In a TV landscape overflowing with supernatural fantasies, from classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer to fan favorites like Supernatural, it's easy for some gems to get lost. One such treasure is Being Human, a 2008 British supernatural comedy-drama that remains tragically underrated despite five seasons, a US remake, and a cozy home on Prime Video. While it never achieved the fame of its peers, this series is a hidden gem that deserves a spotlight.
At its core, Being Human follows three supernatural beings trying to live ordinary lives. The vampire John Mitchell (Aidan Turner) and werewolf George Sands (Russell Tovey) reject their predatory instincts, taking low-profile jobs while Mitchell abstains from blood and George carefully manages his transformations. Their unlikely friendship deepens despite traditional hostilities between their kinds. When they move into a shared house, they discover a third, secret roommate: the ghost Annie Sawyer (Lenora Crichlow), who haunts the place. Their supernatural natures allow them to interact with her, forming an odd found family that few others could understand.
What sets Being Human apart is its unique tone—a blend of hilarious roommate awkwardness with dark supernatural elements. The series explores identity, mental health, and addiction through an unconventional lens. Mitchell's bloodlust mirrors drug addiction, George's transformations parallel alcoholism, and Annie's ghostly isolation represents depression. This approach translates their struggles into real-world issues, building deep sympathy and making the characters both lovable and relatable. It's a rare show that balances comedy and horror while delivering meaningful commentary on life.
The cast shines, with Turner, Tovey, and Crichlow creating characters that draw you in. However, the show faced challenges when Turner left after Season 3, followed by Tovey after Season 4's premiere. Crichlow stayed through Season 4 but didn't return for the fifth. This forced Being Human to continue with an entirely new set of main characters—a tough transition that polarized fans. Yet the finale is generally considered a good sendoff, better than many shows can claim.
For fans of 15 Perfect Supernatural Episodes from the Kripke Era That Still Hold Up, Being Human offers a fresh take on the genre. It's a must-watch for anyone craving a supernatural fantasy that feels deeply human. Stream it now on Prime Video.
