Sam Witwer and Sam Huntington are starring in Syfy's redo of Being Human.
© Getty Images
By the way: A lot of writers are referring to this as the U.S. version, which is actually kind of misleading: it's being backed and distributed by a U.S. network, Syfy (which is, however, trying to increase its global profile with shows like this and Haven), but it's being made in Montreal by a Canadian production house, and part of the cast is Canadian. To be more accurate we should say "the North American version of Being Human." Oh, and hi, Canadian readers! I'm still jealous of you because you get to keep The Listener, but that's another story.
This version of Being Human caries over the premise and the inherent conflicts of the three supernatural beings trying to room together and live human lives that were present in the original, but the characters are not necessarily going to be the same. The creators have signaled this by changing the names, and of necessity new actors will take their functional place in the story in new directions.
As Aidan, the conflicted vampire (Mitchell in the original), they've cast Sam Witwer. Witwer recently pulled a (largely thankless) full-season stint as Davis Bloome/Doomsday, but he was even more impressive in a couple of fascinating and juicy recurring roles not long before: as Neil Perry, the guy who falsely confessed to being the Ice Truck killer in Dexter, and as the ill-fated raptor pilot Crashdown on Battlestar Galactica. He's certainly capable of the intensity and introspection that Aidan Turner has brought to his vampire in the British version. He's a just little too buff to play a vampire, but American TV shows always have to have a buff guy, right?
Sam Huntington is playing Josh the nerdy werewolf (George in the original). This is very intriguing: although I'm not a huge fan of his portrayal of Jimmy Olsen in Superman Returns, he played the comical role more or less as written; and in other films (Freshman Orientation) he's showed greater range and subtlety, and if you were to ask a casting agent to get you an American Russell Tovey, Sam Huntington is probably of the names you'd get.
The ghost, here named Sally (Annie in the British version), is played by the Canadian actress Meaghan Rath, who was nominated for a Canadian Gemini Award for her role in 15/Love; more recently she's been starring in The Assistants on The N.
More interesting casting: Mark Pellegrino, who just got off a recurring stint as the Devil in Supernatural, will play Aidan's "charismatic but menacing" mentor, Bishop—which sounds like a version of Herrick, the local vampire leader in the British version with a long relationship with Mitchell.
Thirteen one-hour episodes have been ordered. The air date on Syfy has not been set, but it's expected to run later this year.
The Canadian house Muse Entertainment is behind the series, a fact that sheds little light on the projected quality of the production: past television projects range from the much undervalued Crusoe, which had outstanding production values, to the dismal Jensen Project for Wal-Mart and Procter & Gamble. They've also done The Pillars of the Earth and The Kennedys, and the producer on those miniseries, Michael Prupas, is executive producing the U.S. Being Human along with writers Jeremy Carver (Supernatural) and Anna Fricke (Met in Trees, Everwood). The director in the pilot, at least, is Adam Kane, who's directed episodes of Pushing Daisies, Supernatural, Heroes, and Haven (the pilot).
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Comments
Why does there have to be an American version anyway? This is a good show as it is. SyFy should just rebroadcast the British version like it does with Dr. Who.
Somebody please get an original idea and stop it with the reboots and remakes.
Maybe the BBC version does not like syfy?
Why does there have to be an American version? To make it more culturally recognizable. It’s quite common for countries to do that because different countries/cultures have a different sensibility in regard to their media. They enjoy/get different types of jokes, different pacing, etc. It’s not limited to the US (See: every other country’s version of The Office, for one example), and it’s something that CAN be done very successfully (See: All in the Family, Three’s Company, Queer as Folk, etc etc).
American versions…wasn’t this tried with Life on Mars and failed. An american movie version of Primeval(last I heard) was also a possibility…shutter to think…how could you possibly improve on the original. Most of the best shows have been coming from England lately with a few exceptions…I say that as an American…but honestly I watch more BBC America than any other channel.
