Among some popular U.S. comedies from recent decades, a striking similarity emerges: they’re adaptations of British TV series. For instance, “The Office” breathed new life into a British workplace comedy, turning it into an all-time American favorite sitcom, while “Shameless” reimagined a grim Manchester housing estate as the rough Chicago neighborhood we know today. Given this pattern of success, it’s understandable why both viewers and networks are always scouting for British comedies suitable for U.S. adaptations. However, not every British comedy series adapts smoothly to the U.S. context.
Many viewers in the UK, including myself, often find it unremarkable when an American remake of our TV series underperforms. Shows like “Skins” and “The Inbetweeners” didn’t resonate in the U.S. due to their distinctly British humor that was integral to their appeal. However, there are numerous other UK sitcoms brimming with potential waiting to be unlocked by a U.S. adaptation. These shows could not only survive but could transform into something more robust, much like “The Office,” “Shameless,” and “Ghosts.
10. Fresh Meat (2011-2016)
An American College Setting Would Add Even More Wild Energy To This Student Sitcom
As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share my thoughts on the series titled “Fresh Meat.” This captivating show revolves around six diverse students living together during their freshman year at university. The narrative is a delightful blend of awkward moments, uproarious chaos, and genuine emotional depth. In the UK adaptation, characters such as the refined Oregon (portrayed by Charlotte Ritchie) and socially challenged JP (performed by Jack Whitehall), find themselves in a subtly humorous academic environment brimming with passive-aggressive wit and small-scale calamities. It’s a comedy that never fails to tickle one’s funny bone, but it’s also distinctively British in its understated way of gradually escalating situations.
A U.S. adaptation of the British sitcom “Fresh Meet” could reach its maximum potential by being set in a lively American college. College parties, dorm pranks, campus elections, and grand homecoming events provide an environment teeming with more comedic landmines to explore. Unlike the original, which primarily focuses on students learning to mature, a U.S. version could emphasize the intense emotional turmoil of freshman year, where everything seems like a matter of life or death. With the right ensemble cast, a U.S. remake of “Fresh Meat” could become the next hit comedy series, similar to “Community” or “Undeclared“.
9. Ideal (2005-2011)
A Dispensary-Based Update In The U.S. Could Turn This Cult Sitcom Into A Mainstream Success
Ideal” is a UK sitcom that’s remarkably underrated yet brilliant. The main character, Moz (played by Johnny Vegas), is a lazy marijuana dealer living in Manchester who often entertains an eccentric group of visitors, including stoners and criminals. Despite being set primarily in one room, the show manages to construct a vibrant world brimming with dark humor and intriguing character development. A potential American remake of “Ideal” could be even more successful given that marijuana is now legal in several U.S. states.
Instead of the shady dealer’s apartment, let’s place it in a contemporary cannabis dispensary in Colorado or California. Let’s reimagine Moz as a hesitant shop owner who must juggle business permits, demanding customers, competitive dispensaries, and curious local officials. This change broadens the storyline while maintaining the quirky, character-driven humor that made the original so endearing. Given U.S. audiences’ affinity for series like “High Maintenance” and “Weeds,” “Ideal” seems an ideal choice for a British comedy series that could successfully be adapted into a U.S. remake.
8. Dinnerladies (1998-2000)
A U.S. Workplace Update Would Sharpen This Cozy Ensemble Sitcom’s Edge
Victoria Wood’s “Dinnerladies” was based in a Manchester factory canteen, focusing on the lives of a close-knit team in the food service industry. Their days were filled with work routines, romantic entanglements, and personal crises, all presented in a heartwarming sitcom style that brings to mind a blend of “Cheers” and “Are You Being Served?” with an added touch of British comfort food like baked beans and Yorkshire puddings. At its core, the show resonates with many viewers as it explores the universal experience of working a mundane job while forming deep connections with colleagues who become like family.
