Summary
- TV show remakes can surpass originals by introducing new interpretations of characters, like in
The Office
and
Shameless
. - Some remakes change the tone or setting of the original, like
Dynasty
moving from Denver to Atlanta and
Bel-Air
‘s grittier approach. -
Veep
proves remakes can be successful by maintaining the satirical humor of the original, even with a different name and setting.
There are multiple TV show remakes that, in theory, should’ve been terrible but are actually absolutely great. Many of the best TV shows of all time are remakes, but the definition of remake has varied. Some remakes reuse the same concept as the original but introduce new interpretations of audiences’ favorite characters, like The Office, whereas others recreate the same story and personalities but with a few detail changes, such as Shameless.
Generally, a TV show is considered a remake if it doesn’t add to the original’s lore and instead adapts the premise in a new and interesting way. Some even change media format, and many TV show remakes are better than the movie or video game they are based on. It’s quite common for American remakes of British TV shows to be incredibly successful, although this isn’t an exclusive rule. On paper, so many TV show remakes are doomed to fail, but they are actually executed brilliantly.
Related
10 Great British Remakes of American TV Shows
Though audience members more frequently see American remakes of British shows, sometimes it goes the other way, and the shows are solid.
10 The Office
Remade In 2005
4.5
The Office is the U.S. remake of the British comedy mockumentary series of the same name. The show follows the misadventures of a Dunder Mifflin Paper Company branch in Scranton, Pennsylvania, led by their unconventional and clueless boss, Michael Scott. The series covers nine years of footage as they find themselves recorded through their work days and off times.
- Cast
- Mindy Kaling , Jenna Fischer , Kate Flannery , Ed Helms , Craig Robinson , Paul Lieberstein , Ellie Kemper , B.J. Novak , Angela Kinsey , Oscar Nunez , Rainn Wilson , Brian Baumgartner , Phyllis Smith , Leslie David Baker , Creed Bratton , Steve Carell , John Krasinski
- Release Date
- March 24, 2005
- Seasons
- 9
- Franchise(s)
- The Office
- Directors
- Greg Daniels , Paul Lieberstein , Paul Feig , Randall Einhorn , Ken Kwapis
- Showrunner
- Greg Daniels
The Office is one of the best sitcoms of all time, and while the British original is still an amazing watch, the American interpretation is even better. Ricky Gervais’ David Brent is one of the cringiest TV characters to date, so it’s hard to believe that anyone could ever match his energy. However, Steve Carell as Michael Scott astonishingly manages to make audiences even more uncomfortable than Brent could ever imagine.The Office UK is very much a product of its environment, and the US remake should’ve flopped.
British humor often doesn’t translate to American audiences, but
The Office
borrows from the UK and also implements US comedy to create a fascinating hybrid.
There’s no doubt that The Office took some time to find its feet, and the pacing of season 1 is off. The show’s mistake is trying too hard to copy the original. In fact, the pilot episodes of the UK and US versions are essentially word for word the same. However, it does come into its own in season 2, which is mainly because of The Office’s cast and the development of its characters. British humor often doesn’t translate to American audiences, but The Office borrows from the UK and also implements US comedy to create a fascinating hybrid.
Related
10 Best American Adaptations Of British TV Shows
American U.S. TV adaptations are often quite successful with their takes on original British U.K. shows, but which are the best this side of the pond?
9 The Tick
Remade In 2016
The Tick is a superhero comedy series based on the comic book created by Ben Edlund, set in a world where superheroes have been real for decades, an accountant with no superpowers realizes a supervillain owns his city. As he struggles to uncover this conspiracy, he falls in league with a strange blue superhero. Accompanied by his sidekick Arthur, the Tick will attempt to remember who he was before he was a hero, and try to make a difference in their corrupt city.
