The Ghost and Molly McGee - The Curse (S1E1)
When the McGee family moves into a new house, Molly stumbles upon Scratch, a grumpy old ghost.
| Runtime (min) | 11 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2021-10-01 |
| Genres | Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7 |
| Network(s) | Disney Channel |
Storyline
The McGee family arrives at their new home in Brighton, only to discover it's already occupied by Scratch, a cantankerous ghost who has been haunting the house for decades. When cheerful, optimistic Molly McGee accidentally interrupts one of Scratch's scares, he becomes furious and decides to teach her a lesson by cursing her with eternal misery. However, the curse backfires in an unexpected way: because Molly and Scratch are now magically bound together, if Molly is miserable, Scratch becomes miserable too.
Scratch quickly realizes his mistake when Molly's relentless positivity and determination to make friends in her new town directly affect his own emotional state. No matter how hard he tries to make her unhappy, Molly bounces back with enthusiasm and kindness. The episode establishes the central dynamic of the series: Scratch is stuck with Molly, and Molly is delighted to have a ghost as her new best friend, whether he likes it or not.
What parents say
Parents have praised "The Ghost and Molly McGee" for its positive messages about optimism and friendship, with many noting that Molly serves as an excellent role model for children. On Common Sense Media and parenting forums, parents appreciate that the show balances humor with heart, and that the "scary" elements are presented in a way that's appropriate for younger viewers without being genuinely frightening.
Some parents have mentioned that Scratch's grumpy behavior and initial attempts to scare Molly provide good opportunities to talk with kids about how people (or ghosts) can change and grow through friendship. Parents on Reddit's r/DisneyChannel have complimented the show's animation style and the voice acting, particularly noting that the dynamic between the two main characters feels fresh and engaging.
A few parents have noted that the show's themes of moving to a new place and making friends resonate strongly with children who have experienced relocation or starting at a new school, making it a helpful conversation starter for families going through similar transitions.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about the power of optimism and maintaining a positive attitude even when circumstances seem difficult. Molly demonstrates that approaching new situations with enthusiasm and openness can transform challenges into opportunities, showing kids that their outlook significantly shapes their experiences. Her refusal to let Scratch's negativity bring her down models emotional resilience for young viewers.
The episode also explores themes of unintended consequences through Scratch's curse. Children see that actions taken in anger or spite often backfire, and that trying to hurt others can end up hurting yourself. This provides a concrete, age-appropriate lesson about empathy and thinking before acting on negative emotions.
Additionally, the premiere addresses the common childhood experience of moving to a new home and community. Molly's determination to make the best of her family's relocation and her eagerness to make new friends—even if that friend is a reluctant ghost—offers kids a framework for handling transitions with courage and optimism rather than fear or sadness.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this episode too scary for younger children? | The episode is designed to be lighthearted rather than frightening. Scratch is presented as grumpy and mischievous rather than genuinely scary, and his attempts to frighten Molly are played for comedy. The show's bright animation style and Molly's fearless, cheerful reaction to meeting a ghost help keep the tone fun and accessible for the target audience of children ages six and up. |
| What is the curse that Scratch puts on Molly? | Scratch curses Molly to be miserable forever as revenge for ruining his haunting routine. However, the curse magically binds them together, meaning that whatever Molly feels, Scratch feels too. This backfires immediately because Molly's natural optimism makes it nearly impossible for her to stay miserable, which means Scratch can't enjoy making her unhappy without suffering himself. The curse becomes the foundation for their unlikely friendship. |
| Does Molly's family know about Scratch? | In this first episode, Molly is the only family member who can see and interact with Scratch. Her parents and younger brother Darryl are unaware of the ghost's presence in their new home. This creates a secret friendship dynamic that's common in children's programming, allowing Molly to have special adventures while navigating normal family life alongside her supernatural companion. |
