Being Human (UK)

:

Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 75 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 75
  3. Negative: 11 out of 75
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User Reviews

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  1. robster
    Jan 31, 2011
    10
    The series has a darker edge to it than Twilight (or "Vampire Light" as I like to think of it) and the cast (both permanent and supporting) are fabulous and believable in this twist to the usual dysfunctional family unit/group that we usually see on TV. You feel their pain and terror as they come to terms and live with some terrifying secrets.

    Not every vampire like has to be thin and    The series has a darker edge to it than Twilight (or "Vampire Light" as I like to think of it) and the cast (both permanent and supporting) are fabulous and believable in this twist to the usual dysfunctional family unit/group that we usually see on TV. You feel their pain and terror as they come to terms and live with some terrifying secrets.

    Not every vampire like has to be thin and pale, and that's what's scary about being human. Just who do you trust when even the police who are "supposed to protect and serve" are themselves Vampires? This isn't friends with fangs, but believable characters that feel real in an unbelievable situation/scenario. Terrific TV    … Expand
  2. author_marion
    Oct 2, 2013
    8
    I enjoy this show- i found it more interesting the first time i watched it but because I forgot where i was on it im rewatching it- currently on season 2 it's good- i like anything with supernatural elements and vampires
  3. BlekharmBloorN
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    I absolutely love everything about it even though I don't get the ghost "physics". They can hug her and see her? If you're tangible and visible are you really still a ghost?
  4. bbfirecracker
    Aug 25, 2010
    2
    I watched season 1 and part of season 2, and decided that there was no reason to go on anymore. George turned into a jerk (cheating on Nina, for instance), and even before then he was annoying. The writing has been lauded as being "sharp," but I was mostly bored. The vampires lacked menace, and the main vampire baddie of the first season (Eric) looked more like Santa Claus than a bad guy.I watched season 1 and part of season 2, and decided that there was no reason to go on anymore. George turned into a jerk (cheating on Nina, for instance), and even before then he was annoying. The writing has been lauded as being "sharp," but I was mostly bored. The vampires lacked menace, and the main vampire baddie of the first season (Eric) looked more like Santa Claus than a bad guy. Vampires are supposed to be tall and thin and beautiful, people. I realized that less happens in a 60-minute episode than in a US-length 40-minute one, or even in a 20-minute Disney Channel show. I liked Annie for the most part, and Mitchell was alright in the first season, but the only characters who ever triggered any sort of emotional reaction were the two guest ghosts. I found the characters to be undeveloped and rather flat. The show also lacked a sense of depth and darkness. Heck, even Twilight had more darkness than Being Human!… Expand
  5. Watcher1
    Jan 7, 2011
    1
    I started watching the series cause the premise seemed interesting, not knowing what to expect. Saw the first 10 minutes and thought what a boring piece of **** and deleted the torrent. The characters were boring, the acting, direction, story and dialogue rubbish. Main characters all badly developed, concept couldn't be more boring and dull. I don't know if all these positive reviews areI started watching the series cause the premise seemed interesting, not knowing what to expect. Saw the first 10 minutes and thought what a boring piece of **** and deleted the torrent. The characters were boring, the acting, direction, story and dialogue rubbish. Main characters all badly developed, concept couldn't be more boring and dull. I don't know if all these positive reviews are from friends of the actors or they just identify with this drivel. It's like taking the boring lives of 20 somethings, and their life style, of any typical twenty something with no depth, and making them into the dullest vampire, warewolf and ghost, amatuerish. Vampire was over acted, the warewolf's thing was rubbing his flabby ass, the ghost was characterless. You have to have character to play a character, of which they all had little. Anything good you can say about a movie or series you can't say about this. Other than they have succeeded if they wanted to make it as dull as possible. 1 point for that just in case...… Expand
  6. JoeAverage
    Aug 1, 2009
    6
    Great concept and cast, but its sloppy, rushed writing lets it down. The show falls into the Heroes-trap of characters behave one way, then abruptly changing it 180 simply because an episode has to end in 15 minutes. Could have been better. The recent Torchwood might've raised my expectations too high, as well.
  7. JonB
    Aug 10, 2009
    10
    Absolutely the best SF/fantasy drama to come out of Britain in the last 20 years (and yes, I'm including Doctor Who in that). One comment mentioned Torchwood as being better but I'm sorry, Torchwood, even CoE, doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as BH in terms of quality of writing. Sublime.
  8. geekgirl4ever
    Aug 30, 2009
    10
    I LOVE this show! I am so relieved that there will be a new season. I found myself not being able to bear the wait until Saturday night for the next episode. The wit and drama is great. I like True Blood, but I don't feel I have to be present for the next episode.. totally DVR it! BH -- I have to see it right away!! BTW Twilight is for a totally different audience.. 13 yo girls & I LOVE this show! I am so relieved that there will be a new season. I found myself not being able to bear the wait until Saturday night for the next episode. The wit and drama is great. I like True Blood, but I don't feel I have to be present for the next episode.. totally DVR it! BH -- I have to see it right away!! BTW Twilight is for a totally different audience.. 13 yo girls & their moms & does not belong in a discussion of True Blood or Being Human.… Expand
  9. allanm
    Jul 26, 2009
    10
    Best show of it's type i have ever seen this totally wipes the floor with things like twilight so much more substance and belieavble character compared to the mostly vapid twilght. Deserved at least 90 from critics though what's up with you :)
  10. BarryM
    Jul 27, 2009
    10
    Great T.V. show, well worth watching. Can't wait for the second season.
  11. JasonN
    Jul 27, 2009
    9
    Great concept. You can have so many plot twists with this.
  12. GregE
    Jul 27, 2009
    10
    This is a decent modern British drama. It manages a little bit of humour, pathos, intelligence & decent character definition. We've been struggling for decent modern drama in the UK for ages and this os one of our better attempts. Enjoy.