- Cast
- Jackie Earle Haley , John Pirkis , Ryan Woodle , Paul Moon , Joshua Schubart , Griffin Newman , Michael Cerveris , Kahlil Ashanti , Peter Serafinowicz , Scott Speiser , Valorie Curry , Yara Martinez
- Release Date
- August 18, 2016
- Seasons
- 2
- Network
- Amazon Prime Video
- Writers
- Ben Edlund
- Directors
- Barry Sonnenfeld
- Showrunner
- Ben Edlund
Superhero comedies are difficult to popularize, but years after its end,
The Tick
still receives glowing reviews from audiences
The 2016 remake of The Tick is rather different from the original, especially visually. The 1994 series is animated, whereas Amazon’s interpretation is live-action, with Peter Serafinowicz taking on the role of the titular character. The remake uses the facetious humor and action-packed sequences the animation is famous for and amazingly creates something so overly ironic and cheesy that it becomes good. The Tick’s special effects aren’t to the same standards as a blockbuster, but that is a part of the show’s charm overall.
Amazon’s cancellation of The Tick in 2019 is still a massive disappointment. Superhero comedies are difficult to popularize, but years after its end, The Tick still receives glowing reviews from audiences. Season 1 has a slow start, granted, but many big TV shows’ earlier installments aren’t their best either. The Tick offers representation in the superhero genre that is neither Marvel nor DC, and while there are now shows like The Boys to fill that gap, it’s still a shame that such a brilliant remake only has 22 episodes.
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8 Shameless
Remade In 2011
Shameless is a Black Comedy, Family Drama created by Paul Abbott and starring William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, and Justin Chatwin. The premise follows the Gallagher family and their closest friends as they deal with a not-so-helpful father, Frank Gallagher. His children each find their own path, growing into their own flawed people without much guidance or help from the family patriarch.
- Cast
- William H. Macy , Jeremy Allen White , Justin Chatwin , Ethan Cutkosky , Joan Cusack , Emmy Rossum , Emma Kenney , Cameron Monaghan , Noel Fisher , Steve Howey , Shanola Hampton
- Release Date
- January 9, 2011
- Seasons
- 11
- Writers
- Paul Abbott
- Directors
- John Wells
- Showrunner
- John Wells
Shameless is a fantastic and rare example of a British TV show remake with just as many seasons as the original. Both versions focus on the Gallaghers, a family who live on the breadline and constantly attempt to keep each other going. There are some differences between the UK and US versions of Shameless, but the overall theme and message of the show remain the same. However, some storylines and character traits are recycled, such as Debbie’s pregnancy, Fiona running the house, and Frank being a useless parent to his children.
Shameless is another TV show with a distinctively British aura, and it seemed impossible that an American remake could achieve the same popularity. However, with a bigger production budget and incredible performances from the likes of William H. Macy, Jeremy Allen White, and Emmy Rossum, Shameless US proves itself to be just as strong. Even when Emmy Rossum leaves Shameless after season 9, it manages to keep itself afloat, and it’s very deserving of its astonishing number of award nominations.
7 Dynasty
Remade In 2017
A reboot of the 1980s soap opera, Dynasty is a modern soap/comedy series that follows two brothers who discover their father is set to marry one of their employees, and they attempt to sabotage it. Failing in their attempts, they create a new and more cunning rival that seeks to make it on her own – all the while, additional family members return to complicate life at Carrington Atlantic.
- Cast
- Elizabeth Gillies , Rafael de la Fuente , Robert Christopher Riley , Sam Adegoke , Grant Show , Maddison Brown
- Release Date
- October 11, 2017
- Seasons
- 5
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix , Apple TV+
- Writers
- Esther Shapiro
- Directors
- Esther Shapiro
- Showrunner
- Esther Shapiro
2017’s Dynasty is often considered a reboot, but technically, it is actually a remake. This is because Dynasty updates many elements of the 1981 original, but it ensures it stays true to the same basic concept. The show still follows the wealthy Carrington family, except the show’s setting is moved from Denver to Atlanta. While the characters in both versions share the same names, except for a few spelling changes, the details of their personalities and lives differ. For example, the lead in the latest interpretation of Dynasty is now Fallon, as opposed to Blake.
