Jay's Near-Death Scare in 'Ghosts' Season 5: Why He's Still the Same Old Guy, Refusing to Change His Ways
Imagine facing the devil himself, teetering on the edge of losing your very soul—and then shrugging it off like it was just another bad day. That's the wild territory we're diving into with Jay from the hit CBS show Ghosts, where a brush with death doesn't spark a life-altering epiphany. But here's where it gets controversial: is it refreshingly human, or frustratingly stubborn? Stick around, because this isn't just about comedy—it's about what makes a character (and maybe us) tick.
Major Spoilers Ahead for the Season 5 Premiere of *Ghosts*
In a recent chat with DECIDER, actor Utkarsh Ambudkar, who plays the ever-relatable Jay in Ghosts (a hilarious sitcom about a woman who inherits a mansion filled with quirky historical ghosts), shared insights into the show's latest season. He discussed how Jay's harrowing Season 4 cliffhanger—where he nearly had his soul snatched by the devious Elias Woodstone (played by Matt Walsh)—might have affected him. Spoiler: after his wife Carol (Caroline Aaron) heroically sacrifices herself to save him, Jay remains... well, Jay. Unchanged and unbothered.
"Not in the slightest," Ambudkar quipped about whether this close call would prompt Jay to rethink his life choices. "I hate to break it to you, but Jay isn't the type to learn from his blunders. That's not how you craft top-notch comedy!" He explained that the narrative focuses on other exciting plots, with the heart of the story being Jay and Sam (Rose McIver) as a couple that's always growing and adapting—though they rarely pause to truly reflect on past events.
And this is the part most people miss: Ambudkar believes this reluctance to dwell on the past is what elevates Jay and Sam to one of TV's most endearing duos. "They're simply hustling through each day, just like the rest of us," he noted. "That's the charm that makes them so special and lovable." For beginners tuning in, Ghosts blends supernatural fun with everyday relationship dynamics, showing how even ghostly neighbors can't derail real-life chaos.
Shifting gears, Ambudkar is stepping into his directorial debut in this season, following in the footsteps of co-star Rose McIver. Drawing from his experience in films like Pitch Perfect, he's aiming to foster a supportive set where creativity flows freely. "I envision it being cooperative, cheerful, and streamlined," he said. "At this stage, I have a solid grasp of what Ghosts should embody—and what it definitely shouldn't." He emphasized trusting his cast implicitly, ensuring a stress-free environment that lets everyone thrive.
Keep reading for more from DECIDER's full conversation with Ambudkar.
Let's dive deeper into Ghosts. Last season ended with Jay's life hanging in the balance. How's he coping now?
Picking up right after Jay's narrow escape from a deadly chandelier fall, Season 5 kicks off with the clock ticking on his soul. He's genuinely terrified, padding himself up in every sports gear imaginable to fend off Elias. He's strategizing desperately—not just about survival, but what kind of afterlife he'd face if defeated. Sam is equally panicked, and the ghosts are in full scramble mode.
What's your favorite aspect of portraying a character in such a vulnerable, 'damsel in distress' role?
"Playing out pure, frenzied panic is always a blast," Ambudkar replied, "and Jay doesn't often get to be the eye of the storm. Usually, he's just bewildered by the mayhem!" In this arc, Jay's frantically debating ghost traps, packing cookies for the afterlife, and even setting up a lounge chair in case he's doomed. It's delightful chaos, with Sam rallying to save the day and the other spirits bustling around him.
I adore how Jay prepares with treats and comfort items. If you were in his shoes, what would you do differently?
"Definitely not Jay's approach," Ambudkar laughed. "If I knew my time was up, I'd pen heartfelt letters to loved ones, sharing things I hope they'd cherish forever. I'd also try to check off bucket-list items based on what I could physically manage. I think I'm fairly content in that department."
Of course, we all know the twist: Carol steps in and gets whisked away.
Yes, she bravely sacrifices herself.
If the roles were reversed, would Jay ever do the same for someone?
"Maybe—a soft maybe leaning toward no," Ambudkar pondered. "Jay might hesitate, thinking, 'You're already a ghost; I wouldn't wish hell on you, but swapping a living life for a spectral one?'" This opens up tricky ethical debates, and hey, that might be a bold take. What do you think—does life trump the afterlife in such trade-offs? Share your views below!
With Jay safe now, has this ordeal shifted his perspective on life or sparked new ambitions?
"Absolutely not," Ambudkar reiterated. "Sorry to dash hopes again, but Jay isn't built for growth through errors. Comedy thrives on consistency! We've got tons of fresh, entertaining threads instead, centered on this pair that's perpetually evolving without much hindsight. They're just surviving day-to-day, mirroring real life—that's their magic and appeal."
Let's chat about that buzzworthy news: your directorial debut!
"I pitched the idea to the creators last season, shadowed some directors, studied up, and even took a DGA course—huge thanks to them for that gem," Ambudkar shared. "The Joes greenlit it, assigning me an episode this season." Observing McIver's directorial success boosted his confidence; he plans to lean into his strengths for a positive vibe.
What's got you most pumped—or jittery?
"I'm aiming for teamwork, fun, and efficiency," he said. "I understand Ghosts' rhythm well, including joke timing, camera work, and technicalities. Trusting the cast unconditionally means managing schedules so no one feels rushed—we can all enjoy the process." He also raved about collaborating with the crew, from the director of photography Michelle to production designer Sophie, and pitching jokes to empower actors. "I want laughs and creativity to shine."
Before we wrap, tell us about the Halloween and Christmas specials—fans are dying for details, especially with the mummy returning.
"I'm betting on possessions ahead, and that mummy will be pivotal, possibly appearing in unexpected ways," Ambudkar teased. "Expect one or two hilarious new ghosts from uncharted eras. For Christmas, think echoes of classic holiday films weaving into our world—plots, themes, and storylines adapted for Ghosts. Main characters might get spotlighted too. Can't spill more without ruining it!" He chuckled, "Christmas promises to be unforgettable."
Ghosts Season 5's premiere is streaming now on Paramount+. Check out their plans: the ad-supported Essential tier is $7.99/month, or go ad-free with Premium (including Showtime and live CBS) for $12.99/month. Newbies can snag a seven-day free trial.
What are your thoughts on Jay's refusal to change? Is it comedic gold, or should he grow from near-tragedies? Does Ambudkar's take on soul-swapping spark any debates for you? Drop your opinions in the comments—we'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or fresh interpretations!
