Who Is Sam's Dad In Ghosts Season 4? Frank's Past & Future Explained (2025)

Spoilers ahead for Ghosts season 4, episode 2, "Sam's Dad."

Sam's Dad (Dean Norris) debuts in Ghosts season 4, episode 2, and the installment finally explains Frank's past and future in his daughter's life. The introduction of Sam's dad is an exciting development for the writer and owner, who doesn't have much community besides the house full of ghosts she lives with. Sam's mom, Sheryl (Rachael Harris), debuted in Ghosts season 1, episode 11, "Sam's Mom." However, she was already dead. While Sam (Rose McIver) was able to reconcile with her mom as a ghost, the experience allowed Sheryl to move on, truncating more mother/daughter time.

While it was neat to see Sam’s mom, introducing her dad is even better. Sam’s dad is still alive, so Sam can build a familial relationship that includes her husband, Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), who doesn’t share her gift to see the dead. The Ghosts season 4 cast of characters also added Jay's parents to the show's fourth season, on top of previously introducing Jay's sister, Bela (Punam Patel). In both the U.S. series and the UK version of Ghosts that inspired it, Sam and Allison (Charlotte Ritchie) lack family, but Ghosts season 4 changes that.

Sam's Dad Debuts In Ghosts Season 4, Episode 2

Dean Norris Plays Sam's Dad In Ghosts

Sam finally reconnects with her dad in Ghosts season 4, episode 2, when Frank comes to stay at Woodstone B&B. It’s big news in the house that Sam's dad is visiting because she hasn't seen him in several years, and he’s bringing his new girlfriend, Diane (Melinda McGraw). Everything seems to be going well as Frank and Diane talk with Sam and Jay in the living room. The ghosts chime in with cordial banter, refraining from interrupting Sam and allowing her to enjoy it. That changes, however, when Patience (Mary Holland) discovers the couple isn’t married.

Patience insists Frank and Diane sleep in separate rooms. While Sam initially refuses, Patience uses her ghost power to streak the walls with blood. Sam's situation with her dad gets increasingly uncomfortable when she gives into Patience's demands, causing tension. Overcome with grief after he chooses to leave, Frank tells his girlfriend that Sheryl pushed him out of Sam's life, and the ghosts pass the information on to Sam. In the context of how difficult the situation was for Frank, Sam understands her dad well enough to reconcile with him about their past, present, and future.

Where Has Frank Been & What His Reunion With Sam Means For The Future Of Ghosts

Frank Lives In The Rocky Mountains

Ghosts season 4, episode 2, implies that Frank hasn't been in Sam's life for four years. Frank owns a ski shop in downtown Breckenridge, Colorado, where he met Diane. Since Frank owns a business in Breckenridge, it's safe to assume that he lives in or around the mountain town. With Frank on the other side of the country in the Rocky Mountains and Sam previously residing in New York City, it's no wonder the father/daughter pair doesn't see each other more often. The context puts Frank's presence in perspective: he traveled a long distance to visit.

Frank and Sam have a strained relationship because of Sheryl's request. Frank obliged his ex-wife's request, missing certain events in his daughter's life because he believed Sam needed her mother more than she needed him. While the longtime separation is sad, Sam's dad can return now that Frank has reconciled with his daughter. Frank's presence in Sam's life will balance her support system, giving her more people to lean on other than the ghosts who died in Sam's home. Having more family outside the ghosts could encourage Sam to move on from the haunted mansion, as happened in Ghosts BBC.

Dean Norris' Movie & TV Shows: Where You Know Him From

Dean Norris Was Hank Schrader In Breaking Bad

Norris is best known for playing Walter White's adversary and brother-in-law, Hank Schrader, in Breaking Bad. After the AMC series concluded, Norris played James "Big Jim" Rennie in the CBS series Under the Dome. He then played mob boss Clay "Uncle Daddy" Husser in Claws for four seasons on TNT. Continuing his TV streak, Norris had a lead role in Chuck Lorre's The United States of Al on CBS for two seasons. His role in Ghosts season 4 allows the actor to be more human and heartfelt than many previous acting roles while quietly continuing Dean Norris' sitcom streak.

Norris has noteworthy film credits and has a history of playing law enforcement officers. His acting career dates back to 1985, and he has maintained a streak of movie roles. Norris was in Lethal Weapon 2 (1989), Total Recall (1990), Hard to Kill (1990), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Starship Troopers (1997), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Evan Almighty (2007), Remember (2015), and, in 2024, Jerry Seinfeld's Unfrosted. While Norris started his career mainly doing films, he has secured many television roles since Breaking Bad. Norris' return to CBS in Ghosts is an excellent fit for the actor.

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Ghosts (US)

Sitcom

Ghosts (US) is a comedic series centering on a young couple who inherit an old mansion only to discover it is inhabited by eclectic spirits from different historical periods, blending humor and history as they navigate life among the dead.

Where to Watch

• stream
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Not available

*Availability in US

Cast

Rose McIver , Utkarsh Ambudkar , Brandon Scott Jones , Danielle Pinnock , Richie Moriarty , Asher Grodman , Rebecca Wisocky , Devan Chandler Long , Roman Zaragoza , Sheila Carrasco , John Hartman , Betsy Sodaro

Character(s)

Samantha Arondekar , Jay Arondekar , Isaac Higgintoot , Alberta Haynes , Pete Martino , Trevor Lefkowitz , Hetty Woodstone , Thorfinn , Sasappis , Flower , Nigel Chessum , Nancy

Release Date

October 7, 2021

Seasons

2

Network

CBS