‘Being Human’ UK canceled by BBC Three, BBC America; US version lives on

There’s some sad news breaking for those out there who are fans of the British version of “Being Human”: the network responsible for airing the series in BBC Three will be wrapping the show up after five seasons.

This sad news was confirmed this week by the show’s creator Toby Whithouse, who really ended up having some very positive things to say about the overall experience (which included a cast shake-up and many other twists and turns) in a new post on his official blog:

“Being Human really shouldn’t have happened. A preposterous idea, an epic and circuitous development process, a modest budget – no, we really shouldn’t have lasted. But Being Human was the little show that could, and that ridiculous idea managed to last 37 episodes, spawn an American version, 3 novels, an on-line spin-off and garner a shelf of awards.”

This news comes at a time when the six-episode season 5 just kicked off both on BBC Three and BBC America, and it also comes not that long after another popular genre series in “Merlin” was canceled on BBC One after five seasons on the year. British series (at least save for “Doctor Who”) tend on average to have a shorter shelf life than those here in America, and the fact that they also run for smaller seasons may feel to many like salt in the wound. (Then again, it also often yields for opportunities to tell great stories.)

There is no word just yet on the future of the American “Being Human,” which is currently airing its third season on Syfy in the United States and Space in Canada.

What is your reaction to this news, and is the British version the best in your mind? Be sure to share some of your thoughts below!

Photo: BBC Three