Is it me or does it seem that whenever Britain has a successful comedy the Americans have to remake it to suit their audience? Yet, British people watch American comedies all the time with no problem. What is with this? Is British culture so different that they can't understand our shows? Or do the execs just desire to make more dosh?
shareI think you nailed it with your last question. It's these TV executives here in the US that see something that is successful over seas and, instead of just bringing the show to the American public, they have to do their own version to make money off it themselves. As far as I know there are no Americans demanding this. Unfortunately they saw that the US version of the Office worked (and I enjoy in addition to the original) and now they are on a feeding frenzy.
As for Americans not being able to handle British culture... This is very untrue, with comedy especially. The problem is that major networks here wouldn't take the chance of airing a British show in their line ups in the event that we "wouldn't get it". Which, of course, is pure BS.
US Tv cant handle a show that only runs for 14 episodes then quits at the top. If its a ratings winner then US networks will want 114 episodes and never mind the quality. US TV is a monster that has to be fed. 14 episodes is a late night indulgent snack not a regular mealtime.
Of course Americans can watch and enjoy British TV shows, on PBS, BBC America, or on Canadian stations if they're close enough. BTW the overwhelming number of cultural references in Spaced are to American films and TV shows, so the cultural argument doesnt hold water in this case.
I have noticed that a few of the shows made in the US and Canada have been switching to a 13 episode season. Mostly sci fi shows, but still. I don't mind the shorter seasons. The episodes are generally better quality. And I live for BBC America!
The only difference between lunacy and genius is timing! ~Campbell Bain
I know that happened to many shows in this past season, but that was because of the writers' strike. Many shows had to cut their seasons short.
shareI realize that some of the shows had their seasons cut short because of the writers strike. I was on the side of the writers and didn't mind the shortened seasons for that reason. However, that isn't what I meant. I meant that shows not on mainstream channels have been starting with 13 episode seasons. I doubt that with mainstream television in America, that will ever catch on, but I will say that I personally would rather thirteen quality episodes of a television show over 20-25 episodes that feel stretched thin and are grasping for plots and jokes. Having a shorter season gives them more time to really work on jokes that haven't been done to death and plots that are scraping the bottom of the barrel *cough* exploding tumors *cough*.
The only difference between lunacy and genius is timing! ~Campbell Bain
Don't be daft!
You're blaming Americans for something that television producers are doing. Personally, I watch lots of British shows (but all I get is BBC America, so it makes it tough). The fact is, I don't think they've tried to air British shows to see if American audiences would pick up on it.
I think there is a bit of a cultural difference between American and England. I guarantee that the British know more about American culture than American's know about British culture... so a lot of references would be lost on audiences.
Of course, the reason why British viewers know more about American culture is because they've been watching the best of American shows for decades. Americans are very insular, much more so than any nation I can think of (dismissing crazies like North Korea of course).
Sometimes, baby bison die.
I think it takes a certain kind of American to appreciate foreign television; that being people who will take the time to look up the cultural references. For instance, when I watched "Mettle" I had to go look up who Philippa Forrester was to fully appreciate the joke of Simon and Jessica's flirting (I still LMAO when he says "Don't cheapen this.")
Also, some US people have a really hard time understanding heavier UK accents, particularly when they talk fast. I spent my early days on the internet, talking in vChat on yahoo with people all over the world. I got very good at understanding people despite their accents (no one in my family can watch Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and understand half of it, but I get most of it).
Mostly, the problem is lack of exposure. From what I understand, in the UK you're a lot more likely to be aware of our cultural references because we export so much more. But in the US people have to go looking for British TV, or be exposed by another friend who's into it. It took me years after it was over to see the entirety of AbFab, because it wasn't easy to find on our TV (eventually had to watch it all online).
Don't assume that American's can't handle it, instead tell your US comrades about the great shows we're missing. Hell, I'm open to some more comedy suggestions myself. Have already watched Spaced through twice, and completely in love with it.
The less a man makes declarative statements the less apt he is to look foolish in retrospect.
Yea, I'm going to have to blame the British for this to some extent. I mean, damn you and your seven episode seasons (or series or whatever you're calling them over there).
I know that a lot of drivel gets way too many episodes, and that some shows would probably be a lot better if they only had to think up seven stories, but dammit all, I want 22 episodes of Spaced every year for ten years!
P.S. I don't really blame the British, just taking the piss. (haha, I just love throwing that expression out there, I'm not actually British).
Anyway, this cake is great. It's so delicious and moist.
You only have to look at the mess they made with season 2 of twin peaks to realise how much they try & milk out of tv shows. It was almost perfect before they insisted on revealing the killer too soon & then forcing lynch to write up some other barmy storyline to keep things ticking over. That said, I'm still uber excited for the new series.