British TV Remakes in America: Hits and Misses Across the Pond

When it comes to television, the Atlantic divide isn’t just about the ocean; it’s about the unique challenge of adapting British TV shows for American audiences. The outcome is often a fascinating blend of cultural reinterpretation, sometimes hitting the bullseye and other times missing the mark entirely.

Antiques Roadshow: Valuing Treasures on Both Shores

UK (1979-present): A long-running British show where the public brings antiques to be appraised.

US (1997-present): The American version, produced for PBS, follows a similar format with appraisers examining and valuing antiques brought in by local people. It has become a fixture of American public television.

Being Human: Blurring the Lines Between Humans and Supernaturals

UK (2008-2013): This British supernatural drama blended fantasy, horror, and comedy, following a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost navigating normal life.

US (2011-2014): The American adaptation, set in Boston, explored similar themes of identity and humanity. While it featured a new cast and diverged from the UK storyline, it managed to maintain the essence of the original.

Broadchurch / Gracepoint: A Crime Drama’s Cross-Continental Journey

UK (2013-2017): “Broadchurch,” a British crime drama centered around a young boy’s murder, starred David Tennant and Olivia Colman.

US (2014): “Gracepoint,” its American remake with David Tennant and Anna Gunn, struggled to match the critical acclaim of the original and was not renewed after its initial 10-episode run.

Coupling: A Failed Attempt at British Humor Across the Pond

UK (2000-2004): A witty British sitcom about the dating adventures of six friends, often compared to “Friends” for its humor.

US (2003): The NBC remake faced criticism for its lack of originality and failure to translate British humor effectively. It was canceled after just four episodes.

House of Cards: Political Intrigue on Both Sides of the Pond

UK (1990): The original British political thriller, “House of Cards,” based on Michael Dobbs’ novel, followed the cunning Francis Urquhart, Chief Whip of the Conservative Party, played by Ian Richardson.

US (2013-2018): The American adaptation, set in Washington, D.C., starred Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood, a Democrat from South Carolina. Known for its dark portrayal of American politics and direct address to the audience, this Netflix original marked the streaming giant’s early foray into original series.

Kitchen Nightmares: Ramsay’s Culinary Adventures

UK (2004-2014): Chef Gordon Ramsay visits struggling restaurants across the UK, offering his expertise and advice to help them improve their operations and save them from closure.

US (2007-2014): The US version of Kitchen Nightmares features Ramsay travelling across America to help failing restaurants. The American edition is known for its dramatic confrontations and emotional revelations.

Life on Mars: Time-Traveling Detectives

UK (2006-2007): Combining science fiction and police procedural, the original British series followed a modern-day Manchester detective transported to the 1970s.

US (2008-2009): Set in New York City, the American version starred Jason O’Mara. Despite its intriguing premise, it struggled to find a large audience and was canceled after one season.

Love Island: Reality TV Romance Across Continents

UK (2015-present): Originally airing as a Celebrity show between 2005 and 2006, Love Island made a triumphant return in 2015 and has become a reality TV hit.

US (2019-present): The American adaptation follows a similar format, with singles living together in a villa, forming relationships, and facing public vote-offs. The US version aims to capture the same mix of romance, drama, and humour.

MasterChef: Culinary Showdowns on Global Stages

UK (1990-present): An amateur cooking competition where contestants are judged by professional chefs. The UK version has undergone various revamps and format changes over the years.

US (2010-present): Hosted by Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot, and Joe Bastianich, the US version of MasterChef puts amateur cooks through a series of culinary challenges. The show has gained popularity for its competitive format and high-pressure cooking challenges.

Queer as Folk: Breaking Ground on Two Continents

UK (1999-2000): A groundbreaking British series focusing on the lives of three gay men living in Manchester, notable for its explicit portrayal of gay culture.

US (2000-2005): The American version, set in Pittsburgh, retained the bold exploration of gay life. Running for five seasons, it received praise for its character development and depiction of LGBTQ+ issues.

Skins: Teenage Angst on Both Sides of the Pond

UK (2007-2013): Known for its raw portrayal of teenage life, “Skins” featured a rotating cast dealing with mental health, sexuality, and substance abuse.

US (2011): The American version, airing on MTV, faced controversy for its portrayal of teen sexuality and failed to capture the essence of the original. It was canceled after just one season.

The Chase: Quiz Show Competition Across Continents

UK (2009-present): A quiz show where contestants compete against a professional quizzer, known as the Chaser, in a series of general knowledge questions.

