If you thought The Office was the only American TV show with an international origin, think again! We’ve delved into the realm of remakes to bring you a list of popular U.S. shows that have foreign roots. From political satires to intense teen dramas, these series offer a unique perspective on storytelling. Let’s take a closer look at these adaptations and see how they stack up against their originals.
Veep: A Political Comedy Journey
Remake of: The Thick of It
Country of origin: UK
Streaming on: HBO Max
From the witty mind of Armando Ianucci, Veep follows the political escapades of Vice President Selina Meyer. A remake of the British hit The Thick of It, Veep adds an ensemble touch, giving characters more time in the spotlight. While both versions share DNA, Veep takes a distinct turn, making it a must-watch political satire.
Euphoria: Teen Drama with an Edge
Remake of: אופוריה (Euphoria)
Country of origin: Israel
Streaming on: HBO Max
HBO’s Euphoria dives into the tumultuous lives of high school students, exploring themes of sex, drugs, and violence. Adapted from the Israeli series Euphoria, the American version, led by Zendaya, adds an intense layer to the narrative. With each episode costing a staggering $11 million, the remake captivates with its elaborate cinematography.
House of Cards: A Ruthless Quest for Power
Remake of: House of Cards
Country of origin: UK
Streaming on: Netflix
Originating from the BBC’s 1990 miniseries, House of Cards (U.S.) unfolds a gripping tale of political revenge in Washington, D.C. Kevin Spacey’s portrayal of Congressman Frank Underwood draws inspiration from the original’s Francis Urquart. A Netflix original, it marked the streaming giant’s venture into in-house production.
Utopia: Graphic Novels and Apocalyptic Paths
Remake of: Utopia
Country of origin: UK
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
Utopia takes a group of misfits on a journey triggered by a cult graphic novel, foreseeing the world’s end. While the premise mirrors the British original, the execution falls short in the remake. For a more superior experience, dive into the gripping narrative of the original Utopia.
Homeland: Espionage and Psychological Intrigue
Remake of: חטופים / Prisoners of War
Country of origin: Israel
Streaming on: Hulu
Claire Danes shines as CIA agent Carrie Mathison in Homeland, adapted from Israel’s Prisoners of War. The U.S. version intensifies the suspense, focusing on Mathison’s spy endeavors. While the original delves into the nuanced experiences of prisoners of war, the remake takes a more action-packed approach.
Shameless: A Working-Class Family Saga
Remake of: Shameless
Country of origin: UK
Streaming on: Netflix
Shameless follows the Gallagher family’s exploits in Chicago, adapted from the British series. With 11 seasons, it became Showtime’s longest-running scripted comedy. The U.S. and UK versions, directed by the same individual, share the same chaotic charm but in distinct cultural settings.
The Good Doctor: Medical Drama Across Borders
Remake of: 굿 닥터 (Good Doctor)
Country of origin: South Korea
Streaming on: Hulu
Freddie Highmore takes on the role of surgical resident Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor, inspired by the South Korean series. Lasting four seasons longer than its origin, the American adaptation, led by David Shore of House fame, delivers a unique perspective on medical dramas.
Jane the Virgin: Telenovela Satire
Remake of: Juana la virgen
Country of origin: Venezuela
Streaming on: Netflix
Jane the Virgin, a romantic dramedy, puts a satirical spin on the Venezuelan telenovela Juana la virgen. Both series share a quirky premise involving accidental artificial insemination. While the original is a classic soap opera, the remake offers a humorous take on the genre.
The Bridge: A Border-Crossing Crime Drama
Remake of: Broen / Bron
Country of origin: Denmark and Sweden
Streaming on: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
Set around the Bridge of the Americas, The Bridge follows detectives tackling a cross-border serial killer. While the U.S. version is entertaining, the Nordic original is considered a key entry in the Nordic noir genre. The format even inspired international joint productions, showcasing the versatility of the concept.
The Killing: Atmospheric Police Procedural
Remake of: Forbrydelsen
Country of origin: Denmark
Streaming on: Hulu
The Killing, a police procedural set in Seattle, draws inspiration from the Danish series. Both versions delve into the investigation of a high school girl’s murder, with the U.S. adaptation capturing the gloomy aesthetic of its Nordic predecessor.
Ugly Betty: From Telenovela to New York
Remake of: Yo soy Betty, la fea
Country of origin: Colombia
Streaming on: Hulu
Ugly Betty, based on the Colombian telenovela, follows a smart woman navigating her way in the New York fashion scene. The remake introduces a confident Betty, focusing on her abilities rather than her looks. Numerous international adaptations highlight the universal appeal of the concept.
Power Rangers: Japanese Tokusatsu Inspiration
Remake of: The Super Sentai franchise
Country of origin: Japan
Streaming on: Netflix
Power Rangers, a ’90s kids’ favorite, finds its roots in the Japanese tokusatsu series Super Sentai. With nearly 30 seasons, the franchise continues to captivate audiences with its special effects and giant robots. Fun fact: The Power Rangers series repurposed footage from the ’70s and ’80s Super Sentai entries.
FAQs
1. Why are TV show remakes popular? TV show remakes provide an opportunity to reimagine stories for a new audience, often infusing cultural nuances and fresh perspectives. They offer a chance to explore familiar narratives in different settings.
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