In tonight's episode of Ghosts, fans were treated to a familiar face: Rose Abdoo, best known for her work on Hacks, returned as the sharp-witted reality TV producer Paula. Her comeback marks a turning point for the Woodstone B&B crew, as they not only secure a lucrative location deal for a reality show but also get Sam's (Rose McIver) rom-com script, Polar Opposites, into the hands of a studio. With Sam's screenplay now under review, the financial woes that have plagued her and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) may finally be easing.
Ahead of the episode titled "Polar Opposites," ShowtimeSpot sat down with Abdoo to discuss her return, the magic of the set, and what fans can expect from next week's hour-long season finale.
Returning to Woodstone After Four Years
Abdoo first appeared as Paula in Season 2, and she was thrilled to revisit the character. "I just love that they called Paula back to go to Woodstone," she said. "She had so much fun the first time. And the idea that this reality show is going to be filmed in Woodstone, and that the ghosts are excited about it—I love the addition of falling in love with Samantha's screenplay." Paula, much like Abdoo herself with over 100 acting credits, is eager to juggle both a reality show and a romantic comedy. "She's just got both producer hats on at the same time," Abdoo laughed.
Abdoo confirmed that Paula will appear in the season finale, teasing that her involvement is far from over. "I was just thrilled to be asked back and then to get to do the season finale," she said.
Getting Back into Character
To prepare for her return, Abdoo revisited her old episodes. "I still have all my guest roles saved on an old-fashioned DVR," she revealed. She pulled up Season 2's "Dumb Deaths" to reacquaint herself with the world. "I watched it, and I laughed all over again." But the key to stepping back into Paula's shoes? Her glasses. "The very first thing I did was make sure I contacted wardrobe, saying, 'I hope you still have her glasses.' She had such a distinct look. Once I had Paula's glasses back on and her loafers, I was ready to go."
The Family Atmosphere on Set
Abdoo echoed the praise of other Season 5 guest stars like Iain Armitage and Jeff Hiller, highlighting the cast's genuine camaraderie. "The most fun thing about Ghosts, which is why it was a dream to come back as a guest again, is the way that they get along on camera and off camera. They're a family," she said. The cast often gathers in a communal space surrounded by their dressing rooms, creating a warm, welcoming environment. "It's a very communal feel where their dressing rooms sort of face this communal table, and we get to hang out together. It's so much fun."
Abdoo added, "They are just the most welcoming people. You don't feel like the new kid on the block. They were just as warm and welcoming as ever, and you could see how they bonded even more from Season 2 all the way to this one. It was just wonderful to see them all again." She even joked about the challenge of acting alongside the ghosts: "The hardest part of being on Ghosts is trying not to look at the ghosts. You're not supposed to be able to see them. But all you do is wanna look at them and laugh with them."
What's Next for Sam and Jay?
With the finale approaching, the stakes are higher than ever. Sam and Jay are taking big swings to protect Woodstone, and Paula's return is a key piece of that puzzle. For more on the season's twists, check out our sneak peek at 'Polar Opposites'. And if you're a fan of romantic comedies, you might also enjoy our first look at Prime Video's 'Every Year After'.
Don't miss the Ghosts Season 5 finale next week—it's shaping up to be an unforgettable hour of television.
