Cast of Syfy’s ‘Being Human’ visits NYC

March 28, 2011

The cast of Syfy’s Being Human attended a panel event on Wednesday night at the Paley Center in New York City. Audience members watched a preview screening of Monday night’s episode followed by a discussion with the stars of the show, Sam Witwer (vampire Aidan), Sam Huntington (werewolf Josh), Meaghan Rath (ghost Sally), and Sarah Allen (vampire Rebecca) who brought with them an exuberant energy and a lively sense of humor.

Syfy’s re-imaging of the British show Being Human is more of a “commentary on trying to find yourself in your 20’s” than a vampire show, according to Mark Stern, President of Original Content on Syfy. He adds that the “original concept was roommates in their twenties and the supernatural element was an afterthought.”

When someone hears “a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost…”, they may be quick to assume it’s a joke. However, Stern assures us that it’s “not a one joke premise.” Being Human delves into the lives of three roommates who long to have a human experience in their supernatural existence.

While two of the three main characters may be among the undead, it took a cast of very charismatic actors to bring them to life. Stern describes the actors as having an “an electric chemistry.” That chemistry was also obvious to the fans at the Paley Center, as the cast members were both energetic and jovial before the interview was even underway.

According to Stern, “there was almost too much chemistry.” Witwer added that they were “told to turn down the chemistry because the characters had just met [on the show].”

The audience was captivated by the panel discussion as the cast excitedly joked with one another. Huntington commented that he spent the entire trip to NYC wondering whether or not a “a werewolf [can turn] into a ghost if a vampire bites him?” While he debated his werewolf conundrum, Rath enthusiastically shared her thoughts on the supernatural aspect of Being Human. “As a kid I would look at a glass of water and want to move it, then to be here now and have it all rigged up. It’s exciting.”

When asked what their craziest moment since the show started was, Witwer was happy to boast about his unique celebrity experience. While at an Italian restaurant, “Alice Cooper taps me on the shoulder and tells me he loves the show,” said Witwer. “He went on in some detail comparing the British version to the U.S. version.” In the retelling of his experience, you could see how awe struck Witwer was by his encounter. Cooper isn’t alone in his love of the show though, according to a recent Syfy press release, Being Human has “averaged 1.8 million viewers making it Syfy’s most successful winter season scripted series launch in 6 years.”

CHECK OUT TONIGHT’S PREVIEW BELOW

The theme of tonight’s episode of Being Human, “Going Dutch”, is change & evolution in which Aidan, Josh, and Sally’s biggest fears come to light. Aidan is forced to take sides between his family and the original vampires. In doing so, he must take on life and death responsibilities. Josh’s journey to being human brings him face to face with one of the most challenging human experiences yet, a life growing inside of his girlfriend, Nora. Meanwhile, Sally is at the center of an exorcism which could mean the end of her supernatural existence. Someone will die, but you’ll have to watch the show tonight to find out who.

This episode of Being Human is heavily packed with one-two punches. If you were still debating on whether or not to invest time in this hit new supernatural series, it was announced earlier this month by Stern that a second season has already been ordered.

Being Human airs Monday night at 9 p.m. on Syfy.

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