Summary
British TV shows that are remakes of American ones are fewer and farther between as the difference between British and American humor can be a significant gap to bridge. When an American TV series becomes so big internationally that it’s impossible to deny its appeal, this draws attention. A TV show’s popularity signals that a remake might take off. Remakes can be tricky, ascreating a carbon copy of a successful series doesn’t always work.Viewers tend to respond better to original ideas that highlight the strengths of the new performers and writers.
Many reality programs have crossed between countries, and next in line are sitcoms, as family or work-based comedy is understood across cultures.
ManyBritish TV shows have become huge in the U.S., and for good reason. Their strong premises open the door for the American team to take liberties with the source material. Good examples of this areThe OfficeandShameless, two TV shows that evolved when they came to the U.S.and became their own entities. Many reality programs have crossed between countries, and next in line are sitcoms, as family or work-based comedy is understood across cultures. The best British remakes of American TV are true to the first shows while developing their own unique style.
10 Hidden Gem British TV Shows Americans Need To Watch
From underrated tragicomedies to gripping crime dramas, these acclaimed British shows deserve a higher viewership among American audiences.
10Nobody’s Perfect (1980–1982)
Based on Maude (1972–1978)
Though the star ofMaude, Bea Arthur, is an icon in her own right, Stritch is right up there with her and gives a tremendous performance within the confines of a classic sitcom.
Elaine Stritch is reason enough to watchNobody’s Perfect,as well as her co-star, Richard Griffiths, who audiences might know as a member of theDursley family inHarry Potter. The two prolific actors came together to create a uniquely British iteration ofMaude. Though the star ofMaude, Bea Arthur, is an icon in her own right, Stritch is right up there with her and gives a tremendous performance within the confines of a classic sitcom.
Though it only got two seasons, this isn’t uncommon for a British comedy, as they rarely air as long as American sitcoms do. LikeMaude,Nobody’s Perfecttook on prominent social issues through the lens of an older British married couple.The pair had conflicting opinions on the changing world, providing a multitude of experiences and opinions in the story. This dynamic of opposition is common in sitcoms and never loses potency, even as time passes. Many of the issues discussed inMaude and Nobody’s Perfectare relevant today.
9Married For Life (1996)
Based on Married… With Children (1987–1997)
Married… With Childrenis a'90s TV show that’s seen as problematic now. However, it was adored by audiences while it was airing and lasted eleven seasons. The show’s British counterpart,Married For Life, only ran for one, but this is likely because the Americanized humor of the show didn’t translate well between the different audiences. For fans ofMarried… With Children,Married For Lifeis an interesting look into how people outside the U.S. perceived the showand what exactly made the American series so popular.
The characters were all virtually the same and suffered the same highs and lows inMarried For Lifeas in its predecessor, but it came whenMarried… With Childrenwas coming to its end. By this point,audiences had had enough of the format ofMarried… With Childrenand were interested in up-and-coming sitcoms likeFriendsthat targeted younger, single audiences. HadMarried For Lifestarted closer to the beginning of the other show, it might have stood a chance.
8The Fosters (1976–1977)
Based on Good Times (1974–1979)
Good Timeswas a landmark show on American TV and was one of the successful U.S. sitcoms that featured African American casts that demonstrated how important representation is on television. At its height, it was one of the most-watched series on TV and followed the Evans family living in Chicago with their three children. Similarly,The Fosters, which premiered just two years afterGood Timesbegan, was the first British sitcom to have an all-Black cast.Both series were developed by Norman Lear and aimed to tackle classic sitcom tropes and pitfalls through a new lens.
The Fostersalso saw the beginning of Lenny Henry’s career, an actor and comic who would go on to receive great renown.
When watched today, neitherGood TimesnorThe Fostersseem as if they’re making overtly bold statements about racial discrimination in their respective countries. However, it’s important to remember that the 1970s were a completely different landscape.Both shows were vitally important to pave the way for the films and TV by and for Black audiencesthat followed in their footsteps.The Fostersalso saw the beginning of Lenny Henry’s career, an actor and comic who would go on to receive great renown.
7In With The Flynns (2011–2012)
Based on Grounded For Life (2001–2005)
In With The Flynnsreceived two seasons, and though not all critics loved it, it was clear that it retained merit despite being a remake.
In With The Flynnsis an underrated gem based onGrounded For Lifethat would have done better today than it did in 2011. WhereGrounded For Lifefocused more on the immaturity of the central parents,In With The Flynnshighlighted the difficulties of raising kids while balancing jobs in a working-class family.British television has often pushed boundaries by showing the realities of class and wealth inequalityon screen.In With The Flynnsreceived two seasons, and though not all critics loved it, it was clear that it retained merit despite being a remake.
The early 2010s were a difficult time for traditional sitcomsshot in studios. Audiences were gaining interest in dramas and new offerings on television.In With The Flynnsis one of the last classic sitcoms of its era, but it boasts some heart and genuine messages within its formulaic stories. As all sitcoms follow a formula, andGrounded For Lifecertainly did,In With The Flynnscan be predictable at times, but shouldn’t be forgotten.
6Loved By You (1997–1998)
There are manygreat TV shows with only one season, and though the strength ofMad About Youseemed easily translatable to British audiences,Loved By Youhad only one season. However,there were strong and entertaining parts of the series, even if it doesn’t have the legacy of its American counterpart.This would have proved difficult, as there was even a recent revival ofMad About Youin 2019, many years after its initial cancelation in 1999. Despite this, it’s unlikely that another season ofLoved By Youwill grace TV screens.