US (2013-2015, 2021-present): The US adaptation features a similar format, with contestants answering questions to amass a cash prize while competing against the Chaser. The US version brought in some of the UK Chasers, including The Beast, to enhance its appeal.

The Inbetweeners: Awkward Adolescence on Both Sides of the Pond

UK (2008-2010): This sitcom follows a group of socially awkward friends navigating the challenges and embarrassments of adolescence.

US (2012): The US version attempted to replicate the humour of the original but was criticised for its poor adaptation and lack of chemistry among the cast. It was cancelled after one season.

The Office: Transatlantic Cringe Comedy

UK (2001-2003): The original British mockumentary-style sitcom, “The Office,” created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, showcased the awkwardness of office life at the fictional Wernham Hogg Paper Company.

US (2005-2013): Greg Daniels spearheaded the American adaptation, relocating the setting to the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin. Steve Carell took on the role of the cringe-worthy office manager, Michael Scott. The US version not only captured the essence of the original but evolved into one of America’s most beloved sitcoms, running for an impressive nine seasons.

Top Gear: Revving Up Across Continents

UK (2002-present): A motoring magazine and entertainment television programme, known for its humorous and sometimes controversial approach to cars and motoring. It features car reviews, challenges, races, and celebrity segments.

US (2010-2016): The US version attempted to replicate the UK show’s format, with its own set of hosts conducting car reviews, challenges, and celebrity interviews. While it had a dedicated following, it didn’t reach the same iconic status as the UK original.

Fawlty Towers: A Britcom’s American Odyssey

UK (1975-1979): “Fawlty Towers,” created by and starring John Cleese, is a classic British sitcom set in a fictional hotel. Known for its witty humor and memorable characters, it remains a cultural touchstone.

US (2007): Attempting to capture the magic, the American version was proposed, titled “Payne,” with John Larroquette in the lead. However, the adaptation never made it past the pilot stage, acknowledging the challenge of replicating Cleese’s comedic brilliance.

Black Mirror: Reflections of Technology and Society

UK (2011-present): “Black Mirror,” created by Charlie Brooker, is an anthology series exploring the dark and often dystopian aspects of modern society and technology. It gained international acclaim for its thought-provoking narratives.

US (2018-present): While not a traditional remake, the American version of “Black Mirror” has been influenced by its British counterpart. With Brooker’s involvement, the series continues to deliver gripping tales, maintaining the essence of the original.

Absolutely Fabulous: Crossing the Pond in Style

UK (1992-2012): “Absolutely Fabulous,” created by and starring Jennifer Saunders, is a British sitcom following the misadventures of Edina Monsoon and her eccentric friend Patsy Stone. It became a cult classic known for its satirical humor.

US (2009): An attempt at an American version, with Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Johnston, unfortunately, did not materialize into a full-fledged series. The unique British charm of “Absolutely Fabulous” proved challenging to replicate for an American audience.

The IT Crowd: Navigating Geek Culture Globally

UK (2006-2013): “The IT Crowd,” created by Graham Linehan, is a sitcom revolving around the quirky staff of the fictional Reynholm Industries IT department. It garnered a dedicated fan base for its humor and geek culture references.

US (TBA): Numerous attempts were made to adapt “The IT Crowd” for American audiences, with pilots featuring actors like Joel McHale and Jessica St. Clair. However, none of these attempts resulted in a full series, showcasing the difficulty in capturing the unique essence of the original.

Peaky Blinders: Gangs Across Continents

UK (2013-present): “Peaky Blinders,” created by Steven Knight, is a British crime drama following the Shelby crime family in the aftermath of World War I. It received acclaim for its writing, acting, and stylish depiction of post-war Birmingham.

US (TBA): Plans for an American adaptation have been in the works, aiming to bring the Shelby family’s saga to a new audience. The challenge lies in preserving the historical and cultural nuances that define the original series.

Winding Down the Remote: The Verdict on British TV Remakes in America

In the realm of British TV remakes in America, the journey across the pond is a mixed bag of successes and stumbles. While some adaptations manage to capture the magic of the original, others fall flat, struggling to resonate with audiences on the other side of the Atlantic. As the entertainment industry continues to explore the possibilities of cross-cultural television, each attempt leaves its mark, contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of transatlantic storytelling. Only time will tell which British gems will find a second home in America, and which will remain cherished exclusively on their native soil.

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Adrianne Webster
Freelance features writer

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