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American Remakes of British Television: Transformations and Mistranslations

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The world of television has become increasingly globalized in recent years, with shows from all over the world finding audiences in different countries. One of the most interesting trends in this regard has been the rise of American remakes of British television shows.

There have been many successful American remakes of British shows, such as The Office, House of Cards, and Sherlock. However, there have also been some notable failures, such as Coupling and Life on Mars. So, what makes a successful American remake of a British show?

American Remakes of British Television: Transformations and Mistranslations

by Heather Marcovitch

5 out of 5

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There are a number of factors that contribute to the success or failure of an American remake of a British show. One important factor is the faithfulness of the adaptation. Some remakes, such as The Office, are very faithful to the original show, while others, such as House of Cards, take more liberties with the source material. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to faithfulness, but it is important to strike a balance between staying true to the original show and making changes that are necessary for an American audience.

Another important factor is the casting. The actors who play the lead roles in a remake can make or break the show. In the case of The Office, Steve Carell was perfectly cast as Michael Scott, and his performance helped to make the show a success. However, in the case of Coupling, the American actors were not as well-cast, and the show failed to find an audience.

Finally, it is important to consider the cultural differences between the United States and the United Kingdom. Some British shows simply do not translate well to an American audience. For example, the show Gavin & Stacey is a popular sitcom in the UK, but it is unlikely to be successful in the US because it is so heavily reliant on British culture.

Despite the challenges, there have been a number of successful American remakes of British television shows. These remakes have introduced American audiences to some of the best shows that British television has to offer, and they have also helped to create a more globalized television landscape.

Some of the most successful American remakes of British television shows include:

The Office
House of Cards
Sherlock
Fargo
Broadchurch

Some of the most notable failures of American remakes of British television shows include:

Coupling
Life on Mars
The Inbetweeners
Prime Suspect
Skins

The success or failure of an American remake of a British television show is a complex issue that depends on a number of factors. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed to increase the chances of success. By staying faithful to the original show, casting the right actors, and taking into account the cultural differences between the two countries, it is possible to create an American remake that is both successful and enjoyable.

American Remakes of British Television: Transformations and Mistranslations

by Heather Marcovitch

5 out of 5