What happens when a high school student wakes up as a ghost, trapped in the afterlife, and tasked with solving her own murder? That’s the gripping premise of School Spirits, a supernatural teen drama that has captivated audiences since its debut in 2023. The show’s success owes much to its talented ensemble cast, who bring the eerie halls of Split River High to life—or, in some cases, the afterlife.
The cast of School Spirits includes rising stars like Peyton List and Milo Manheim, alongside seasoned performers like Kristen Chenoweth. Together, they create a world where the living and the dead collide in a mix of mystery, drama, and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this guide will introduce you to the actors behind your favorite characters, explore their roles, and share exciting updates for Season 3.
Dive into the full cast of School Spirits below and discover what makes this Paramount+ hit a must-watch.
What Is School Spirits?
School Spirits is a supernatural drama that follows Maddie Nears, a high school student who finds herself stuck in the afterlife after her untimely death. As a ghost, Maddie teams up with other spectral students to uncover the truth behind her murder, all while navigating the complexities of her new existence. The show blends mystery, humor, and emotional depth, making it a standout in the teen drama genre.
Streaming Platforms
The series is available on Paramount+ in the United States and Netflix in select regions, making it accessible to a global audience.
Creators
Megan Trinrud and Nate Trinrud, who also serve as executive producers, bring their unique vision to the show.
Why Watch?
With its mix of Riverdale-style intrigue and Ghost Whisperer-like supernatural elements, School Spirits offers something for everyone. Season 3, which premiered in early 2026, promises even more twists and turns as Maddie and her friends delve deeper into the mysteries of Split River High .
Core Cast of School Spirits – Leads & Ghosts
The cast of School Spirits features a mix of young talent and established actors, each bringing their unique flair to the show’s characters. Here’s a quick overview of the main cast:
| Actor | Character | Key Traits | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peyton List | Maddie Nears | Amnesiac ghost lead | 1-3 |
| Milo Manheim | Wally Hope | 1950s jock ghost | 1-3 |
| Kristen Chenoweth | Sharon Nears | Maddie’s quirky mom | 1-3 |
| Spencer MacPherson | Xavier | Living suspect/crush | 1-3 |
| Nick Pugliese | Charley | Insecure ghost ally | 1-3 |
| Ci Hang Ma | Quinn | Bus crash band ghost | 2-3 |
| Rainbow Wedell | Claire | Cheerleader ghost suspect | 1-3 |
| Sarah Yarkin | Rhonda | Sassy mentor ghost | 1-3 |
| Maeve March | Nicole | Maddie’s best friend | 1-3 |
| Chelsea Clark | Chloe | Nicole’s friend/suspect | 1-3 |
| Patrick Gilmore | Mr. Anderson | School authority figure | 1-3 |
| Maria Dizzia | Sandra | Maddie’s mother figure | 1-3 |
Let’s take a closer look at some of these standout performances .
Peyton List as Maddie Nears
Peyton List, known for her roles in Cobra Kai and Jessie, shines as Maddie Nears, the show’s protagonist. Maddie’s journey from a confused ghost to a determined detective is the heart of School Spirits. In Season 3, her character faces new challenges as she uncovers shocking truths about her death and the afterlife.
- Fun Fact: Peyton prepared for the role by studying real-life ghost stories and honing her athletic skills for Maddie’s flashback scenes .
Milo Manheim as Wally Hope
Milo Manheim, a Disney Channel alum from Zombies, plays Wally Hope, a 1950s jock with a heart of gold. Wally’s loyalty and humor make him a fan favorite, and his backstory adds emotional depth to the series.
- Season 3 Highlights: Wally’s family secrets come to light, adding layers to his character .
Kristen Chenoweth as Sharon Nears
Broadway legend Kristen Chenoweth brings her signature charm to the role of Sharon Nears, Maddie’s eccentric mother. While her screen time is limited, Sharon’s denial about Maddie’s death drives key plot points.
- Potential Return: Rumors suggest Kristen may have a guest appearance in Season 3 .
Spencer MacPherson as Xavier
Spencer MacPherson, known for Reign, plays Xavier, Maddie’s crush and a key suspect in her murder. His character serves as a bridge between the living and the dead, adding tension and intrigue to the story .
Iconic Ghosts in the Cast of School Spirits
The ghosts of Split River High each have their own unique stories, adding richness to the show’s narrative.
Nick Pugliese as Charley
Nick Pugliese, who appeared in 13 Reasons Why, plays Charley, a ghost with a peanut allergy and a knack for loyalty. His journey explores themes of identity and acceptance, making him a relatable and endearing character .
