Ghosts Season 5 Episode 18 Preview: Joan Returns!
Ghosts Season 5 Episode 18, “Under New Management,” sees Tad do exactly what he promised he wouldn’t — meddle in Woodstone’s business.
Sam and Jay spend a relaxing day in their comfy clothes as they continue to acclimate Mark to the ghosts’ presence. Then the couple is startled to find Mayor Tad in Jay’s restaurant conducting business dealings without the owners present.
What the details of these deals are is yet to be seen; judging by the look on Pete’s face, it’s not good.
Sam and Jay saved themselves from bankruptcy, but now they have to fight to preserve Woodstone’s historical charm from new management.
Thankfully, our second-favorite roaming ghost returns to the mansion in the nick of time.
Taylor Ortega’s Joan reappears in a new sneak peek, confirming the old Hollywood screenwriter is the “long-absent” ghost teased in the episode synopsis.
Joan proclaims to Sas as she enters the room: “Sorry, kid, that smoke break took a lot longer than expected,” because she’s an icon.
As the two love birds mark their reunion with a kiss, Joan promises to explain her absence from the series to the storyteller when she gets settled. And settled, Joan gets with the reveal that she will be sticking around for at least three upcoming episodes.
Here’s everything you need to know about this episode, including the air date, cast, promo, and how to watch.
Ghosts Season 5 Episode 18 Details
- Title: “Under New Management”
- Air Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
- Time: 8:30/7:30c
- Network: CBS
- Writer: Joe Port and Joe Wiseman
- Director: Katie Locke O’Brien
How to Watch Ghosts Season 5 Episode 18
- Live: CBS at 8:30 pm ET
- Streaming: Available next day on Paramount+
Ghosts Season 5 Episode 18 Description
When new pressures threaten Sam and Jay’s control over Woodstone, they’re forced to navigate unexpected challenges to protect its future. Meanwhile, a long-absent ghost returns, reopening emotional connections that complicate new relationships.
Guest Stars & Returning Characters
- Main Cast: Rose McIver (Sam), Sheila Carrasco (Flower), Danielle Pinnock (Alberta), Brandon Scott Jones (Isaac), Rebecca Wisocky (Hetty), Devan Chandler Long (Thorfinn), Asher Grodman (Trevor), Román Zaragoza (Sasappis), Richie Moriarty (Pete), Utkarsh Ambudkar (Jay)
- Notable Returns: Tristan D. Lalla (Mark), Justin Kirk (Tad), Taylor Ortega (Joan)
Promo & Photos
Check out the photos from Ghosts Season 5 Episode 18:
Promo Video:
What Happened on the Previous Episode?
Previously on Ghosts, Mayor and Stephanie’s ex-boyfriend, Tad, returns to Woodstone with an offer to save the mansion from bankruptcy. With no choice, Sam and Jay agree to make Tad a majority investor in the restaurant and B&B. However, when Mark refuses to agree to the deal, Sam is forced to reveal to the contractor that she can see ghosts.
What are your hopes for this episode of Ghosts? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and be sure to catch up with our review of Ghosts Season 5 Episode 17, “The Investor,” right here.
Ghosts airs on Thursdays at 8:30c/7:30c on CBS.
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Alicia Gilstorf
Alicia is a Rotten Tomatoes Certified Critic and a Critics Choice Association member. She credits her passion for TV to workplace sitcoms, paranormal dramedies, and coming-of-age stories. In her free time, Alicia loves to curl up with a good book and lose herself in a cozy game. Keep a lookout for her coverage of Ghosts. You can also find her work on Eulalie Magazine and Cool Girl Critiques. Follow Alicia on social media: @aliciagilstorf