On Sunday, the final episode of Being Human will air on BBC3, ending five series of supernatural flatsharing between a vampire, werewolf and ghost. Many fans are questioning why the show is ending, as it has not outlived its usefulness or popularity. Unlike Merlin, which was always planned as a five-year project, Being Human seemed to have only recently taken steps to ensure its continuation.
At the end of series four, with original cast members Aidan Turner, Russell Tovey and Lenora Crichlow gone, it looked like the right time to end. However, the show not only survived a cast overhaul but improved, with Damien Molony, Michael Socha and Kate Bracken bringing new warmth and humour. Cancelling this new trio feels shortsighted, as viewers haven't seen enough of them.
The decision is baffling creatively, and viewing figures may not be the cause either. Overnight ratings for series five were down (730,000 from 1.1 million), but the show was moved to 10pm with little promotion. Creator Toby Whithouse confirmed the axe on Facebook, prompting a fan to sarcastically note the lack of original returning series for BBC3.
Being Human has survived cancellation before. Its 2008 pilot was nearly passed over for Phoo Action, but a fan petition and the poor quality of Phoo Action led to a reprieve. The show quickly established a unique tone, blending bloodbaths with sit-in marathons, and featuring strong chemistry among leads.
Over the years, the show introduced memorable characters like religious crusader Kemp, vampire war tourist Ivan, and Mark Gatiss's Mr Snow. Whithouse was given notice before writing series five, allowing a proper ending. The finale sees monstrous Captain Hatch reveal himself as the devil, Hal revert to blood, Tom to vampire-slaying, and Alex imprisoned in her grave. Higher stakes than ever, and it looks like this really is the end.