Ci Hang Ma as Quinn
Ci Hang Ma, promoted to the main cast in Season 3, portrays Quinn, a ghostly band member with a tragic past. His arc focuses on forgiveness and redemption, and his promotion signals a deeper role in the unfolding story .
Other Notable Ghosts
- Rainbow Wedell as Claire: A cheerleader with a dark side, Claire’s character adds suspense and mystery.
- Sarah Yarkin as Rhonda: A sassy mentor ghost who guides Maddie through the afterlife’s challenges .
The Living Side of School Spirits Cast
While the ghosts take center stage, the living characters add complexity to the story.
Maeve March as Nicole and Chelsea Clark as Chloe
Maddie’s best friends, Nicole and Chloe, play crucial roles in the investigation into her death. Their real-world struggles mirror the show’s supernatural themes, grounding the story in relatable teen experiences .
Adult Roles: Patrick Gilmore and Maria Dizzia
Patrick Gilmore and Maria Dizzia portray authority figures with secrets of their own, adding layers to the show’s mystery and tension. Their characters often serve as obstacles or unexpected allies in Maddie’s quest for truth .
Cast of School Spirits Season 3 – New & Returning
Season 3 introduces new faces while bringing back fan favorites.
- New Additions: Jennifer Tilly joins as Dr. Hunter-Price, a mysterious psychologist, and Jess Gabor plays Janet, a ghost with a vendetta. Ari Dalbert also appears as Kyle, adding fresh dynamics to the story .
- Promotions: Ci Hang Ma’s Quinn moves from recurring to main cast status, highlighting his growing importance.
- Spoiler-Free Arcs: Season 3 explores deeper hauntings and intriguing crossovers, with an air date in early 2026 .
Where You’ve Seen the Cast of School Spirits Before
Many cast members bring impressive resumes to the show, enriching their performances with diverse experiences.
| Actor | Top Credits |
|---|---|
| Peyton List | Cobra Kai, Jessie, The Thinning |
| Milo Manheim | Zombies, Dancing with the Stars |
| Kristen Chenoweth | Wicked (Broadway), Pushing Daisies, The West Wing |
| Spencer MacPherson | Reign, The 100, The Order |
| Nick Pugliese | 13 Reasons Why, The Good Doctor |
| Ci Hang Ma | Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Expanse |
| Rainbow Wedell | The Bold Type, The Magicians |
| Sarah Yarkin | American Horror Story, Heathers |
| Maeve March | The Order, The 100 |
| Chelsea Clark | Ginny & Georgia, The Order |
This diverse background helps the cast of School Spirits deliver compelling performances that resonate with viewers .
Surprising Facts About School Spirits Cast
- The series is filmed primarily in Canada, despite its Wisconsin setting.
- Several scenes include improvised dialogue, showcasing the cast’s chemistry and spontaneity.
- Fans have developed numerous theories about the characters’ deaths and afterlife rules, fueling online discussions.
- The cast often participates in virtual fan events, deepening their connection with the audience .
Conclusion
The cast of School Spirits brings a unique blend of youthful energy and seasoned talent to this supernatural teen drama. From Peyton List’s determined Maddie to Milo Manheim’s charming Wally and Kristen Chenoweth’s quirky Sharon, each actor adds depth and nuance to the eerie world of Split River High. With Season 3 now streaming on Paramount+, fans have plenty to look forward to as mysteries deepen and new characters emerge.
If you haven’t started watching yet, now is the perfect time to dive into this captivating series. For those who love ghost stories with a twist, School Spirits is a must-watch in 2026.
School Spirits Cast FAQs
Who plays Maddie in School Spirits?
Peyton List stars as Maddie Nears, the ghostly protagonist of the series .
Is School Spirits on Netflix?
Yes, School Spirits streams on Paramount+ in the U.S. and is available on Netflix in select regions .
Are there any new cast members in Season 3?
Yes, Jennifer Tilly and Jess Gabor join the cast in Season 3, with Ci Hang Ma promoted to the main cast .
How many seasons of School Spirits are there?
As of 2026, there are three seasons available .
What is the premise of School Spirits?
The show follows Maddie Nears, a high school ghost trying to solve her own murder while navigating the afterlife .
Who is Wally Hope?
Wally Hope, played by Milo Manheim, is a 1950s jock ghost with a complex backstory .
Does Kristen Chenoweth appear in all seasons?
Kristen Chenoweth appears in Seasons 1 through 3, with potential guest appearances in Season 3.
What streaming platforms carry School Spirits?
Paramount+ in the U.S. and Netflix in select regions .
Are there any notable guest stars?
Jennifer Tilly and Ari Dalbert are among the notable guest stars in Season 3 .
What themes does School Spirits explore?
The series explores themes of identity, friendship, forgiveness, and the mysteries of the afterlife .
