High school can be tough enough, let alone having to attend classes you dislike in the afterlife. However, if you’ve been searching for an excellent new series to binge, and you’re in the mood for a combination of teen drama and supernatural elements, you should definitely watch “School Spirits” on Paramount+.
Fans of Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” will recognize the star talent, Peyton List, who plays Maddie Nears, a teenager who finds herself waking up as a ghost. Interestingly, she has no memory of her actual demise, unlike her fellow students at Split River High School who have already moved on. Taking initiative, Maddie starts to investigate her enigmatic death with the help of some other ghosts — along with a few living friends who are still around.
Created by Megan Trinrud and Nate Trinrud, “Spirits” made its debut on Paramount+ on March 9, 2023, and was given the green light for a second season, which became available on January 30, 2025. A third season is scheduled to launch on January 28, 2026. Additional cast members also include Kristian Ventura, Milo Manheim, and Spencer McPherson, among others.
The series showcases Peyton’s acting skills, as she navigates her supernatural circumstances. Blending drama and thriller aspects with a sprinkle of humor, “School Spirits” is a show that seamlessly combines various genres, managing to make each one fit well — for the most part.
Ghosts, drama, and high school antics
On Rotten Tomatoes, “School Spirits” received a 91% score on the Tomatometer, along with a 92% audience rating. Metacritic gave the series a score of 69 out of 100 based on eight critic reviews.
In a favorable review for Variety, critic Daniel D’Addario stated, “Without shying away from the tragedy of Maddie’s narrative, ‘School Spirits’ remarkably manages to be quite lively and enjoyable—clear evidence that there are fresh tales to tell about the institution that no one would ever want to be trapped in for their entire afterlife.”
Some reviews were a bit more critical. Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, Daniel Fienberg described the show as “mediocre.” He also asserted that “Spirits” does not bring anything new to the genre.
For those seeking additional episodic treasures, be sure to check out our list of the five top-rated TV shows you need to watch immediately. After all, we are in a new golden era of television, so it is wise to make the most of all the streaming subscriptions you are paying for.