CBS's hit comedy series Ghosts has returned for its fifth season, immediately diving into the aftermath of its Season 4 cliffhanger with the premiere episode, “Soul Custody.” In this episode, Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) finds himself fighting for his soul after being tricked by Elias Woodstone (Matt Walsh) into a predicament that could send him to Hell. His wife, Sam (Rose McIver), and the Woodstone ghosts frantically work to save him, leading to a dramatic standoff, a moral debate, and an unexpected sacrifice that profoundly impacts Pete (Richie Moriarty) and Carol (Caroline Aaron).

Actor Utkarsh Ambudkar, who portrays Jay, shared insights into the intense filming of the premiere, revealing that the pivotal sacrifice sequence took 12 straight hours to shoot. He credited the show's editors for making the meticulous scene appear seamless and fluid in the final cut. While Jay quickly moves past the near-death experience, always ready for the “next adventure” of running a B&B and dealing with new neighbors, the emotional fallout might linger more with the ghosts, some of whom begin to reconsider their own paths.

Ambudkar also teased significant developments for other characters, particularly Patience (Mary Holland), an underrated character who will have an “astounding” and “terrifying” role in the upcoming Christmas episode. He indicated that her storyline would be “way crazier” than simply chickening out, hinting at unexpected twists. Regarding Jay's quickly resolved soul storyline, Ambudkar admitted surprise but noted that its speedy conclusion allows the show to focus on its core strength: the “family aspect” of the ghosts and their mundane yet extraordinary daily lives.

A notable personal milestone for Ambudkar this season is his directorial debut on Ghosts. He expressed confidence in his ability to create an episode the cast, crew, and audience would be proud of, attributing his readiness to shadowing other directors and the supportive environment on set. He looks forward to collaborating with department heads and learning from the crew, embracing the challenge as an opportunity for growth. He cited Pete Chatmon's advice to “never say no to an idea” and Chris Gernon's lessons on shot selection, acknowledging producing director Richie Keen as an invaluable resource bridging the creative teams in L.A. and Montreal.

Looking ahead, Ambudkar hinted at exciting developments for the entire ghost ensemble in Season 5. He promised “beautiful romantic moments” for Alberta and Pete, a glimpse into Flower's past as law student Susan Montero, and an exceptional performance from Sheila Carrasco, his “favorite ghost.” He emphasized that “every single ghost is just better” this season, promising fans will see things they’ve never seen before from these beloved characters. Ghosts airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. EST on CBS and streams the next day on Paramount+.