British drama creates surprise success in Japan despite varied criticism in the UK
In an unlikely twist, the reboot of the British drama, Bergerac, has garnered unexpected popularity in Japan, despite receiving mixed reviews back in Blighty. This six-part crime series, helmed by Damien Molony in the lead role of Jim Bergerac, made its comeback on screens in February.
Set against the backdrop of Jersey, this remake documents the complications faced by the detective Jim as he grapples with a cold case of a slain woman while wrestling with his personal problems. The complete series can be streamed for free on U&Drama.
In a surprising move, the reboot has caught the eye of TV honchos in Japan, with the series set to air on Japanese broadcasting giant, WOWOW.
However, the makeover of the detective drama was a miss in the UK, scoring merely a 6.4/10 on IMDb, suggesting that the original circus might have been the crowd’s preference.
Further viewing:Read reviews from critics such as Christopher Stevens (The Mail) and John Macleod (Scottish Daily Mail). The former scored it four out of five stars, calling it a "very different production" from the 80s original, while the latter expressed disappointment over the lack of originality in today's TV landscape.
The New Statesman criticized the reboot for losing its original charm, its "drollness and sense of fun," labeling it a "half-hearted return" of Bergerac. On the brighter side, the Radio Times was more favorable, scoring it three out of five stars and praising its nods to the original that surely tickle the fancy of long-time fans, though missing the catchy reggae tune.
While fans yearning for the vintage charm might have found the new series lacking, Bergerac 2025 managed to impress with an audience of 1.8 million viewers per episode during its initial run earlier this year.
In Japan, however, the uniqueness of its setting, the intricate plotlines, and strategic marketing efforts could pave the way for Bergerac to captivate a whole new audience.
The Bergerac reboot has caught the attention of various news outlets, with reviews discussing its unique setting, intricate plotlines, and mix of originality and familiarity. For instance, The Mail's Christopher Stevens gave it four out of five stars, appreciating its differences from the 80s original, while the Scottish Daily Mail's John Macleod expressed disappointment over the lack of originality in today's TV landscape.
Meanwhile, entertainment news websites continue to follow the Bergerac reboot's unprecedented success in Japan. This six-part crime series is set to air on WOWOW, a Japanese broadcasting giant, marking a significant step for the reboot in the international entertainment scene.