The biggest change, however, is the overall tone
The 1980s original is also guilty of being homophobic, but in the 2017 remake, Blake no longer has any issue with Steven being gay. The biggest change, however, is the overall tone. A soap opera being redefined as a straightforward drama doesn’t sound hopeful, but Dynasty makes it work. The show keeps the heart of the original close, but it isn’t afraid to be gritty and realistic either. Dynasty is one of the CW’s best TV shows, but the only criticism is that it finished without answering certain questions about its storylines.
Related
Dynasty: 10 Questions That Remain Unanswered Now That It’s Cancelled
Dynasty was cancelled after five seasons, and while the show was able to wrap up plenty of storylines, some things are still unresolved.
6 One Day At A Time
Remade In 2017
One Day at a Time is a comedy that originally aired on CBS between 1975 and 1984. It follows a recently divorced mother who raises her two kids in Indianapolis. The original series starred Bonnie Franklin, Pat Harrington, Valerie Bertinelli, and Mackenzie Phillips, but the show was also rebooted in 2017. The reboot ran for four seasons and centered on three generations of a Cuban-American family.
- Cast
- Justina Machado , Todd Grinnell
- Release Date
- January 6, 2017
- Seasons
- 4
- Network
- Netflix
- Writers
- Gloria Calderon Kellett
- Directors
- Gloria Calderon Kellett
- Showrunner
- Gloria Calderon Kellett
One Day at a Time is a sitcom based on the 1975 release of the same name. The overall structure of the show remains the same in both versions and follows the life of a single mother and her two teenagers. In the present day, such a simple idea is so overdone that it’s hard to imagine why it’d be revisited. However, in the 2017 remake, the characters are significantly more developed. Netflix’s version is a reimagining but with a Latino cast. Racism is a prominent topic of conversation throughout the show, often led by veteran Penelope Alvarez.
Homophobia is another notable subject, and Elena’s discovery of her sexuality is one of the show’s best storylines. But at its heart, One Day at a Time is still a comedy about familial bonds. While the show is revamped to reflect modern times and relevant societal problems, it never feels unnatural. One Day at a Time offers parenting advice to audiences in a feel-good way, and even when its characters are heartbroken with a world that seems to be working against them, they always come through for one another.
Related
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One Day At A Time is a popular sitcom that ended in 2020 but here’s why it was canceled before reaching a fifth season, and if it could be revived.
5 House Of Cards
Remade In 2013
House of Cards
3.5
Based on the novel of the same name by Michael Dobbs, House of Cards follows unscrupulous politician Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) as he makes ruthless attempts to further his career. When he’s passed over for an appointment as Secretary of State, Underwood decides to get ahead by any means necessary. His talent for manipulation and pragmatism sees him climb the political ladder despite his total lack of moral fiber.
- Cast
- Kevin Spacey , Michel Gill , Robin Wright , Kate Mara , Michael Kelly , Justin Doescher , Derek Cecil , Jayne Atkinson
- Release Date
- February 1, 2013
- Seasons
- 6
- Writers
- Beau Willimon
- Directors
- Beau Willimon
- Showrunner
- Beau Willimon
- Creator(s)
- Beau Willimon
is another TV show that borrows its concept from elsewhere, but its more intricate details are different. It is an adaptation of the British miniseries and the Michael Dobbs novel, both of which have the same name. However, the US version of House of Cards is significantly more dramatic and tense than its predecessor. Netflix’s remake runs until season 6, whereas the UK original only consists of four episodes. Of course, the political details are completely different, but the themes of morality and power are still apparent.
With such culturally specific source material, House of Cards initially had little hope, but the US interpretation improves upon certain moments from both the original and the book. Every person Frank and Claire kill in House of Cards becomes the subject of a shocking scene that puts audiences on edge, but their deaths feel far more impactful. Because 2013’s House of Cards has more episodes to enjoy, there are no spoilers from the original to encounter, which makes the journey to the White House that much more nerve-wracking.
4 Avatar: The Last Airbender
Remade In 2024
3.5
Based on the acclaimed animated Nickelodeon television series, Avatar: The Last Airbender is an action-adventure fantasy series developed by Albert Kim. The series follows Aang, a young man training to harness the four elements to live up to the title of Avatar – the one who will restore balance to the world.
