Comments on: TV Shows that Didn’t Cut it Across the Pond

By: redser

redser — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:11:00 +0000

FYI- Flight of the Conchords was never a TV show in New Zealand- the two guys toured a live show that made it to Edinburgh where it was picked up as a short radio play on BBC.

Sadly they were never given the chance in NZ to really get big in their home country- damn you TVNZ!!

By: Joie at Canned Laughter

Joie at Canned Laughter — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:12:00 +0000

Steptoe and Son/Sanford and Son, Man About the House/Three’s Company…Good grief! I sometimes wonder if there is such a thing as original programming!

By: rick

rick — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:41:00 +0000

NEWHART! it is fawlty towers.

By: David

David — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:02:00 +0000

The Ropers lasted several seasons in
UK. I never saw it but the lead actor still appears on Last Of The Summer Wine and a recurring bit on Catherine Tate Show.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:53:00 +0000

The British version of Coupling was great–the American version sucked for two reasons: 1) horrible acting; and 2) bad casting–the actors were cast to be pretty, which just left them interchangeable and bland.

By: Mark X

Mark X — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:43:00 +0000

Given the lack of success with merely importing formats from other countries, it’s a pity more broadcasters don’t use the Flight Of The Conchords route, and relocate the show using the original performers. Doing so still wouldn’t be easy (having Mark and Jeremy from Peep Show relocate to New York for no reason might be a bit clumsy), but if handled as well as ‘Flight…’ it could pay handsome dividends.

Other shows that didn’t quite survive the trip from the UK to the US? The IT Crowd. An interesting piece on the translation by the writer of the original show here at tr.im/hoIQ

By: V

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:15:00 +0000

Well, maybe the people in Calabasas will be insulted.

By: VM

VM — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:03:00 +0000

It so happened that yesternight I was in the audience for the taping of the pilot for an American version of Absolutely Fabulous. VERY funny! Kristen Johnston (the female alien in 3rd Rock from the Sun) played Patsy, and she nailed the attitude. I can assure all those who feared that Patsy and Eddy would be completely defanged that they still drink like fishes, that Patsy has caches of substances in her purse to bring out at opportune moments, that it’s clear they’re into casual sex. Eddy does seem more self-conscious in this version; she was trying to quit smoking, and at points seemed wistful to get some approval from her daughter…but ultimately, she’s defiantly immature. Patsy and Saffron are still mortal enemies, though the putdowns weren’t as blast-furnace vicious as “you little bitch troll from hell” et al of the Brit series. In my opinion it holds up quite well, thank you, and I look forward to this getting on Fox’s schedule. Doubtless a few whiny devotees will complain it isn’t “as funny” when they really mean “as bitter”, but everyone else will have a rollicking good time.

By: redser

redser — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:02:00 +0000

I had the misfortune to catch an episode of the anglisised version of “That 70′s Show” called “Days Like these”. It was AWFUL. I have no idea how long it ran for but the bit I saw had the dialogue verbatim, which was excruciating to watch.

It can be found on youtube still

By: redser

redser — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:59:00 +0000

I had the misfortune to catch an episode of the anglisised version of “That 70′s Show” called “Days Like these”. It was AWEFUL. I have no idea how long it ran for but the bit I saw had the dialogue verbatim, which was excruciating to watch.

It can be found on youtube still