BEING HUMAN Returns to BBC America

Although the premise of “a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost share a flat” sounds like a crappy set up for an even crappier joke, Being Human is anything but, quickly becoming one of my favorite shows of recent memory.

And although the recent SyFy adaptation with the same name is entertaining, it can’t compare to the brilliance of the original.  Being Human returns for it’s third season in a few weeks, which gives you more than enough time to pick up the British traditional “far too short” first two seasons.

This is a series to savor and another brutal reminder how good the television medium can be.

Press release after the jump.

New York, NY – Being Human, BBC AMERICA’s original hit supernatural series about a group of friends trying to live normal lives despite their unusual afflictions, is back – and, says creator and writer, Toby Whithouse, “It is, without doubt, our best season yet.”

“A third season is a unique opportunity because it allows you to take all the best bits of season one and season two,” he says. “What we took from season one is the domestic element and very strong stories of the week with very strong guest characters. Season two had much more of an epic sweep and a breadth of ambition. Season three has allowed us to combine all those things.”

A BBC AMERICA co-production, Being Human stars Russell Tovey, Sinead Keenan, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner as werewolf George, werewolf Nina, ghost Annie and vampire Mitchell – four friends doing the best they can to cope with the supernatural challenges of their lives while trying to blend in with their human neighbors. The showdown last season with Kemp and Lucy Jaggat has forced some changes for the friends. Couple George and Nina plus Mitchell have fled their beloved house in Bristol and are looking for a new house to rent in Wales. They are also without Annie, who is stuck in purgatory and desperately trying to escape. Being Human premieres on Supernatural Saturday, February 19, 9:00p.m. ET/PT for eight weeks.

Leaving the memories of their much-loved former house behind, George, Nina and Mitchell settle into their new home – a kitsch bed and breakfast named Honolulu Heights that boasts many benefits for supernatural sharers – a large basement providing a safe and sheltered environment on a full moon, for one.

Season three boasts an impressive array of guest-stars, including Lacey Turner (EastEnders) as Lia, who Mitchell meets in Purgatory, Robson Green (Wire In The Blood) as primitive werewolf McNair, Michael Socha (This Is England ’86) as McNair’s son Tom, Paul Kaye (It’s All Gone Pete Tong) as twisted vampire Vincent, Craig Roberts (Young Dracula) as teenage vampire Adam; Nicola Walker (MI-5) as social worker Wendy, James Fleet (Four Weddings and a Funeral) as George’s father George Sr; and Jason Watkins making an eventful return as vampire leader Herrick.

Being Human first premiered on BBC AMERICA in 2009 and quickly won over fans and critics alike, and has even spawned a US remake. The New York Times recently said that the UK series “has energy, and interesting characters, and a pulpy momentum that keeps you engaged in its kitchen-sink drama meets Bram Stoker story lines,” and Variety called it “improbably absorbing, wonderfully sly.” In addition, the cast and creator have appeared to sold-out crowds at the last two years of San Diego Comic Con. Season one and two of Being Human are available on DVD and Blu-ray on the BBC AMERICA Shop and iTunes.

BBC AMERICA brings audiences a new generation of award-winning television featuring news with a uniquely global perspective, provocative dramas, razor-sharp comedies, life-changing makeovers and a whole new world of nonfiction.  BBC AMERICA pushes the boundaries to deliver high quality, highly addictive and eminently watchable programming to viewers who demand more.  It is available on digital cable and satellite TV in more than 68 million homes.