| What positive messages does this episode teach? | The episode emphasizes that maintaining a positive attitude can help overcome difficult situations, including moving to a new place. It shows that kindness and optimism can transform relationships, even with people who initially seem unfriendly. Children also learn that actions have consequences, as demonstrated when Scratch's mean-spirited curse backfires. The episode validates feelings about change while encouraging kids to approach new experiences with openness and hope. |
| Is this episode appropriate as an introduction to the series? | Yes, this premiere effectively establishes the show's core premise, main characters, and central relationship. It clearly explains how Molly and Scratch end up bound together, sets up the comedic conflict between Molly's optimism and Scratch's grumpiness, and introduces the McGee family's new life in Brighton. The episode provides all the context needed for children to understand and enjoy subsequent episodes while delivering a complete, satisfying story on its own. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | When the McGee family moves into a new house, Molly stumbles upon Scratch, a grumpy old ghost. |
| 1 | 2 | Thanks to Scratch, Molly struggles to make a good impression at school. |
| 1 | 3 | Molly attends a camping trip to answer the important question of who her best friends will be |
| 1 | 4 | Scratch teaches Molly's softball team what it feels like to win. |
| 1 | 5 | When Molly learns about Brighton’s old outdoor concert Bandshell, she sets out to rebuild it to bring the community together. |
| 1 | 6 | Molly must find a band to play the first concert at Brighton’s new Bandshell. |
| 1 | 7 | When the McGee’s van breaks down and the repair costs are more than they can afford, Molly’s mom decides to take on odd jobs to help the family make ends meet. |
| 1 | 8 | Molly learns that more money means more problems when she teams up with Andrea to create a scary movie. |
| 1 | 9 | Molly only has a few hours to put together an entire school project on Abraham Lincoln, but it’s helpful that Scratch knows Abraham Lincoln’s ghost. |
| 1 | 10 | Molly senses tension between her mom and grandma Nin, so she takes it upon herself to identify the source of the conflict and mend the rift. |
| 1 | 11 | When Molly discovers her best friend didn’t even go close to big on the biggest day of life, Molly takes charge to throw Libby the best Bat Mitzvah ever. |
| 1 | 12 | When Darryl gets in trouble at school, Molly volunteers to help reform his delinquent ways by giving him 'nice lessons'. |
| 1 | 13 | Pete and Molly put a Turnip Fest to win Best Fest of the midwest over Brighton's rival town: Perfektborg. |
| 1 | 14 | For one day, Molly can only say "yes" and Scratch can only say "no". |
| 1 | 15 | When Molly meets Brighton’s legendary founder, Ezekial Tugbottom, she realizes he’s not the hero history made him out to be. |
| 1 | 16 | Molly tries to prevent Libby from humiliating herself in the school talent show without shattering her newfound confidence. |
| 1 | 17 | When constantly lying to Libby about Scratch begins to take a toll, Molly struggles to keep Scratch a secret. |
| 1 | 18 | When Libby and Scratch struggle to be friends with each other, Molly sends them on a scavenger hunt in an attempt to force their friendship. |
| 1 | 19 | When a town-wide blackout occurs on the final night of Hanukkah, the people of Brighton seek refuge in Libby’s mom’s bookstore, the only place in town with light. |
| 1 | 20 | Molly tries to convince Andrea’s father to save Christmas after budget cuts leave Brighton without its beloved Snowflake Festival. |
| 1 | 21 | When a ghost causes an ice storm in Brighton, only Dad can save the town from eternal winter. |
| 1 | 22 | When Molly gets her first snow day, she struggles to give up on her perfect vision. |
| 1 | 23 | The McGees lets competition get the best of them during family game night. |
| 1 | 24 | When Andrea steals credit for Molly’s volunteer work, Molly tries to expose her. |
| 1 | 25 | Molly tries to prove Scratch’s innocence when he’s falsely accused of a crime. |
| 1 | 26 | Dad struggles to stay true to himself when his twin siblings come to visit. |
| 1 | 27 | When Molly insists on training her unruly goat for the county fair the “Molly way,” she learns that positive reinforcement doesn’t always yield positive results. |
| 1 | 28 | When the McGee’s celebrate a Thai holiday about feeding “hungry ghosts,” Scratch tries to keep the feast all to himself. |
| 1 | 29 | After Scratch ditches class in favor of a fun day off with Geoff, he struggles to pass his scare test. |
| 1 | 30 | When Molly and Scratch learn about Patty’s old flame, Bobby Daniels, they attempt to reunite the lovebirds. |
| 1 | 31 | When Molly’s "Mayor for a Day" contest win turns into a "Mayor for Life" gig, she struggles under the pressure. |
