Why a vampire, a ghost, and a werewolf make for the perfect roommates
In short: Being Human, a hit British supernatural drama, follows three monsters attempting to live ordinary lives in a shared flat. By framing vampirism and lycanthropy as metaphors for addiction and social alienation, the series explores the struggle to belong, proving that being different is often a burden rather than a superpower.
Created by Toby Whithouse, Being Human debuted on BBC Three in 2009. The premise centers on a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost who reject their predatory natures to live as housemates. Rather than focusing on horror tropes, the series uses its supernatural setup to examine the mundane anxieties of modern life, such as holding down low-status jobs, managing relationships, and navigating the isolation of being an outsider.
The show’s central metaphor is often compared to addiction. Mitchell, the vampire, struggles to abstain from blood, while George, the werewolf, views his monthly transformations as a curse he must manage to avoid harming others. Annie, the ghost, deals with the loneliness of her existence and the search for purpose. Critics have praised the series for its balance of dark humour and moral seriousness, noting that it functions less like a genre show and more like a drama about the difficulty of making human connections.
Production was marked by significant cast changes and relocations. Originally set in Bristol, the series moved to Barry, Wales, in its third season to align with the BBC's regional production initiatives. Despite the turnover of lead actors—including the departure of original stars like Russell Tovey and Aidan Turner—the show maintained high critical acclaim and strong viewership. It was nominated for Best Drama Series at the British Academy Television Awards in 2010 and 2011 and won Best Television Drama Series at the Writers' Guild of Great Britain Awards three times.
The series concluded in 2013 after five seasons. Its impact extended beyond television, spawning books, audiobooks, and a North American remake. By focusing on the 'horror of living' rather than the horror of the undead, Being Human resonated with audiences as a poignant, un-clichéd exploration of what it means to strive for decency in a world that often feels indifferent or hostile.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Being Human (British TV series)
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