I really enjoy the show Ghosts, and I also like the original one from the UK (its streaming on Paramount too). I always thought that the Jewish character was really on target. I don't know how old you are, but having friends who worked on Wall Street in the 80's this character is really spot on for stockbroker/investment banker types. I'm sorry but these bros were real jerks, even the Jewish ones. I do like that they bring in a little yiddishkeit to the show.
What's nice about the show in general is that the ghosts grow and develop as people. So there is hope for all of us, even after death😉
Oh I don't doubt that there are plenty of people, Jewish and not, who fit that stereotype, but as someone who writes about Jewish culture it's disturbing to me when that's the ONLY Jewish representation you bring to a show. If he was one of multiple Jewish characters I don't think I'd be bothered. Either way, I breathed a huge sigh of relief when it was clear that he is actually a secret sweetheart. I'm going to have to give the UK version a try!! And yes, I love that the ghosts are still finding ways to "live" their best lives and be their best selves in the afterlife.
I enjoy “Ghosts” too and Trevor (akin to an Archie Bunker type character) is the guy we were primed to dislike but in actuality it’s been quite the opposite. He is a mensch. Helps that Asher Goodman (who plays him) seems like such a kind and funny, talented guy. Loved his Jacksonville Jaguars mockumentary!
I have never watched "ghosts", so no comments for it. However, Disney+ has pretty good movies for Halloween. I can't stand the horror movies that are on other channels.
I have not seen “Ghosts” but have thought about watching so now I will. I really enjoy discussing Jewish representation on TV. I am really interesting in casting or not casting Jews to play Jews and the tropes that seem to accompany recognizably Jewish characters. Almost done with Nobody Wants This and, like you, I have many thoughts. Keep up the great work!
Lior, your article sums up my "take" on CBS' comedy series, "Ghosts", P-E-R-F-E-C-T-L-Y!!! I have been a fan of this series since its inception (and also watched & enjoyed the episodes of the original, British series ~ upon which the US/CBS series is based: "Ghosts [UK]" ~ which CBS showed to fill their "scant" programming with "new stuff" during the "Writer's Strike" last season)....With such a lack of Jewish characters on "broadcast" TV over the decades, it is "refreshing" to me to have a Jewish character featured, even though this character's "being" can be "cringe-worthy" at times, buying into stereotypical "Jewish" tropes. OH! The "Yiddishisms" the character of Trevor periodically utters are AWESOME and REFRESHING to hear!!!!!!!....Also, I enjoy the great "diversity" of the characters and cast..."KUDOS" & "MAZEL TOVS" all around!!!
I really enjoy the show Ghosts, and I also like the original one from the UK (its streaming on Paramount too). I always thought that the Jewish character was really on target. I don't know how old you are, but having friends who worked on Wall Street in the 80's this character is really spot on for stockbroker/investment banker types. I'm sorry but these bros were real jerks, even the Jewish ones. I do like that they bring in a little yiddishkeit to the show.
What's nice about the show in general is that the ghosts grow and develop as people. So there is hope for all of us, even after death😉
Oh I don't doubt that there are plenty of people, Jewish and not, who fit that stereotype, but as someone who writes about Jewish culture it's disturbing to me when that's the ONLY Jewish representation you bring to a show. If he was one of multiple Jewish characters I don't think I'd be bothered. Either way, I breathed a huge sigh of relief when it was clear that he is actually a secret sweetheart. I'm going to have to give the UK version a try!! And yes, I love that the ghosts are still finding ways to "live" their best lives and be their best selves in the afterlife.
I enjoy “Ghosts” too and Trevor (akin to an Archie Bunker type character) is the guy we were primed to dislike but in actuality it’s been quite the opposite. He is a mensch. Helps that Asher Goodman (who plays him) seems like such a kind and funny, talented guy. Loved his Jacksonville Jaguars mockumentary!
I have never watched "ghosts", so no comments for it. However, Disney+ has pretty good movies for Halloween. I can't stand the horror movies that are on other channels.
Hi Lior!
Check out “So Haunt Me. It aired on PBS in the early 90’s.
It’s about a Jewish ghost called Yetta Feldman who haunts the home she lived in !
WOW Andrea thank you!! This is an amazing tip, checking it out immediately!!!
I have not seen “Ghosts” but have thought about watching so now I will. I really enjoy discussing Jewish representation on TV. I am really interesting in casting or not casting Jews to play Jews and the tropes that seem to accompany recognizably Jewish characters. Almost done with Nobody Wants This and, like you, I have many thoughts. Keep up the great work!
Thank you Nora!! Would love to hear your thoughts!
Lior, your article sums up my "take" on CBS' comedy series, "Ghosts", P-E-R-F-E-C-T-L-Y!!! I have been a fan of this series since its inception (and also watched & enjoyed the episodes of the original, British series ~ upon which the US/CBS series is based: "Ghosts [UK]" ~ which CBS showed to fill their "scant" programming with "new stuff" during the "Writer's Strike" last season)....With such a lack of Jewish characters on "broadcast" TV over the decades, it is "refreshing" to me to have a Jewish character featured, even though this character's "being" can be "cringe-worthy" at times, buying into stereotypical "Jewish" tropes. OH! The "Yiddishisms" the character of Trevor periodically utters are AWESOME and REFRESHING to hear!!!!!!!....Also, I enjoy the great "diversity" of the characters and cast..."KUDOS" & "MAZEL TOVS" all around!!!
Thank you so much Cheryl!! So glad you like it!!