It’s always a bit of a risk to recommend a show in the year of our lord 2025. With more cancellations than renewals, it’s frequently a gamble to watch something that could any minute be taken from the viewers. It’s especially tricky when there’s any sort of fantasy element or magical realism plot because those are often the quickest victims of inevitable cancellation due to budget constraints, CGI, and low viewership. But thankfully, Paramount Plus’ School Spirits has already been renewed for a third season, so anyone who’s been wanting to start should take this as a sign.
Perfect for fans of Ghosts and those still missing Julie and the Phantoms, here are five reasons why you should watch School Spirits.
1. School Spirits Plot Is Compelling
A good show will, first and foremost, have a compelling plot—something that makes us eagerly wait for the next episode while we flock to social media to share our theories with fellow viewers. School Spirits is especially perfect for those who love spooky elements woven into their mystery plot but are too scared to dive into horror films. Without spoilers, the series follows Peyton List’s Maddie Nears as she attempts to solve the mystery of her murder with the fellow ghosts haunting Split River High.
In addition, I’ve personally found that the shows centering around young adults don’t always stick the landing. Too much drama is favored over realistic narratives, and while parts of School Spirits are understandably fantastical, the grounded and nuanced character arcs make the plot feel incredibly captivating. The series deals with some heavy issues such as addictions, trauma, and abuse amid the teenage woes we all once faced.
2. The Characters Are Fleshed Out
A large part of the reason why the show’s plot is so gripping is because the characters are thoroughly fleshed out. By the end of the first season alone, we know each main player on a relatively intimate level that allows us to understand their motives, beliefs, and idiosyncrasies in a way that makes their arcs a blast to follow.
As much as School Spirits is very much a plot-driven show, make no mistake in thinking that the characters aren’t in the driver’s seat. The show works as brilliantly as it does because the characters pave the way for the plot to feel organic, engrossing, and rich in everything it conveys about adolescence and second chances.
3. The Relationships Are Memorable
We’re always going to be the kind of people who champion our shows to be brimming with both romance and platonic relationships, and School Spirits definitely is. Loyalty is a tremendous presence in all relationships, as it allows friendships and romance to give characters the space to grow individually while they simultaneously allow themselves chances to be vulnerable with each other.
Each of these characters is going through something, and it’s always admirable when a series doesn’t push the agenda that people can handle things on their own. Because, sure, they can, but why should they have to? Why shouldn’t characters lean on one another and fall in love?
4. The Soundtrack Is Obsession Worthy
If you grew up obsessing over TV shows like One Tree Hill that shaped the type of music you listen to, then look no further with School Spirits. A good needle drop is everything to elevate a scene and up the stakes. A single song can make a seemingly ordinary moment feel extraordinary. And the soundtrack featured in this show is one of the best of the last decade.
5. The Performances Are Next Level
Starring alongside Peyton List are Milo Manheim, Kristian Ventura, Sarah Yarkin, Nick Pugliese, Spencer MacPherson, Rainbow Wedell, Kiara Pichardo, Patrick Gilmore, Josh Zuckerman, Maria Dizzia, Jess Gabor and more, with each actor consistently bringing something incredible to their performance.
People often degrade fantasies, but it takes excellent performances to make various elements that aren’t in our world feel believable. And the performances in School Spirits are always excellent. As a series that essentially surrounds teenage kids, so many of them have lost far more than we can even fathom. The performances elevate the conversations surrounding grief and every heartbreaking experience the characters have gone through, making their arcs hit that much harder. The series also does a gorgeous job of exploring every heavy topic by allowing the actors to tap into places that can simultaneously be healing for the viewers as well.
All two seasons of School Spirits are now streaming on Paramount Plus.