A potential American adaptation of “Dinnerladies” might set the story in a Midwest manufacturing plant, focusing on the cafeteria staff navigating issues like healthcare complications, HR grievances, and conflicts between corporate and union representatives. These themes are prevalent in American work culture but were less emphasized in the original British version. Given the success of shows like “Superstore” and “The Bear,” which delve into workplace dynamics, a U.S remake of “Dinnerladies” could breathe new life into the British comedy, giving it the edge it previously lacked.
7. Brassic (2019-Present)
A Small-Town U.S. Remake Could Channel The Same Chaotic Energy That Made Shameless A Hit
In a rundown Northern village, the series “Brassic” chronicles the escapades of an oddball group of friends as they hatch a string of progressively foolish plans to amass money. The charismatic Vinnie (portrayed by Joseph Gilgun) is their leader, grappling with both mental health struggles and criminal tendencies. The show skillfully blends dark humor with genuinely touching scenes, reminiscent of the early seasons of the British adaptation of “Shameless.
To put it simply, Brassic seems to be the spiritual heir apparent to Shameless, making an American adaptation a viable option. By moving the narrative to a struggling Rust Belt town or overlooked Southern community, the series could develop a unique American identity while maintaining its essence. The raw camaraderie, the high-stakes antics, and the heartrending emotional moments would resonate even more deeply in a setting with distinct cultural pressures and economic struggles. Among contemporary British comedy series, Brassic is particularly well-suited for making the leap across the pond for an American remake.
6. Still Game (2002-2019)
Elderly Mischief Meets Modern America In A Sitcom Just Begging For A Southern Twist
The show “Still Game” is a Scottish comedy series that focuses on longtime friends Jack (portrayed by Ford Kiernan) and Victor (played by Greg Hemphill), both elderly gentlemen residing in a Glasgow high-rise building. They find themselves grappling with – and often struggling to adapt to – the rapidly evolving contemporary world. The show is a delightful blend of heartfelt moments and laughter, with many jokes derived from their perplexity regarding modern technology and digital trends, such as smartphones and social media.
A US adaptation could pair up two grumpy retirees in a quaint Southern town, dealing with modern technology like self-checkout machines and clashing with their tech-savvy grandkids from Gen Z. It’s like combining elements of ‘King of the Hill’ and ‘The Kominsky Method’, but with more colorful language and a focus on porches instead of hills. The themes of aging, camaraderie, and resistance to change resonate universally, and there’s a great opportunity to give it a unique American twist. With shows like ‘Grace and Frankie’ setting the stage, ‘Still Game’ is one of those British comedies that could see massive success with a US remake.
5. Plebs (2013-2019)
Letting Ancient Rome Meet Modern America Would Finally Unleash This Comedy’s True Potential
The show titled “Plebs” was a popular British sitcom that took place in ancient Rome. Its main characters were Marcus (played by Tom Rosenthal), Stylax (Joel Fry), and their slave Grumio (Ryan Sampson). They lived their lives filled with work, romance, and social events, mirroring the antics of typical young adults today. It was a unique blend of an old historical backdrop and modern-day humor, but the British wit sometimes limited its appeal beyond the UK audience.
In a different twist, picture an American adaptation of the classic Roman setting, where the characters converse in the laid-back tones of Valley Girls or the sharp wit of New Yorkers. This updated version might exaggerate the absurdity, transforming the city into a contemporary Los Angeles or Las Vegas with togas. Think along the lines of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” but instead featuring gladiators and emperors. The opportunities for satire, cultural references, and daring narratives are vast. This British comedy series is ripe for an American remake not merely because it could succeed, but because it could at last live up to the potential of its concept.
4. Bad Education (2012-2024)
High School Politics And Chaos Would Elevate This Already-Funny Teacher Comedy
The series “Bad Education” centers around Alfie Wickers (Jack Whitehall), a hapless and indolent teacher who surprisingly manages to motivate his motley crew of students despite his constant attempts to discourage them. The British version was fueled by Alfie’s absurdity and the students’ outlandish behavior, yet it remained grounded in the more subdued structure of the UK educational system. Picture this same show set against the backdrop of an energetic American high school setting instead.
