Cringe or Binge: 8 British TV Shows That Got Remade in US, Ranked

8 American TV shows (plus some honourable mentions) that were originally made in the UK: are they CRINGE or should you BINGE?

The Office UK → The Office US

8.5/9.0 on IMDb

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the masterminds behind the original British series, decided to take their creation across the pond. The US version became an instant hit, racking up awards left and right. This show is like a universal language, making people laugh no matter where they're from. It's become a cult classic in both the UK and the US, so if you haven't seen both versions yet, you're missing out!

We vote: BINGE

Ghosts UK → Ghosts US

8.4/7.9 on IMDb

If you've seen the BAFTA-nominated original, Ghosts US will feel like a familiar haunt. A couple inherit a mansion, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows - the place is crawling with ghosts from different eras. While the American version starts off similarly, it quickly establishes its own identity, so there's plenty of fresh material for fans of the UK show. Just be warned, if you're used to the dry wit of the British version, the US one might feel a bit more like a slapstick pie in the face.

We vote: BINGE

Miranda → Call Me Kat

8.2/5.4 on IMDb

In a perfect world, we would all erase Call Me Kat from our memories, but it's still out there for all to see. Miranda's unique vibe and British charm are irreplaceable, and that's probably why the American version received some brutal reviews from both critics and ordinary viewers. Call Me Kat just didn't have that same spark of awkward, clumsy humour that made Miranda such a success. Plus, there is simply no one else like Miranda Hart. Sometimes it's best to leave things be and not mess with the magic!

We vote: CRINGE

Queer As Folk UK → Queer As Folk US

8.2/8.5 on IMDb

These two TV series, although sharing the same plot foundation, are as different as cats and dogs. The British version is about the grit and pain of the characters' lives, while the American version is more clean and polished. The US adaptation is bigger and brighter, which may be due to the larger budget, and seems to have aged better than the original. If you're looking for a show to commit some time to, I'd suggest going for the American version.

We vote: BINGE

Gavin and Stacey → Us & Them

8.2/5.3 on IMDb

Gavin & Stacey is like a cup of tea with biscuits, so British that trying to make a US version would just be wrong. Fox knew better and decided not to air the episodes they had actually made, sending them straight to Crackle. Americans might struggle to grasp the kind of humour that makes Gavin and Stacey tick, so it could never have reached the same classic status as the British original.

We vote: CRINGE

Skins UK → Skins US

8.2/3.8 on IMDb

It is well known that the US adaptation of Skins was pretty much a flop (largely due to the controversy surrounding accusations of promoting child pornography, as a significant number of the cast were under 18). Frankly, the American version of Skins could never replicate the cult status of the original. The stark differences between American and British teen culture proved a massive obstacle, making it impossible for the characters of Skins to be seen as the same in both countries.

We vote: CRINGE

Shameless UK → Shameless US

8.0/8.5 on IMDb

So many people enjoyed watching this show, and BOTH versions managed to captivate audiences in both countries. The British version of the show is a delightful blend of comedy and drama, set in a council estate in Manchester. Similarly, the American adaptation follows a familiar style and tone. What sets this show apart from other adaptations is its ability to effortlessly resonate with viewers on both sides of the Atlantic. Its success has been further recognised by the numerous prestigious awards it has won, and it continues to have significant rewatch value in 2023.

We vote: BINGE

Being Human UK → Being Human US

7.8/7.5 on IMDb

Depending on which version you're watching, Being Human can feel like two completely different shows. The original UK series has a loyal fanbase and has been praised by critics for its high production values and clever blend of drama and comedy. On the other hand, the US version tends to lean towards melodrama, with characters brooding and hooking up. Both shows and sets of characters are entertaining in their own right, but the UK characters take the plot less seriously, embracing the absurdity of it all.

We vote: BINGE

Honourable mentions worth the watch:

So far we have compared the UK and US counterparts of drama and comedy shows, but many British entertainment and reality shows have also made their way to the States.

1. Gogglebox vs. The People's Couch

The People's Couch was an American attempt at the British beloved Gogglebox, an entertainment show based on the premise of watching people watch TV - sound boring? Not at all! Both shows feature members of the public whose reactions will make you laugh, cry and gasp.

2. The Great British Bake-Off vs. The Great American Baking Show

Another British classic is, of course, The Great British Bake-Off. Americans saw its success and thought, "Yes! We can do it too!" While the contestants are just as talented and deserving as their British counterparts, The Great American Baking Show just lacks the laid-back, witty British charm of the original.

3. Strictly Come Dancing vs. Dancing With The Stars

Finally, and popular on both sides of the pond, are Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars - contest shows where celebrities show off their footwork skills and compete to be crowned the best dancer. Both versions have great judges we love to hate, the same dazzling format and enough glitz and glam to make us love them.