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, as creating 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 British 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 are The Office and Shameless, 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

Nobody’s Perfect (1980–1982)

Based on Maude (1972–1978)

Elaine Stritch is reason enough to watch Nobody’s Perfect, as well as her co-star, Richard Griffiths, who audiences might know as a member of the Dursley family in Harry Potter. The two prolific actors came together to create a uniquely British iteration of Maude. Though the star of Maude, 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. Like Maude, Nobody’s Perfect took 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 in Maude and Nobody’s Perfect are relevant today.

9

Married For Life (1996)

Based on Married… With Children (1987–1997)

Married… With Children is 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 of Married… With Children, Married For Life is an interesting look into how people outside the U.S. perceived the show and what exactly made the American series so popular.

The characters were all virtually the same and suffered the same highs and lows in Married For Life as in its predecessor, but it came when Married… With Children was coming to its end. By this point, audiences had had enough of the format of Married… With Children and were interested in up-and-coming sitcoms like Friends that targeted younger, single audiences. Had Married For Life started closer to the beginning of the other show, it might have stood a chance.

8

The Fosters (1976–1977)

Based on Good Times (1974–1979)

Good Times was 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 after Good Times began, 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.

When watched today, neither Good Times nor The Fosters seem 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 audiences that followed in their footsteps. The Fosters also saw the beginning of Lenny Henry’s career, an actor and comic who would go on to receive great renown.

7

In With The Flynns (2011–2012)

Based on Grounded For Life (2001–2005)

In With The Flynns is an underrated gem based on Grounded For Life that would have done better today than it did in 2011. Where Grounded For Life focused more on the immaturity of the central parents, In With The Flynns highlighted 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 inequality on screen. In With The Flynns received 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 sitcoms shot in studios. Audiences were gaining interest in dramas and new offerings on television. In With The Flynns is 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, and Grounded For Life certainly did, In With The Flynns can be predictable at times, but shouldn’t be forgotten.

6

Loved By You (1997–1998)

Based on Mad About You (1992–2019)

There are many great TV shows with only one season, and though the strength of Mad About You seemed easily translatable to British audiences, Loved By You had 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 of Mad About You in 2019, many years after its initial cancelation in 1999. Despite this, it’s unlikely that another season of Loved By You will 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 that Mad About You lasted as long as it did, as there 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, but Loved By You just didn’t hit at the right time for viewers.

5

Law and Order: UK (2009–2014)

Based on Law & Order (1990–Present)

The Law & Order universe 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 first Law & Order and all of its spin-offs did well around the world due to their episodic format and the universality of the audience’s interest in criminal investigations. However, Law and Order: UK managed 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 American Law & Order shows, but it’s especially fun to see in British shows as there’s a smaller pool of actors to draw from. Watching Law & Order: UK likely means seeing fan-favorite actors no matter the episode. It worked well and lasted many seasons because police 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.

4

The 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 of The Golden Girls, but The Brighton Belles came close. The actresses were just as strong in The Brighton Belles, and the premise didn’t lose steam, but when compared with the original, it’s difficult to compete. The Golden Girls was popular in Britain the same way it was in America, so The Brighton Belles didn’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 watch The Brighton Belles today and compare it with what The Golden Girls was 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 of The Golden Girls happened today, it might find a decent amount of success. However, until then, revisiting The Brighton Belles is a great way to pass the time.

3

Coupling (2000–2004)

Based on Friends (1994–2004)

All 10 seasons of Friends remain popular to this day, but it’s not unlikely that the average TV watcher might also be familiar with Coupling. The British series was written by Steven Moffat, which is surprising considering his trajectory into working on sci-fi projects like Doctor Who. However, his work on Coupling was 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 to Friends.

What made Coupling interesting and a departure from traditional narratives like Friends was the elements Moffat included that were uncommon for network television. However, at its core, Coupling found 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 throughout Friends. While four seasons might seem like a short run, Coupling made its mark during that time and is well-remembered by fans.

2

The 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 Hand ran for seven seasons to positive reviews. The Upper Hand even 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 on Who’s The Boss?. Both shows were revolutionary for their time because they flipped stereotypical gender dynamics and maintained the will-they-won’t-they dynamic well into the later seasons.

Where most TV shows that use this trope fail is that they allow their lead characters to admit their feelings too soon. Though The Upper Hand transgressed 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.

1

Lead Balloon (2006–2011)

Based on Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)

Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm has almost overtaken Seinfeld as his best-known and most iconic show. While it might be impossible for Curb to achieve the influence that Seinfeld had, 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 dialogue and 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 with Lead Balloon.

Dee plays Rick Spleen and is sure to separate himself and his own experience from Lead Balloon more than David does on Curb. The series ran for four seasons and drew enormous comparisons to Curb, 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 comedy in the early 2000s.