Syfy is not doing bad though…Eureka’s new upside down timeline has done wonders to “reboot” the show so to speak. I like Haven as well. And of course there is Warehouse 13. I think they should come up with something new rather than reboot…too easy to compare it to the original if you watch it (and I do).
See I wasn’t really interested until I saw Mark Pellegrino who I’ve loved since Caffeine!
Not again ………. for me it shows the state of the ” North American market in our beloved genre : desperate , stagnated , and direction less .
Originality is the sign of a healthy market ; remakes are to television as a life – jacket is to a drowning man .
What happened to taking a leap of faith with a new show ; have they forgotten , who dares wins .
Come on you yanks remember what Frank Herbert told us : ” Fear is the mind killer , the little death . ”
Less fear of loosing your loot , and a little more innovative thinking …… I at least recall that monument to Yankee TV that was the original Outer Limits . And who wants to see its remake , ever again .
As a gal, the two new leads do nothing for me…and if the pics are any indication of how they appear, the android look misses the point of the title of the show I think.
BTW making an alternate version makes sense only if you can’t get the original version or if the original has no hope of gaining or making sense to a local audience.Which in this case does not apply. ( Besides isn’t True Blood an North American take on the human/ vampire thing? – And if anyone replies that it is not the same show I will understand completely why Americans have to dumb things down! )
The guy set to play the vampire in the U.S. version of Being Human is HAWT!!! He looks like–no, I’m certain it was the same actor who played a celebrity stalker in an old episode of the TV show Shark (starring James Wood and Jeri Ryan) which was rebroadcasted recently. And I have to tell you the man can act… In fact, I found myself mesmerized by his performance. He was that good. Even my husband who normally doesn’t watch much TV with me–claiming my shows put him to sleep commented the same and that tells you a lot.
Anyway, I can’t wait for the North American re-imaging of the British version to be broadcasted here, and for another opportunity to be mesmerized by Mr. HAWTY… I just hope I can get the drooling under control by then. It tends to get embarrassing at times, especially when my husband and family are around.
I hope it’s as good as the original. I will be giving it a shot.
I love the bbc being human. I am American. And I agree WE should get our own ideas. I love this for some reason I watched the 3rd episode from the last. WAS IN LOVE. Saturday 18 the bbc played the 2nd year. Sat in front of the TV all day. Just ordered first season from Netflix. So I am ready for season 3 on bbc.
One more thing wrestling is NOT sci fi. Take it off. Put it on SPIKE instead.
why…just why?? the original is the best and anything else will just fail. it’ll probably end up a crappy version of the buffy spin off angel.
SyFy should leave it alone.
I have to agree with everyone else here who are basically saying “why mess with perfection?” I love the BBC version! I think that the American/SYFY version will only water it down and make it less interesting to watch. Leave it alone! My only problem, though, with the BBC version, as well as other BBC shows, is that it’s not available online for those of us with no cable.
I’m a little worried about this. I love the original and am actually upset we are a season behind here in the States. The actors and the setting is what makes Being Human great! They can do so much more on BBC then on television in the states. Please don’t ruin this series.
I’m ok with syfy making there own, but I’m not ok with them saying it is a “syfy original series”
Honestly America. Stop being the “red-headed step-brother” jealous that your “cousin across the pond” has a successful show. Get a clue and an orignial idea. There is a reason I watch BBC America for shows like “Being Human”, “Doctor Who” and “Top Gear.” Because they are “BRITISH!!!!” Perhaps if more people stepped outside of American networks’ predilection to copycat or ride the coattails of other culture’s hit shows, they would have respect in my eyes. Now. I enjoy Syfy and many of its programs, but “Being Human” will only “be” “human” in its British incarnation. Again, (I so love to rant and digress) watching it on BBC America gives us the opportunity to share similiar situations, life’s little endemic endeavors through the eyes of a cultural that not only is the source of our shared language, but our style of government, history, etc. Avail yourself of “Being Human” and other fine BBC programs and watch them there. By seeing through their eyes, you gain a clearity of vision, sharpen your own perception, and don’t suffer from the pitfalls of enthnocentrism. God forbid! Be original!
