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British TV transplants

A look at past and present U.S. remakes of Brit hits and how they fared in the States.

Posted: 09/02/2009

'Coupling' U.K. (BBC One, 2000-2003; BBC Two 2004) U.S. (NBC, 2003) Some critics have hailed the original series as the funniest sitcom in history, but Variety's review of the remake declared that 'the cast has no likable characters.

'The Office' U.K. (BBC Two, 2001-2003) U.S. (NBC, 2005-present) Ricky Gervais stopped production of his celebrated sitcom after two years, but the U.S. remake starring Steve Carell is now in its fifth season.

'Life on Mars' U.K. (BBC One, 2006-2007) U.S. (ABC, 2008) The time-traveling sci-fier created a surreal take on the cop drama. Unfortunately, the U.S. version fell short in the ratings despite positive reviews.

'Eleventh Hour' U.K. (ITV, 2006) U.S. (CBS, 2008) The original was a miniseries that starred Patrick Stewart as a crusading scientist. Jerry Bruckheimer's attempt to make the mini a series, starring Rufus Sewell, lasted one season.

'Skins' U.K. (E4, 2008-present) U.S. (MTV, tba) This BAFTA-winning drama mixes teens, sex and drugs; little wonder that it caught the attention of MTV, which plans to set the remake in Baltimore.

'Till Death Us Do Part' U.K. (BBC1, 1965-1975) 'All In The Family' U.S. (CBS, 1971-1979) The original story of a working-class Cockney bigot gave birth to one of America's greatest TV icons: Archie Bunker.

'Steptoe and Son' U.K. (BBC1, 1962-1974) 'Sanford and Son' U.S. (NBC, 1972-1977) Long before Fred and Lamont were junkyard owners in Watts, Albert and Harold were rag-and-bone men in Shepherd's Bush.

'Man About the House' U.K. (ITV, 1973-1976) 'Three's Company' U.S. (ABC, 1977-1984) Robin, Chrissy and Jo were the original inspiration for Jack, Janet and Chrissy to come and knock on our door.

'Cold Feet' U.K. (ITV, 1997-2003) U.S. (NBC, 1999) This Britcom about three couples in their 30s was a Granada Television/ITV hit, but the American version got the cold shoulder from both critics and auds.

'Cracker' U.K. (ITV, 1993-1996) U.S. (ABC, 1997) The American series was almost a carbon copy, with Robert Pastorelli in the Robbie Coltrane role as an eccentric forensic psychologist. However, it lasted just 16 episodes.

'Fawlty Towers' U.K. (BBC2, 1975–1979) 'Amanda's' U.S. (ABC, 1983) 'Payne' U.S. (CBS, 1999) John Cleese is apparently irreplacable as an uppity hotel owner; U.S. audiences didn't buy Bea Arthur or John Larroquette in the same role.

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