The lead actors, John Gordon Sinclair and Trevyn McDowell, who played the married couple, Michael and Kate, had solid chemistry and went on to find other success. It’s somewhat of a miracle thatMad About Youlasted as long as it did, asthere isn’t as much tension between a married couple,whereas two single people automatically create drama and stakes. However, the domestic issues both couples faced were relatable to audiences, butLoved By Youjust didn’t hit at the right time for viewers.
5Law and Order: UK (2009–2014)
Based on Law & Order (1990–Present)
However,Law and Order: UKmanaged to be a hit in its own right, largely due to the strong central cast and amazing guest stars.
TheLaw & Orderuniverse is so far-reaching and ever-expanding that it’s unsurprising Dick Wolf took a stab at translating it into a show for British audiences. Of course,the firstLaw & Orderand all of its spin-offs did well around the worlddue to their episodic format and the universality of the audience’s interest in criminal investigations. However,Law and Order: UKmanaged to be a hit in its own right, largely due to the strong central cast and amazing guest stars.
Including a revolving door of guest stars is also a feature of the AmericanLaw & Ordershows, but it’s especially fun to see in British shows as there’s a smaller pool of actors to draw from. WatchingLaw & Order: UKlikely means seeing fan-favorite actors no matter the episode. It worked well and lasted many seasons becausepolice work in England is vastly different from that in America.This change intrigued international audiences with a new angle and satisfied British viewers with something familiar.
4The Brighton Belles (1993–1994)
Based on The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
It’s practically impossible to expect that anything could come close to the phenomenon ofThe Golden Girls, butThe Brighton Bellescame close. The actresses were just as strong inThe Brighton Belles, and the premise didn’t lose steam, but when compared with the original, it’s difficult to compete.The Golden Girlswas popular in Britain the same way it was in America,soThe Brighton Bellesdidn’t have a niche to fill. Fulfilling a need or interest is vital for the success of a TV show.
Despite this,it’s fun to watchThe Brighton Bellestoday and compare it with whatThe Golden Girlswas doing.It was uniquely British, even if it stemmed from something just as decidedly American. However, growing old and wanting companionship doesn’t discriminate based on where someone lives. If a British revival ofThe Golden Girlshappened today, it might find a decent amount of success. However, until then, revisitingThe Brighton Bellesis a great way to pass the time.
3Coupling (2000–2004)
Based on Friends (1994–2004)
All10 seasons ofFriendsremain popular to this day, but it’s not unlikely that the average TV watcher might also be familiar withCoupling.The British series was written by Steven Moffat,which is surprising considering his trajectory into working on sci-fi projects likeDoctor Who. However, his work onCouplingwas a strong start as it became a highly rated and popular sitcom in England. Loosely based on Moffat’s relationship with his wife, the show followed a friend group of three men and three women, similar toFriends.
What madeCouplinginteresting and a departure from traditional narratives likeFriendswas the elements Moffat included that were uncommon for network television. However, at its core,Couplingfound its humor in the difficulties of navigating romantic and platonic relationships alike,as well as the tongue-in-cheek references to sex that are found throughoutFriends. While four seasons might seem like a short run,Couplingmade its mark during that time and is well-remembered by fans.
2The Upper Hand (1990–1996)
Based on Who’s The Boss? (1984–1992)
Though it came just one season shy of having the same run as its inspiration,Who’s The Boss?,The Upper Handran for seven seasons to positive reviews.The Upper Handeven went so far as to see the lead romantic pair, Charlie Burrows (Joe McGann) and Caroline Wheatley (Diana Weston), tie the knot. This allowed the audience to see their dynamic as a married couple, which didn’t happen onWho’s The Boss?.Both shows were revolutionary for their time because they flipped stereotypical gender dynamicsand maintained the will-they-won’t-they dynamic well into the later seasons.
It’s easy for audiences to relate to and get invested in a romantic dynamic.
Where most TV shows that use this trope fail is that they allow their lead characters to admit their feelings too soon. ThoughThe Upper Handtransgressed and showed their marriage,it still managed to keep it off the table until the end of season 6. What makes the central plot of the two shows so enduring and successful across continents is that gender roles and emerging discussions of 3rd wave feminism were taking place in the U.S. and Britain during this time. Additionally, it’s easy for audiences to relate to and get invested in a romantic dynamic.
10 UK TV Shows That Should Get US Remakes
Remaking British TV shows for American audiences isn’t always necessary or wise, but some British shows could work very well in American settings.
Based on Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)
Larry David’sCurb Your Enthusiasmhas almost overtakenSeinfeldas his best-known and most iconic show. While it might be impossible forCurbto achieve the influence thatSeinfeldhad, it has had a huge impact on improvisational comedy on television.David is known for pushing boundaries and allowing the actors on the show to come up with their dialogueand the scene’s plot on the spot. At the heart of this is David, playing a fictionalized version of himself. This is what Jack Dee did withLead Balloon.
Dee plays Rick Spleen and is sure to separate himself and his own experience fromLead Balloonmore than David does onCurb. The series ran for four seasons and drew enormous comparisons toCurb, even though it pushed to be known as a more fictional and writing-based show. However, Dee’s character in Rick Spleen is too close to the curmudgeonly David to ignore the similarities. Fortunately,it gained recognition as it continued and was recognized as a vital part of British TV comedyin the early 2000s.