Why doesn’t syfy just air the origianl and help them expand to more episodes instead of ripping off the original? THE ORIGINAL IS EXCELLENT AND ALWAYS LEAVES ME WANTING MORE! Original cast is great.
Furthermore, I hope by ripping this off the original won’t disappear from the “On Demand” menu xfinity (formerly Comcast) offers so that I can view the original in the BBC America section.
I am a big fan of the BBC version of “Being Human”. I adore those characters, their quirks, silly jokes, heartbreaking moments, daily life struggles, and so on. I don’t really want to see it rehashed and reworked with new names and faces. I might give it a chance but after seeing the “preview” last night on SYFY – I don’t have much hope.
Just run the original. SYFY’s tagline is something about imagination. Too bad I don’t think they have much of one. (If they just borrow the ideas of others)
I do like the original version. However, I love seeing foreign shows reimagined. What about The Office? Give it a chance and then decide.
will see, but ????????
“The guy set to play the vampire in the U.S. version of Being Human is HAWT!!!”
Phylis, that’s so funny .. my first reaction was, aw, the vampire is nowhere near as smoking hot as Mitchell!
Different strokes, I suppose
what a rip off. BBC version is the original and best. US version will ruin a good show!
I mean really…..wtf…Every time there is a great show we have to steal it and make it our own, Gawd forbid some other country out do America. And then what? We destroy every little shred of dignity that show has. Best Left to BBC. I agree why not just air the original show geez
I don’t see what the big deal is. I watch and love the BBC Being Human, and will still watch it when BBC America broadcasts the new season. I wish the seasons weren’t so short. But I don’t see that SyFy reimagining the show and creating their own version detracts from the original, and I don’t follow the logic of the posters here who say that this new version somehow endangers the original. How would the American/SyFy version affect whether the BBC version continues on its BRITISH network? That’s just illogical. If you’re that dedicated to the BBC Being Human, then don’t watch the SyFy one when it comes out. Simple as that.
I will probably watch the pilot and see if its decent, and if I think its worth sticking with, I’ll watch. But it would never replace the British version, because that show is just excellent. The writing, acting, and pacing is suberb. The producution value could be better, but so what? Even if SyFy had better production value, if the writing and acting suck, I won’t stick with it. And there is no way their vampire is hotter than Mitchell!!!
Why mess with a good thing? Why reinvent the wheel? The BBC version is Great and has a following already, why mess it up?
The worst part about it is that they say on the advertisment for the syfy version a new original series like they just thought of it to some americans they might not have heard of the british version and may never give credit where its due.
I’m glad there is a remake because it means it will leave out all the senseless swears. Britans swear WAY too much, its sort of ridiculous… America tends to sensor more of their television, so that’s one thing I’m looking forward to.
Still, I’m very excited for this show.
I like it as it is. Also love Survivers.
It’s official originality & creativity is dead !
I would still like to see the brithish version..wonder if it still in production? and what happend to the actors in that version
will they be out of a job.. it’s not right that the show is such a hit and then they say bye bye!!
I don’t want to see new characters. I have totally become attached to the BBC characters and it is like they selected more movie star looking people to fill the bill. I think the BBC actors are terrific and for the Sci-fi channel to change that makes me, as a fan feel betrayed.
I’m totally upset and I’m an American,i luuvv the original show!please just rerun it,I luv the accents! However, I’ll probably still watch it because I’d gotten rid of my digital services, this is what happens when u wanna save…Darn it!
This is NOT a SYFI original. The original BBC version is absolutely fantastic and there is no reason for America to rip off their ideas. We will be continuing to watch the BBC version and have no interest in watching this version lag two years behind.
There have got to be some creative writers out there that can come up with some original and entertaining ideas. Spend your money on them and we will come to watch and support your wise choices. Please get a clue. Thank you.
