It’s not hard to pinpoint America’s latest tween fascination with the undead, but it seems that those old standbys of folklore are even undergoing a modern makeover across the pond. BBC America serves up vampires, werewolves and ghosts in contemporary London with tonight’s premiere of the grimly amusing new series Being Human.

It’s an odd mix of honest gothic horror and dry domestic comedy — a modern Dark Shadows meets a dour Friends, perhaps — propelled by a talented cast of creatures. Mitchell and George are friends in need of a place to call home and Annie is the spirit that haunts it. Being an undead immortal and cursed lycanthrope, the men take their haunted house in stride, and quickly become friends.

Adian Turner and Lenora Crichlow, as vampire and ghost, beautifully portray their slow, painful struggle with their post-mortal existence, but Russell Tovey shines as a mostly human victim dealing with the ramifications of his new monthly furry affliction.

The six-episode first season covers quite a lot of territory, but will be over all too soon. If you like what you see, then take heart: The supernatural trio will return, as Being Human has already been renewed for eight new episodes next year.