Popular British Television Series That Gained Popularity in the U.S.A.
In the world of television, the British have a knack for creating captivating shows that resonate with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. One of the most notable examples of a British original successfully adapted into an American TV show is The Office (US), which started as a pale imitation of the original British sitcom but quickly became a distinctive and beloved show in its own right.
Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the British version of The Office was a mockumentary that offered a humorous and poignant look into the daily lives of office workers. The American adaptation, developed by Greg Daniels, retained the mockumentary format but introduced its own unique charm, particularly through Steve Carell's iconic performance as Michael Scott.
Other British sitcoms have also found success in the U.S., albeit not always through direct remakes. Shows like Sex and the City and Will & Grace have been celebrated for their wit and relatability, with their American versions becoming cultural phenomena in their own right. Meanwhile, shows like On the Buses, while not directly remade, have influenced American comedy with their distinctive British humour.
Another British series that found critical acclaim and success when broadcast in the U.S. was I, Claudius, which aired on PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre, reflecting successful UK-to-US television exchanges but not an American remake per se.
Moving on, Syfy TV adapted the BBC Three series "Being Human," setting it in Boston. The comedy-drama revolves around a paranormal trio consisting of a ghost, a vampire, and a werewolf sharing a house. The show, which ran for five seasons on BBC America until 2013, was known for its engaging storylines that delved into the challenges faced by its supernatural characters, such as dealing with their true natures and the consequences of their actions.
British period dramas have also found a home in America. Shows like Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey have captivated audiences with their intricate storylines and detailed portrayals of life in the past. Call the Midwife, a BBC One series based on a British midwife's memoirs set in London's poor East End during the 1950s and 1960s, has made a home for itself on Sundays, anchoring that night's drama-heavy PBS lineup.
Downton Abbey, which follows the members of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, drew a record-setting 10 million viewers in 2014 when season four debuted on PBS. The show's intricate plotlines, which dealt with realistic issues of the era such as World War I, a downturned economy, death of loved ones, and social class barriers, made it a must-watch for many viewers.
In the realm of crime dramas, the BBC series "Sherlock" offers a modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the title character and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson, the show has been praised for its engaging plotlines and clever adaptations of classic stories.
Finally, the BBC series "Broadchurch" starts out grimly with the murder of a 12-year-old boy and received the prestigious Peabody Award for its storytelling excellence. With its gripping plot and talented cast, it's no wonder that this show found success both in the UK and in America.
In the updated version of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories, instead of writing down Holmes' cases, Watson blogs about them. Holmes' sometimes-adversarial relationship with authority takes a 21st-century spin — he sends taunting texts to the press. This modern take on a classic character shows that even the most beloved stories can be adapted to fit contemporary audiences.
From comedy to drama, period pieces to crime thrillers, British TV shows continue to find success in America. Whether through direct remakes or original series, the British have a knack for creating compelling stories that resonate with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
- The success of British humor can be seen in shows like On the Buses, whose influences are evident in American comedy.
- Moving beyond sitcoms, British period dramas such as Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey have captivated American audiences with their intricate storylines and historical accuracy.
- Call the Midwife has found a consistent place on Sundays, strengthening PBS's drama-heavy evening lineup.
- The BBC's adaptation of Sherlock, with its modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective, has been praised for its engaging plotlines and smart reinterpretations.
- Crime dramas like Broadchurch, recognized with the Peabody Award, have found success in both the UK and America with their gripping plots and talented cast members.
- In contemporary adaptations of classic stories, such as the updated Sherlock series, the British have demonstrated their ability to reinvent beloved characters for fresh audiences.