Isn’t it a little early to be putting out a North American version of the show? I will still be giving it a shot, but really….As much as i dislike the fact, but remakes are a part of life, but the makers usually wait 10-20 yrs in between to cater to a new audience (there has been a new King Kong remake every 20 yrs since the very first movie in the 20′s or 30;s
But this is just a little premature dont you think? I mean the BBC version is still running with a new 3rd season still to come isn’t it? I just think it is too soon for a move like this; I wish them luck, and will be giving it a chance…..I just hope that it is as good, if not better, than the original .
On the bright side, I guess I don’t have to worry about the few times on the UK version where they’ve used British slang, and I didn’t understand them, and felt too stupid to ask what they meant (I mean they’re speaking English, I shouldn’t have to ask what they meant…lol)
im really disapointed in us american’s they should’nt mess with the original
“Original series” – is meant to communicate that the series is not a re-run of an old US, historically, cable channels like syfy, amc, tbs, etc were all reruns of genres of content. Th trend of producing original content is fairly new to the last 5 years – Battlestar Galactica (a remake), Dune, Mad Men.
In general, British shows have trouble in the US due to the accents, pacing and the simple differences of social context. The fact that a season is 6 hour long shows is challenging when the US marker is looking for ~12 episodes of 40 minutes each. 6 episodes is too short to cultivate the hype and get regular viewers.
The US v ersion may suck, but why does that harm or impact the original. The syfy version isn’t somehow replacing the original.
The office is one of a handful of examples where a remake of a british show got a cultural facelift and arguably went on to be an incredible show, outlasting the original by 5 seasons at this point.
I’ll admit, the original Being Human is great. British shows tend to cast real people with talent as the focus rather than just a bunch of “hawt” bodies with plastic personas and minimal talent. If they get it right, it will be fun t watch, but that won’t stop me from continuing to watch the british version.
I can’t believe they are calling this an original series, that is ridiculous. They don’t want to give credit where credit is due. But they are happy to steal the idea. In some places that is considered stealing or copyright infringement.
Lenora Crichlow, Lenora Crichlow, Lenora Crichlow !!! She is what gives the original series its’ SPIRIT, pun intended. No Americanized version will be able to duplicate the sensitivity and allure that she brings to the screen. SYFY or anyone else can do all the spin-offs they want, but no one can replace or immitate what Lenora Crichlow brings to the table. All true fans of the one and only original “Being Human” series can’t help but be haunted by her performances, in the best possible way.
Being Human — American version — IT SUCKS!! Acting dull, actors hacks and ethos, well there is none.
Bring back the Brits!
Sincerely,
John Harris
I just watched part one of the season pilot for the North American version and i so wanted to like it but to be honest it doesn’t hold a candle to the British version and i doubt it will make it past the first season. The only think that was even comparable was the effects.
It’s really too bad.
Oh for the love of god, will all you stupid, pathetic, little Britophiles just STFU already?! Good lord, you’re all ridiculious. I love my British shows as much as you, I’ve seen all of the original Being Human, as well as Doctor Who, Primeval, Top Gear, Merlin, etc… However, unlike you lot, I can actually give another version of this show a chance. Get your heads out of your asses, because the American version is a quality show in it’s own right (and honestly, I prefer Sam Huntington to Russel Tovey). Goodness, bashing your own country just because we dare to remake a show is just beyond ridiculious. Oh, and if you’re going to bash on America “stealing” shows, how about the BBC Law & Order? Just get over it, stop being stupid about damn tv shows.
I am a huge fan of the bbc being human & am watching the first episode of the american version. I wasn’t going to watch it but curiosity caught me. I like it but it is too similar to the bbc version. This american version has potential, just needs too expand story astray from original…& at least the newer version gives the vampires some powers that the camera follows well.
Why were last nights 3 episodes EXACTLY the same? Having never seen the British version, I kept waiting for an explanation as the how they became a vampire and a werewolf.