  13. JoeD
    Aug 31, 2009
    9
    Best characters I've seen in a TV show. The music is intrusive at times (see: Episode 2, "Don't leave me, George!") but the performances are top notch; you can really see the actors' grip on their characters tightening as the season progresses. If the last two episodes don't hook you, nothing on television will. Season 2 can't come soon enough.
  14. CeeD
    Aug 30, 2009
    10
    This show is the best. I do not know what the critics are talking about. EW says Annie mopes. Well, at first she goes through love, betrayal, defeated, and then finally a force to be reckoned with. Annie is realizing what she can do. Mitchell is the vampire with a heart but he to is hiding what he can do. If he fed, he could be really dangerous. George is very spiritual and believes that This show is the best. I do not know what the critics are talking about. EW says Annie mopes. Well, at first she goes through love, betrayal, defeated, and then finally a force to be reckoned with. Annie is realizing what she can do. Mitchell is the vampire with a heart but he to is hiding what he can do. If he fed, he could be really dangerous. George is very spiritual and believes that strenghth is love. He can battle anyone anytime if he lets that werewolf side out more often. Season 2 will find them being hunted or worse, Nina might be a werewolf, Tully is still out there, and where is Mitchell's first love Josie. Did she die or is she now a vampire? See, this is good.… Expand
  15. LeahT
    Jul 25, 2009
    10
    There's really something to be said for British television when it manages to hit its mark - I watched Being Human several months ago and was awed by its ability to take tired, cliched themes (relating somewhat to dreaded vampires) and make them feel fresh and new. By the end of the short series, all three characters have developed admirably and the plot spares no time for dullness. There's really something to be said for British television when it manages to hit its mark - I watched Being Human several months ago and was awed by its ability to take tired, cliched themes (relating somewhat to dreaded vampires) and make them feel fresh and new. By the end of the short series, all three characters have developed admirably and the plot spares no time for dullness. It's an antidote to True Blood and every other vampire failure since Buffy/Angel ended regrettably early. THAT'S how it's done, Stephanie Meyer, Charlaine Harris and fangirls. Blows the Twilight nonsense out of the water. Give it a go - I can't imagine anyone being disappointed.… Expand
  16. PabloC
    Aug 26, 2009
    10
    Great show! Excellent writing and I love he concept.
  17. KathyW
    Aug 29, 2009
    10
    I love this show, I wish it had more then six episodes per season. Six is not enough. It seems like it was just getting started and now it's going off. I don't want to wait to see what happens.
  18. Doug
    Aug 10, 2010
    7
    What could be better than the struggle of 3 flatmates: A Vampire, a Werewolf, and a Ghost who struggle with their true nature, and the "needs" and "urges" that come along with it. The characters are unexpectedly vulnerable and show minimal superpowers that are normally attributed to being a vampire, werewolf, or ghost. Instead the show focuses on their struggle to get through each day,What could be better than the struggle of 3 flatmates: A Vampire, a Werewolf, and a Ghost who struggle with their true nature, and the "needs" and "urges" that come along with it. The characters are unexpectedly vulnerable and show minimal superpowers that are normally attributed to being a vampire, werewolf, or ghost. Instead the show focuses on their struggle to get through each day, with the security and "normalcy" of sticking together. This is a very good show, worth watching end to end.… Expand
  19. sunnyl
    Oct 30, 2010
    9
    I really enjoy this series and find that once again, the British sense of understated humour caps it off. The characters have unique and quirky personalities, just as most of us have. The story lines capture what living with other people involves with the added problems that come with being a vampire, a ghost and a couple of werewolves. Almost sounds like the beginning of a bad joke,I really enjoy this series and find that once again, the British sense of understated humour caps it off. The characters have unique and quirky personalities, just as most of us have. The story lines capture what living with other people involves with the added problems that come with being a vampire, a ghost and a couple of werewolves. Almost sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but for me this show is a hit.… Expand
  20. goodterling
    Feb 6, 2012
    5
    I like the acting and characters, but the creature lore is weak. Whether the vampire can kill whole crowds of people or has to fear individual humans is completely arbitrary. And apparently the worst part about being a ghost is you can't change your clothes, since the ability to touch others is also arbitrary. The ghost's teleportation ability is also laughably underused as it wouldI like the acting and characters, but the creature lore is weak. Whether the vampire can kill whole crowds of people or has to fear individual humans is completely arbitrary. And apparently the worst part about being a ghost is you can't change your clothes, since the ability to touch others is also arbitrary. The ghost's teleportation ability is also laughably underused as it would instantly nullify about half the conflicts. It's a show that wants to make a supernatural character drama, but without doing any homework.… Expand
  21. soregashi
    May 4, 2011
    10
    Being Human is one of the best series I've been watching ever. The story is set in Bristol, where we find the home of vampire, werewolf and a ghost. The three are trying to be human, to stop being monsters. In their way of becoming humans the characters are developed to something much more than just a ghost, vampire and werewolf. They become persons who you'll like and hate at the sameBeing Human is one of the best series I've been watching ever. The story is set in Bristol, where we find the home of vampire, werewolf and a ghost. The three are trying to be human, to stop being monsters. In their way of becoming humans the characters are developed to something much more than just a ghost, vampire and werewolf. They become persons who you'll like and hate at the same time. They manage to do the most important thing for a story - they make you relate to them. May be the best part about this series is the fact that you can see the personal dilemmas of every single character on screen, even from most of the minor characters. However, there are many funny moments to brake the ice, and believe me, the Brits know how to be fun.
    Other significant part, at least for me, is the music in the series. We hear some of the best British acts through the series such as Muse, Arctic Monkeys, The Prodigy, Kasabian, etc.    … Expand
  22. Shakaama
    Sep 2, 2012
    1
    Being Human (UK) Season 1

