pete. We had to juggle various storylines as Jay encounters ghosts and deals with his family during the holidays. There was so much comedy wrapped in that experience, which we could explore further. It felt like just a taste of what we could do.
Speaking of special moments, are there any standout performances from the cast that you admire?
Honestly, it has to be Pete, played by Richie. We have a lot in common, so that made it easier. Richie created a distinct character with his physicality, which brings a lot to Pete. But the challenge was figuring that all out! Other characters weren’t as involved in that way—Trevor, for instance, is an easier role. But Pete was a difficult character to understand initially, yet it came together nicely.
So, could you end up being the next character to explore? It’s likely we’ll see another interesting dimension.
Absolutely. Isaac [Brandon Scott Jones] would be fantastic. I think it would be entertaining to see Sam have a fixation on Isaac. Rose embodies her character so well; I can picture that dynamic flourishing.
With season 5 and a confirmed season 6 looming ahead, it seems the future is bright. How did you feel about Daniel’s emotional social media announcement?
Rose and I were informed at the same time, and I was working on another project in Vancouver, so it was a relieving surprise. I really feel fortunate. It’s tough to find steady work in network television these days, so having two seasons lined up means a lot. That’s a hefty amount of content! With continual high quality, who knows where it can go? Daniel’s announcement struck a chord. We’ve faced many ‘no’s’ over the years. Now, having a bit of job security is thrilling, especially knowing millions enjoy the show weekly. It feels good to bring joy to people’s homes.
While season 5 may be headed in one direction, season 6 seems poised for something monumental with 100 episodes? Do you have a vision for that?
One aspect I really appreciate is how well CBS casts guest stars. It’d be exciting to have special episodes featuring many characters, maybe even a musical! Animated episodes could also offer unique storytelling opportunities. Hitting the 100-episode milestone is something special. It’s a rarity today, so I hope we can make it memorable as a cast.
Do you have any hints about season 5 that you can share?
Honestly, I have no idea what the chat teams are sharing about Jay’s fate. It seems the audience plays a significant role in shaping outcomes this time around.
Let us know what you think about Jay’s future—should he become a ghost?
I’m being completely serious! Please share your thoughts. Should Jay go ghost mode?
All of Ghosts Season 4 is currently available for streaming. The show will be back for season 5 in the fall.