Still don’t know.
Help
BBC SCREWED UP! Hate the new actors, loved the cast from before. I HOPE THE SHOW FAILS AND BBC MUST OFFER THE FIRST CAST SO MUCH MONEY THAT THEY ALL RETURN.
I like the American one better I can watch it with my 13 year daughter we love it and my husband dose to. Yes it maybe a remake on a BBC program but this is good and I don’t mind my kid watching this one. other than the Cape there isn’t much on that I like.this is one I will be watching on Mondays. Not everyone watches BBC anyway I watch some shows on there some I liked and some I didn’t but why not have both and then people can watch which one they want beside I don’t want to play catch up with one that has been going on for so long and if you don’t have internet or a computer you have to catch reruns yuck. this is one I can start from the begining
@Bobbi:
Being Human UK, seasons 1-2 (or series 1-2) are avaliable on DVD in the US (region 1). So… your point makes little sense. It’s fine if you prefer the unnecessary US remake, but it lacks the chemistry, emotion, and heart of the original.
I just love that show, like the characters. BBC has a version but the North American actors give another taste to it.
Love the way Sam (as Josh) bring his character, and all the trio, the concept, just love.
Being from Canada, saw some British versions remake North American style; but this one makes me say one thing: “Chapeau au producteurs!”
Note: Would be nice to have a twist development with Josh and his sister, something HE could be surprised about.
Good job guys! Actors: Bravo, you make me say “J’adore!”
Jacquie
I like the American version just the same…..dont’t agree with the whole origional series but give it a chance douches!!
I have watched every episode of the UK version on BBC America and I have watched all the ScyFi new episodes. I like them both. I like Mitchell the UK vampire better and I like Josh the USA werewolf better. But, I can also see the US vampire, Sam, growing into a really good character. Wasn’t sure the first show, but he seems to be growing into the role more with each new show. Our Josh werewolf is just so cute with those doe eyes. He just oozes sweetness.
All the complainers should just stop. Why can’t we watch and like both? The UK ‘borrows’ shows from us too. I love Doctor Who, Being Human and Merlin, but that is it for UK programming. I have about 15 US series I am watching at the moment and with the exception of Being Human, they are all original and super fantastic. The UK is not superior and the US is not a bunch of illiterate, non thinking oafs, as so many of these posts are alluding to. I am also not saying the US is superior either. Why does it have to be a competition?
LOVE the bbc being human…usa IS TO MUCH LIKE THE BBC for me 2 keep watching. tivoed last weeks usa being human and i will NOT be waching it anymore. the bbc is the best. and it pisses me off that syfy said orginal series IT IS NOT ! ! ! !
Absolutely love the BBC version. The characters have spectacular chemistry and are very “real” feeling as TV characters go. The Syfy version is like everything else in America today, too plastic-y. All pop and flash, no heart. I’m watching both to see how the plotlines will diverge, but much, MUCH prefer the original.
Brits do it too!
Just gotta as an Texan Im sad at how idiotic, and un-informed ppl in the US are. The show isn’t even made here ppl just because it’s on the ever degrading channel syfy, doesn’t mean that it’s made by or owned by the US. It’s made in Canada for God’s sake ppl, get your facts straight. No wonder so many ppl think the US is filled with idoits.
It is great the way it is. Keep up the good work and keep it coming.
I like them both. It is so cool to watch each one to see how they handled the situation the three were in. I would continue watching both as long as the stations will broadcast them!!!
I want Being Human back on I looked foward to watching it once a week! Now it’s gone:( just want it BACK!!! I really got into it and couldn’t wait to see it! :/ I Live in Virginia USA and I LOVED watching it the way it was! I wouldn’t change a thing!!!!! KEEP IT THE WAY IT WAS!!!
i love the being human on syfy it is better than the bbc they is more action in the being human on syfy.i come out of england but i live in holland now and i watch being human everyweek on syfy .aidan is so cute.xxx Keep up the good work and keep it coming.