Being Human (UK) Forums

Hey Guys, would really like some opinions on this topic to quote in my article. For my final journalism piece I am writing a feature on the recent increase in US remakes of British shows, so Being Human, Skins and Shameless to name a few.

Why do you think US networks opt for the remake instead of airing the Brit original? Is it to do with format of seasons being different (UK seasons are 6 episodes vs US 22 episodes) Or is it about them wanting the show to be more culturally relevant for theiraudience. (familiar dialect, slang, locations, actors)

If this is the case why is it so uncommon for US shows to be remade this side of the Atlantic?

Do you reckon the US viewers would actually prefer to watch the remake over the original?

Any other opinions you will add to my article would also be fabulouso!

Also anyone with any opinions about the success of US version of The Office would also be grand. Actually taking the idea and developing it into a new show, with origional ideas is fine, but shows like BH and Skins where they just ship the script over and replace Brit slang with American is an absolute waste of time. Do they so little of their viewers that they think they can't understand English?

Thanks for your time

Han

they remake them so that they don't have to pay for the british shows... i guess... anyway, the original being human is 1000 times better than the american remake. i'm frm north carolina and i absolutely love being human (uk) version and Dr Who!!! and Farscape (australian)... thanks for the best shows on tv!!!! Go BRITS!!!! Love ya.

Chuck Bowen

computer systems engineer

Kings Mountain, NC

704 750 9055

I couldn't tell you the actual reason for opting to remake an already aired series however, having watched both the US version along with that of the UK, I can appreciate what each has to offer.

In the case of the original, along with setting the tone for the show, I think that the series does a better job with the interpersonal relationship between the three main characters. I also think that the casting changes between the pilot and the rest of the series was something of an improvement.

In the case of the US version of the show, I was glad to see that they didn't just do a carbon copy of the original. While clearly based on the original screenplay, effort was taken to make the show more culturally relevant while adding tension and a more cohesive storyline. They have taken the original and improved the writing. The US show also does a better job in terms of its visuals.

Another thing to look at is its content. Generally, US shows allow more violence however are often very restrictive on what can be said as well as how much skin can be shown. The brief nudity seen in Being Human may be fine for HBO but basic cable channels would run into a political nightmare when trying to get that out while still trying to get sponsorship to pay for the show.

As for the number of episodes, it's true that the US generally offers more episodes for its season of shows vs. a comparable series of shows in the UK. I think that this has to do with how they schedule the show to be aired and how it's marketed. Also, in the US, there is a threshold of 5 seasons where the show becomes much more viable for syndication. Again, this is marketing.

I do suspect that there is a certain understanding of how Americans think that is a bit alien to those of the UK. It's a fairly insignificant gap but enough to concern those executives that worry that their audience will stop watching as soon as Americans start scratching their heads.

While I enjoy watching Doctor Who and Torchwood, I find that it's something of a niche crowd here in the US that watches the show. As large a niche as that may be, it's not enough to call it mainstream. With so few shows that can make it to the top, I think that US executives want to give the show every opportunity for that to happen.