As a film enthusiast, I’d say a U.S. remake could strike the ideal balance between the heartfelt humor of “Abbott Elementary” and the rowdy wit of “Vice Principals.” Picture a show with all the belly laughs, but dialed up a notch in volume and intensity. The narrative would revolve around homecoming dramas, power-hungry hall monitors, and the politics of teacher lounges, escalating both the stakes and the laughter. With its sharp wit and unique humor, “Bad Education,” a British comedy, could find a perfect fit in an American setting. The intricacies of our education system would provide a rich goldmine for comedy that’s yet to be fully explored.
3. Derry Girls (2018-2022)
America’s Own Turbulent History Could Give This Teen Comedy A New, Powerful Setting
In the backdrop of the tumultuous Northern Ireland during The Troubles, the series Derry Girls portrayed the lives of five teenagers: Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle, and James (the “wee English fella”). Amidst their everyday struggles with exams, crushes, and nuns, their world sometimes erupted, both literally and symbolically. The unique blend of innocent adolescent ignorance and heavy historical weight is what truly set this show apart.
A fresh American interpretation of “Derry Girls” might capture its unique blend of humor, emotion, and relevance in different eras, such as 1960s Detroit, 1990s Los Angeles, or post-9/11 New York. There are numerous instances throughout U.S. history where a gang of teenagers could offer an intriguing perspective on societal upheaval. With the right group of creative minds, the outcome could be just as humorous, touching, and relatable as the original masterpiece. “Derry Girls” stands out among British comedies, and if an American adaptation is handled skillfully, it could truly shine.
2. Blackadder (1983-1989)
A Historical Anthology Approach Would Turn This Clever Concept Into An American Classic
Blackadder underwent a transformation with each passing season, bounding through history while presenting a fresh take on character Edmund Blackadder (portrayed by Rowan Atkinson) and his intellectually challenged companion Baldrick (Tony Robinson) in different time periods. Spanning from the Middle Ages to World War I, it offered biting wit and some of the most hilarious dialogue ever heard in British sitcoms.
As an ardent fan, I can’t help but imagine a captivating reimagination of the iconic series “Blackadder” in an American context. Instead of tracing the misadventures of a Blackadder-like character across British history, this modern adaptation could chronicle his descendants navigating significant periods of U.S. history – from the Revolutionary War to the Roaring Twenties, the Wild West, and even Watergate. With a brilliant team of writers and a charismatic lead actor, this comedy could serve as the witty counterpart to the “Yellowstone” spinoffs, proving that “Blackadder” isn’t merely a British comedy series worthy of remake – it’s the one with the potential to surpass its original brilliance.
1. The Thick Of It (2005-2012)
A U.S. Political Satire In This Style Would Be Both Hilarious And Horrifyingly Timely
The Thick Of It” is arguably the UK’s sharpest political satire ever created. Featuring Peter Capaldi as Malcolm Tucker, a character known for his biting insults and orchestrating chaos within the government, it exposed the absurd inefficiencies of contemporary politics. This series even inspired the Oscar-nominated American film adaptation, “In The Loop.” Yet, an American series mirroring this style is still absent, and it’s high time one was developed.
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the abundance of satirical potential in a U.S. adaptation of the iconic British series, “The Thick of It.” Given the current political landscape in the States, which is arguably more unpredictable than the UK’s, this comedic gem could be reimagined to deliver biting humor that resonates with contemporary audiences. With a talented cast and a knack for maintaining the original’s dark wit, this adaptation could easily rival “Veep” in terms of sharp humor, but with an edge of cynicism and hilarity that is uniquely American. Among all British comedy shows that deserve a U.S. makeover, “The Thick of It” seems ripe for an innovative and engaging American interpretation.
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2025-07-04 15:20