Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Being Human, which takes the concept of supernatural creatures trying to live normal lives and turns it into one of the most emotionally compelling and darkly funny series ever created.
Being Human premiered on BBC Three on January 25, 2009, running for five seasons with a total of 37 episodes, each with an average runtime of 60 minutes. Created and written by Toby Whithouse, this supernatural comedy-drama follows three unlikely flatmates sharing a house in Bristol: Annie Sawyer, a ghost stuck in the house where she died; George Sands, a werewolf trying to control his monthly transformations; and John Mitchell, a vampire attempting to give up blood and violence for a more human existence.
The series masterfully balances supernatural horror with domestic comedy, creating a unique tone that makes otherworldly creatures feel remarkably human. Being Human doesn’t treat its supernatural elements as fantasy escapism but instead uses them as metaphors for addiction, trauma, identity, and the universal struggle to belong somewhere in the world.
Mitchell’s Dark Journey: The Vampire Seeking Redemption
Aidan Turner delivers a magnetic performance as John Mitchell, a centuries-old vampire who works as a hospital porter while trying to resist his bloodthirsty nature. Mitchell’s character arc spans the first three seasons, showcasing his constant battle between the monster he’s been and the man he wants to become. His relationship with both his flatmates and his vampire past creates some of the series’ most compelling dramatic tension.
Throughout his time on the show, Mitchell’s attempts at redemption become increasingly complex as his violent history catches up with him. Turner brings both charm and menace to a character who genuinely wants to change but struggles against his fundamental nature, creating one of television’s most nuanced portrayals of supernatural addiction and recovery.
George’s Painful Transformations: The Reluctant Werewolf
Russell Tovey shines as George Sands, a former teacher whose monthly transformations into a werewolf have isolated him from normal human relationships. George’s storyline explores themes of shame, self-acceptance, and the fear of hurting those you love. His character represents the series’ most grounded emotional core, as his transformations serve as a metaphor for any condition that makes someone feel like an outsider.
George’s journey from self-loathing to acceptance, particularly through his relationship with fellow werewolf Nina, provides the series with its most hopeful character development. Tovey’s performance captures both the comedy of George’s neurotic personality and the genuine terror of someone who loses control of themselves every full moon.
Annie’s Unfinished Business: The Ghost Learning to Live Again
Lenora Crichlow delivers a heartwarming performance as Annie Sawyer, a ghost who died under mysterious circumstances and remains tethered to the house where she lived with her abusive fiancé. Annie’s character arc focuses on her gradual recovery from trauma and her journey from invisible observer to active participant in life. Her supernatural state serves as a powerful metaphor for depression, abuse recovery, and finding the strength to reclaim your own story.
Annie’s evolution from a barely visible, tea-obsessed ghost to a powerful supernatural force provides some of the series’ most emotionally satisfying moments. Crichlow brings both vulnerability and strength to a character who must literally fight to be seen and heard.
The Final Seasons: New Monsters, Same Humanity
As the original cast departed, Being Human introduced new supernatural flatmates including werewolf Tom McNair, vampire Hal Yorke, and ghost Alex Millar. This transition could have destroyed the series’ foundation, but instead it proved that the show’s concept was strong enough to survive major cast changes. The new characters brought fresh perspectives on the same fundamental themes while maintaining the series’ perfect balance of horror and humor.
The later seasons explored how different generations of supernatural creatures approach the challenge of being human, showing that the struggle for normalcy and acceptance is universal regardless of which monster you happen to be.
Success on BBC Three and Beyond
Being Human earned a 7.8 rating on IMDb and developed a devoted cult following that appreciated its unique blend of supernatural horror and domestic comedy. The series ran successfully for five seasons from 2009 to 2013, maintaining strong writing and character development throughout multiple cast changes. The show’s success led to an American remake, though the original BBC version remains the definitive version for most fans who appreciated its distinctly British approach to supernatural storytelling.
Essential Viewing for Supernatural Drama Fans
If you love supernatural stories with heart, dark comedy that doesn’t undermine genuine emotion, and character-driven drama that uses fantasy elements to explore real human issues, Being Human is the perfect series to binge on BBC iPlayer or streaming platforms. The show proves that the best supernatural television uses otherworldly elements to illuminate very human truths.
Tags: supernatural comedy drama, vampire werewolf ghost, BBC Three, flatmate dynamics, monster metaphors
Why Being Human Remains Supernaturally Special
Being Human stands as one of the finest examples of how supernatural television can tackle serious themes while maintaining genuine humor and heart. With exceptional performances from its entire cast across five seasons, the series offers both entertaining fantasy and profound insights into what it truly means to be human.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 37 episodes across 5 seasons (completed series)
Platform: BBC Three/BBC iPlayer, various streaming platforms
Release/End Year: 2009-2013
Current IMDb Rating: 7.8
Genre: Supernatural Comedy-Drama, Horror
Status: Completed after five seasons
Original Protagonists: Aidan Turner (Mitchell), Russell Tovey (George), Lenora Crichlow (Annie)
Later Main Cast: Michael Socha (Tom), Damien Molony (Hal), Kate Bracken (Alex)