    Creator: Toby Whithouse Cast: Lenora Crichlow as Annie the ghost, Russell Tovey as George the werewolf, Aidan Turner as Mitchell the vampire, Jason Watkins as Herrick the vampire and Sinead Keenan as Nina the love interest of George, who later, herself, becomes a werewolf. Costume design: For the most part the costume design is unremarkable. It doesn't    Being Human (UK) Season 1

    Creator: Toby Whithouse

    Cast: Lenora Crichlow as Annie the ghost, Russell Tovey as George the werewolf, Aidan Turner as Mitchell the vampire, Jason Watkins as Herrick the vampire and Sinead Keenan as Nina the love interest of George, who later, herself, becomes a werewolf.

    Costume design: For the most part the costume design is unremarkable. It doesn't lend itself the genre and if the point is being human, means being boring, mission accomplished.

    Set design: the two sets are the interior of an apartment and the interior of a hospital. The apartment, like the costumes are utterly unremarkable. We are to believe that a vampire, 300 years old, works for minimum wage and that's all the money he has in the world. Background music: unremarkable and adds absolutely nothing to the series. There is little to no memorable moments. In the latter part of the series they added contemporary pieces, but it was completely destroyed by the complete lack of imagination on the writer's part by turning the "background" music into a montage. Music montage means -10. One you see a music montage it means the writer gave up.

    Plot: The state plot is that a vampire, werewolf, and a ghost live together. They agree to try and be as normal as possible, A.K.A. be human. We are invited to ride along on their escapades while normalcy never happens.

    Critique: the stated plot has almost nothing to do with what the viewer is presented. One is not whisked away into a story about an actual vampire, an actual werewolf, an actual ghost. The viewer is painfully aware, the entire time that they are watching 3 actors go through gobs of mundane and quite ordinary dialogue.