| 1 | 32 | When Molly interns at Weird Larry’s Pawn Show, she struggles to see the bright side in a shop full of discarded junk. |
| 1 | 33 | Molly and Scratch help Libby improve her luck on Friday the 13th. |
| 1 | 34 | When the McGee’s get locked in the basement, Molly and Scratch seek help, but have trouble remaining focused. |
| 1 | 35 | he McGee’s struggle to make ends meet after a hospital trip leaves them nearly broke. |
| 1 | 36 | Molly does her best to pretend everything is normal while Scratch protects the house. |
| 1 | 37 | Molly takes over Scratch’s scares for the day. |
| 1 | 38 | Molly, Scratch, and Libby try to stay up to see a rare comet. |
| 1 | 39 | When the Ghost Council discovers joy in Brighton, Scratch must keep Molly out of harm’s way. |
| 1 | 40 | When Scratch is taken to the Ghost World for trial, Molly sets out to save him. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | When a new family moves in across the street, the McGees are put in a sticky situation. Scratch avoids his duties in the Ghost World. |
| 2 | 2 | Molly must distract Ollie while Scratch attempts to capture the Story Sprite. |
| 2 | 3 | Darryl becomes a ghost for the day. |
| 2 | 4 | When Sharon has artist's block, Molly and the family remove all of her distractions. |
| 2 | 5 | When Scratch recalls a rare soda from his past life, Molly is determined to get it for him. |
| 2 | 6 | When Libby gets her period before Molly does, Molly feels out of sync with her best friend. |
| 2 | 7 | When the McGee's vacation gets canceled, Molly creates a staycation instead. |
| 2 | 8 | Molly's loyalties are tested when she goes to a school dance with Ollie. |
| 2 | 9 | When Andrea makes an app that threatens small businesses, Molly and Scratch must save the day. |
| 2 | 10 | When a scary ghost possesses a doll in the human world, Molly is determined to see the good in him |
| 2 | 11 | When Scratch is invited to a cool party, he has to ditch his plans with Geoff. |
| 2 | 12 | Scratch invites real ghosts to a Halloween “haunted house” to amp up the fun, but things spiral out of control when the Chens and a horde of Frightmares show up. |
| 2 | 13 | Molly and Scratch attempt to un-haunt a building for the new community center. |
| 2 | 14 | When Molly’s Thai cousin visits, Molly questions whether she is “Asian enough” for her own family. |
| 2 | 15 | With Mom and Dad out of the house, Molly, Darryl and Scratch watch a scary movie. |
| 2 | 16 | When Grandma Nin is no longer able to live on her own, Molly and Sharon take care of her. |
| 2 | 17 | Libby and her mom go on a road trip to visit her dad, who she hasn’t seen in years. |
| 2 | 18 | Pete uses social media to bring attention to important issues but gets swept up in internet fame. |
| 2 | 19 | When Jinx jinxes Scratch, he and Molly must find a way to undo it. |
| 2 | 20 | Molly vows to score Brighton’s first win against Perfektborg. |
| 2 | 21 | Molly and Scratch agree to a body swap when they are forced to deal with their own discomfort with feelings. |
| 2 | 22 | When Scratch breaks out in a bad case of bubbles, he and Molly take a surreal journey into his mind to find a cure. |
| 2 | 23 | When Molly and Ollie decide to embrace a carbon-zero lifestyle, they realize it’s harder than it seems. |
| 2 | 24 | When Davenport’s closes, Andrea must figure out who she is without her family’s store. |
| 2 | 25 | Molly and Scratch spiral with guilt when they think they’ve killed Darryl’s spider. |
| 2 | 26 | When Kenny Star escapes to Brighton, Molly helps him reconnect to his country roots. |
| 2 | 27 | Ollie struggles to have the difficult conversation with his parents and reveal that he is friends with a ghost. |
| 2 | 28 | When the school newspaper is in danger of shutting down, Molly goes on a mission to save it. |
| 2 | 29 | When Scratch discovers he loves a game he stubbornly refused to try, he must try to hide his growing obsession. |
| 2 | 30 | June and Darryl accidentally transform Scratch’s ectoplasm into a living being. |
| 2 | 31 | Scratch’s family and friends imagine what his life might have been. |
| 2 | 32 | Darryl and Scratch run a magic show scheme and are challenged to a magic-off by a rival magician. |
| 2 | 33 | Scratch uses a curse to take away Molly’s fear. |
| 2 | 34 | When Principal O’Connor makes Darryl join a team sport, Darryl creates an esports team. |
| 2 | 35 | Scratch stresses about getting Molly the perfect gift, while Molly crafts a winter wonderland for the seniors. |
| 2 | 36 | Determined to have the perfect day, Molly asks Scratch to cast a time-loop curse so she can fix every mistake when her day keeps going wrong. |
| 2 | 37 | Molly and Scratch must find a way to stop Jinx from taking over the human world. |
| 2 | 38 | A flood of lost memories forces Scratch to make big decisions about his afterlife. |
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