The success of Doctor Who at the BBC opened up the doors to new sci-fi shows across the broadcaster's various networks. Now, a new BBC American co-production explores the difficult problems of being a teenage monster in today's society.Being Human examines the lives of three 20-somethings and their secret double-lives as a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost.
Starring Doctor Who guest stars Russell Tovey and Lenora Crichlow with Aidan Turner (The Clinic), each episode features housemates trying to live normal lives, despite their bizarre secrets.
Following in Doctor Who footsteps with other shows like The Sarah Jane Adventures, Primeval, K9 and others, Being Human should prove a welcome addition to the Brit sci-fi family tree. With glimpses of dark comedy interspersed with the drama, it might click with the Twilight crowd.
With the exception of a few productions like Battlestar Galactica on SyFy or Fringe on Fox, American networks tend to shy away from science fiction in favor of borderline paranormal shows like Medium or Ghost Whisperer. So, fans of the genre better root for productions like this on BBC America to keep the sci-fi gears greased.
The TV Squad Podcast: Vik Sahay of Chuck, Oprah talk, brutal timeslots, and more!
TV Squad Ten: Top Ten ESPN shows from worst to first
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-27-2009 @ 10:20AM
George said...
This is an excellent show, well worth watching. It's sort of the Platonian ideal of every youth-market sci-fi show the CW has ever attempted.
Reply
5-27-2009 @ 10:22AM
Claire said...
I hoping for a bit more Buffy and alot less Twilight. (To put it nicely). One of these did monster=metaphor for teenage angst/life changes alot better than the other. But I'll give it a try if I can.
Reply
5-27-2009 @ 10:36AM
LordPaul said...
Jees, why does everythign with vampires have to be compared to Twilight???
This series was great! I'd compare it more to American Werewolf in London/Interview with the Vampire crossed with Coupling (the UK version)
Funny in places, really dark in places & a decent amount of gore for the horror fans (especially the werewolf transformation & the vampires feeding)
Reply
5-27-2009 @ 11:01AM
ProDelgado said...
The pilot showed great potential, but I thought that the actual series itself was really weak, particular the last two episodes. Hopefully it won't be renewed.
Reply
5-27-2009 @ 12:30PM
ryan said...
I found the ghost and vampire stories to be very interesting... the werewolf story was the least interesting to me. Biggest complaint is that there were only a handful of episodes, like so many British series do.
Reply
5-27-2009 @ 1:54PM
Tania said...
Being human was excellent. I think almost everyone could relate to a storyline even being human. Unfortunately for ProDelgado the series has been renewed for a second season.
As for comparing it to Twilight... not even close. The show is leaps and bounds over that movie. I'd compare it less to other vampire movies or tv shows and more with you average drama with a slight supernatural twist. Just looking for somewhere to belong and fit in. People who can understand to a degree.
Reply
5-27-2009 @ 3:09PM
Juliette said...
I quite like Being Human, but it needs to find the funny - I find it a bit too earnest. It's fun spotting places I know in Bristol though!
Juliette, www.popclassicsjg.blogspot.com
Reply
5-27-2009 @ 11:43PM
RobynM said...
Been looking forward to this one since they announced BBCA was going to show it this summer back in Feb.
I wonder when they're going to announce an air date for the Survivors remake.
Reply
5-28-2009 @ 6:14AM
Richard Lawler said...
Love this show, downloaded it when it aired in the UK, definitely worth watching.
Reply