    The vampire: the vampire is supposed to be 200 or 300 years old. His subplot is that he is trying to avoid drinking blood. Oh for the love of pete, this has been done to death. When Anne Ryce created the modern vampire, this is exactly what she did. For her it worked, because we are whisked away into a story about an actual vampire. BH never, ever transforms you into a world of real vampires, because the series has no special effects whatsoever. They might as well have done this on stage and narrated the story to us, by a man sitting in a chair reading the story to us.

    For instance, this vampire, along with every other vampire, eats, breaths, can be choked, goes to the bathroom, walks around in the sun, gets hurt when he stubs his toe, and categorically is not undead, whatsoever, but neither is any other vampire in the show.

    This gets a big fat zero. Quit calling the character a vampire if I'm more vampiric than the character.

    The ghost: the ultimate rule of a ghost is that, at some point they relive their death or are torn emotionally. Also, a unique characteristic of a ghost is that they appear "ghostlike". It ruins the imagination and mystery if the ghost is as solid as the football player "The Fridge". This character is the most unghostlike ghost ever. She is completely solid, has absolutely no underworld qualities about her, has a full range of emotions, and has little to no subplot. Her boyfriend / fiance supposedly killed her. Mind you the fiance weighs about 125lbs and stands proudly at 5'4, while she's a solid 160lbs all day long and is not withering violet at 5'10.

    What's more is, although the dialogue is written with the thought that the audience is supposed to feel sorry for her, she is nothing more than annoying, whiny, illogical and 2 dimensional.

    Furthermore, like the vampire, there are absolutely no ghost "tricks". Oh if you count teleport as a ghost trick. Yes, that's a fantastic special effect, move the actor off screen, viola she teleported.

    The werewolf: This character is pathetic. Everything we've come to know, love, care about as being werewolf, is completely gone from this character. In this series, a werewolf is a human that has pms one day out of the month. In all other instances, he's just a regular human.

    Frankly this series is a huge waste of time. I don't know if it's the budget or simply the writing. There is absolutely nothing supernatural about this series.

    At least, the actors read the lines, adequately. For anyone that actually like werewolves, vampires and ghosts, they should stay away from this series. It offers absolutely nothing.    … Expand
  23. shineonsunfish
    Nov 29, 2012
    8
    I just finished Season 1, and found it extremely enjoyable. All three main actors are in fine form, delivering heartfelt moments, comedy, and action. The plot never gets weighed down with ponderous back story or exposition, and moves at a nice pace. I am not really the kind of person who picks apart fantasy or supernatural world rules, since they aren't real in the first place - I feelI just finished Season 1, and found it extremely enjoyable. All three main actors are in fine form, delivering heartfelt moments, comedy, and action. The plot never gets weighed down with ponderous back story or exposition, and moves at a nice pace. I am not really the kind of person who picks apart fantasy or supernatural world rules, since they aren't real in the first place - I feel like the writers have done a good job setting up the rules of this world, and even though it may not be what you think things are supposed to be like, they still work well for the plot of the show. I actually love the lack of special effects, because it puts more on the imagination and actors to get things across. My only real complaints are that I feel like they actually could have gone a bit less with some of the graphics - full werewolf makeup/prosthetic is pretty cheesy. The plot is not particularly original, but it is done well. If you are the sort of person who wants lots of spray blood and action, or who gets annoyed when vampires or werewolves aren't like "real ones," then maybe this isn't for you. If you are a fan of gentle, mystery-type supernatural thrillers with solid actors and some adult humor, give it a try! Good science fiction and fantasy uses a speculative world to reflect things about our own human condition - Being Human does that very well in its first season, and its definitely worth a view!… Expand
  24. Fluffyval
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    All episodes available again on iPlayer currently for those who missed it.
    Fantastic series, probably won't be too popular with Poldark fans who tune in for Aidans body.
    This deserved a wider audience for writing and special effects.
    What happened to the Annie actor afterwards?

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best TV Season of 2009
54
#54 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
45
#45 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jessica Shaw
    75
    Turner and Tovey get the best material, while Crichlow mopes a lot. Then again, she's a ghost, so let's cut her some slack.
    Read full review
  2. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    80
    Between "Twilight," HBO's "True Blood" and the WB's upcoming "Vampire Diaries," I'd begun to feel overwhelmed by the undead. Then along came BBC America's Being Human to change my mind.
    Read full review
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    80
    Funny and thoughtful with surprising plot twists, Being Human offers an inviting mix for fans of supernatural stories.
    Read full review
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