One Show, Two Countries, Two Different Series

It seems many shows from the U.K. have been adapted for viewers in the United States. Take for example The Office and All in the Family, both of those programs originated in Britain. One of the newest series to be altered for U.S. viewers is Being Human.

This show centers around three people who live together and want normal lives. They can’t. Why? One’s a ghost, one’s a vampire, and one’s a werewolf. They’re monsters, literally, and are surrounded by other monsters who love to remind them of their true identities, even when these beings try to forge the painful truth of their existence.

The brilliant thing about the program’s concept is that it’s very adaptable for the audience it’s geared towards. While both shows have a werewolf, a ghost, and a vampire, they’re not the same characters. They have faced similar, and yet very unique situations. All of the characters have different quirks and personality traits.

Both shows incorporate humor. However, the U.K version and the U.S. version integrate culturally relevant jokes. The writers have done this by incorporating an item of the region or through how the lines are delivered.  

Hands down, the werewolf character is the funniest on both versions of Being Human. By watching both series, I’ve concluded the werewolf in the British version is a bit funnier. 

 In the U.K.’s version of Being Human, his name is George. He’s socially awkward and has a lot of foot-in-the mouth moments. One quip that I find particularly amusing is when he’d flirting with a female orderly. George states, “You’ve changed your shampoo. It’s minty. Normally you’re vanillary.” So far, so good. And then after she asks him what he thinks, he blurts, “Yes! You smell like a Polo. Have you got a hole?” Good going George  - good going.

Josh is the werewolf in the U.S’s Being Human. He is slightly obsessive compulsive and quite the worrywart. His lines often come out understated and deadpan, which oddly relieves the tension of the scene. There’s a mix of casualness and seriousness with his lines. Take for example, when Sally (the ghost) asks if he’s all right. Josh as le leans on the couch, replies, “Well, I didn’t kill my sister, so… I guess I can’t complain.”

I’ll leave this article with two questions. What does that say about ourselves, our psyche? Is the United State’s cavalier sense of humor healthy or should we be more like George – willing to become open and say fool heartedly things?