Back during the early 2010s, a lovely little show called Being Human debuted on the British Broadcasting Network. The show gained a respectable fanbase over the years and received a fair amount of critical acclaim. Naturally, that means America wanted to get in on the action - ordering a US adaptation to air on the SyFy network (formerly the Sci-Fi channel.)
Today, we’re going to compare the UK and US versions of Being Human. We’re not here to argue which version is better than the other - countless Redditors’ve done that for us. We’re aiming to differentiate the shows so folks can figure out which version works for them.
Names Are Different (Both Versions)
Aside from the title of the series, there aren’t too many names that stay the same in both versions. Vampire John Mitchell becomes Aidan Waite, werewolf George Sands becomes Josh Levison and ghost Annie Sawyer becomes Sally Malik. There are plenty of other characters with different names, but we wanted to get the core cast out of way first.
On the surface, the US and Uk versions of the characters are very similar - George is just as much of a lovable shy guy as Josh is and John is just as dark and seductive as Aidan. However, as you’ll see down below, the characters become drastically different throughout their shows.
Faster Pacing (US Version)
The North American version of Being Human is a partial adaptation of its UK predecessor. The first seasons of both shows start similarly enough - George and John are working at a hospital the same way Josh and Aidan are. Eventually, the two roommates meet a ghost who joins their group, forming a proper trio.
However, the US version of the show gets through all of that before its first season ends. From that point, the series starts to go down a different path than the UK show. Ultimately, the pacing will either be something you love or hate based on your preferences.
More Swearing (UK Version)
Swearing isn’t as big of an issue across the pond as it is in North America. To wit, many Uk shows don’t even censor curse words - meaning their viewers don’t hear a symphony of beeps when they watch one of Gordon Ramsay’s shows.
More swearing reflects another difference between both shows - their target demographics. The UK version of the show was aimed at young adult males between the ages of 18 to 30. The US version, on the other hand, gained a massive female fanbase - something that the series played into more and more over time.
Heavier Emphasis On Sex (US Version)
Case in point, the US version of the show became more sexualized over time. Granted, that was undoubtedly the intention from the beginning; Sam Huntington, Meaghan Rath, and Sam Witwer are extremely attractive leads - as well as Kristen Hager!
But a lot more boots get knocked in the North American version of the show - the US depicts Vampirism, in particular, similarly to Interview With A Vampire. We all know the old saying - “sex sells.” At least that much is true in America, where everything from children’s TV shows to sports gets a sexy spin.
Higher Production Values (UK Version)
Even though the Sci-Fi channel/ SyFy network has produced some great shows over the years, most of their series tend to lack in terms of production values. Most TV fanatics know the “SyFy look” all too well thanks to shows like Eureka and Defiance.
In stark contrast, the UK version has higher production values - often using practical effects whenever possible. For instance, the Werewolves in the Uk show are portrayed by actors wearing highly detailed bodysuits. In the US version, however, the Werewolves are brought to life via CGI - with very light practical work being used for their mid-transformation scenes.
Characters Stick Around Longer (US Version)
Not only does the UK version of Being Human feature characters with different names, but it also cycles through its main cast as the series progressed. Before the series ends, fans say goodbye to Mitchell, George, and Annie - with Hal Yorke, Tom McNair, and Alex Milar taking their places.
Conversely, we stick with the US cast from the beginning to the bittersweet end. Nora becomes more prominent over time, turning the trio into a quartet, but we never swap out Aidan, Josh, or Sally.
The Trio Deals With The Devil (UK Version)
Rev X might not be worried about the Devil, but the UK cast of being Human probably are. In the US show, religion doesn’t play the same role that it does in the Uk version.
Across the pond, God and the Devil are major players in the series - being responsible for the existence of the supernatural in the first place. Maybe the North American series would’ve introduced more spiritual/ religious aspects into the series if it reached its fifth season.
Ran For Four Seasons (US Version)
To the surprise of nearly all invested, the US version of Being Human ran for four seasons. According to showrunner Anna Fricke and the GOAT Sam Witwer, the series ended for the sake of artistic integrity. And we honestly believe them, as the show did well from the beginning.
For context, Season one of the US show averaged around 2 million viewers per episode! SyFy adored the show, and likely would’ve let it continue for at least another year or two. But the US Being Human team decided to end on a high note.
Finished At Five (UK Version)
On the flip side, the UK version of Being Human got canceled in a manner that felt more abrupt. The main cast members weren’t cycled out for no reason - the show was preparing to start over with new blood (pun intended.)
What’s worse is that the UK show had the number to justify another Season or two - around 750,000 viewers per episode! To this day, fans still wonder why the series suddenly ended. Well, they do that and they petition for another chance - either on broadcast television or via a streaming service.
Different Tones (Both Versions)
This is probably the most drastic difference between the shows, superseding plot, casting, or budgetary concerns. The US version of the show veers into melodrama territory, while the UK version generally feels like a dramedy.
The North American characters spend more time brooding and reflecting on their circumstances, while the UK characters run with the absurdity of it all. It took Sally an entire Season to learn how to interact with the material world, whereas Annie and Alex are able to do so from the get-go. It’s up to you to determine which tone you’ll like more, we just wanted to lay down the facts.
