“Afterlife” is a new supernatural show now airing on BBC America. I know there may be the temptation to compare this series with the popular CBS show “The Ghost Whisperer” starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and the even more popular “Medium” starring the award winning actress Patricia Arquette over at NBC, but don’t compare. “Afterlife,” while similar, is its own show and deserves a look.

Alison Mundy, played by Lesley Sharp of “Vera Drake,” “Bob and Rose,” and “The Full Monty,” has a gift, but it’s a gift that’s destroying her life. Ever since she was a child, Alison has seen spirits, but after a near-death experience, they have taken over her life. She finds it hard to keep a grip on reality. When she passes people in the street, she doesn’t always know whether they are dead or alive. She lies in bed at night and can’t escape the voices that cry out to her.

Robert Bridge (Andrew Lincoln from “Love Actually,” “This Life,” “Teachers,” and “Lie With Me”), is a psychology lecturer at the university, grieving the loss of his son, Josh, who was killed in a car accident three years ago. Robert was driving the car when it happened and blames himself for Josh’s death.

Robert specialises in the study of psychic mediums. Naturally a skeptic, he believes they are dishonest, preying on the emotions of the vulnerable and needy. He begins to study Alison with the intention of writing about her and the people who come to her for help. But their association is thrown into crisis when Alison reveals she is in contact with his dead son Josh.

Each week takes the viewer deeper into Alison’s life and the paranormal.

“Afterlife” airs new episodes every Thursday night at 9PM ET/10PM PT on BBC America and repeats of previous episodes throughout the week. Check your local cable schedule for showtimes and details.