- Cast
- Gordon Cormier , Dallas Liu , Kiawentiio , Ian Ousley , Daniel Dae Kim , Paul Sun-Hyung Lee
- Release Date
- February 22, 2024
- Seasons
- 3
- Writers
- Albert Kim , michael dante dimartino , bryan konietzko
- Directors
- Michael Goi , Roseanne Liang , Jabbar Raisani , Jet Wilkinson
- Main Genre
- Adventure
- Creator(s)
- Albert Kim
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s live-action remake may receive mixed reviews, but it is still generally a solid TV show. The animated Avatar: The Last Airbender is a legendary piece of television, so the remake is immediately under a lot of pressure to be just as good. However, despite this, the remake still holds up by itself. Aang’s journey to end the tyranny facing the Fire Nation is still the primary focus of the show, but the story is enriched in a way that is only achievable in live-action.
Gordon Cormier nails Aang’s facial expressions and body language beautifully
Netflix’s remake presents certain scenes in far more detail than the animated original. For example, the destruction of the Southern Air Temple is very intricately displayed, and the moment is quite jarring overall. However, this makes the show’s overarching tone even more tense and dramatic. Gordon Cormier nails Aang’s facial expressions and body language beautifully, which makes his more profound moments easier to relate to. Because of the dedicated audience base, any Avatar: The Last Airbender remake is set up for failure, but the 2024 version manages to encapsulate the magic well.
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3 Ghosts
Remade In 2021
4.0
Ghosts is a CBS sitcom that is based on the British series of the same name. Premiering in 2021, the series focuses on married couple Samantha (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), who have inherited a mansion from one of Sam’s distant relatives. They turn the house into a bed and breakfast. When Sam has a near-death experience, she begins to interact with the quirky group of ghosts who live in the mansion.
- Cast
- Rose McIver , Utkarsh Ambudkar , Devan Chandler Long , Roman Zaragoza , Brandon Scott Jones , Rebecca Wisocky , Danielle Pinnock , Richie Moriarty
- Release Date
- October 7, 2021
- Seasons
- 2
The US remake of Ghosts is arguably just as good as the UK original. The hilarious sitcom focuses on married couple Samantha and Jay and the wacky group of spirits that reside in the house they inherit. The original Ghosts is hugely popular in Britain, but the American interpretation of it manages to recreate the same appeal and intrigue fantastically. However, some parts of the US show make it stand out. For example, there is a lot more fornication between the ghosts, something that the original doesn’t touch upon as much.
It relies more on sexual humor in general, which could have been a risky decision, but it pays off. However, the show also delves away from its source, too. For example, the upcoming Ghosts season 4 twist is set to mix things up massively. The idea of a household full of argumentative ghosts and their living roommates is an interesting concept, but the remake achieves the amazingly high standard of the British original.
Related
Ghosts Changed One Key Part Of The Original British Show For The Better
Although CBS’ Ghosts keeps a lot of the original British sitcom’s story intact, one big change that the US show made soon proved a major improvement.
2 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Remade As Bel-Air In 2022
3.5
A gritty and more grounded reimagining of the ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Bel-Air stars Jabari Banks as Will Smith. After falling afoul of a drug lord and his gang in his native West Philadelphia, Will Smith moves to a gated community in Bel-Air with his wealthy Aunt Vivian (Cassandra Freeman) and Uncle Phil (Adrian Holmes). Not only must Will adjust to his new environment, but he’s also forced to deal with his past in order to embrace his future.
- Cast
- Coco Jones , Jordan L. Jones , Olly Sholotan , Adrian Holmes , Jimmy Akingbola , Cassandra Freeman , Akira Akbar , Jabari Banks , Simone Joy Jones
- Release Date
- February 13, 2022
- Seasons
- 3
- Writers
- Andy Borowitz
- Directors
- Carla Banks Waddles
- Showrunner
- Carla Banks Waddles
- Creator(s)
- Andy Borowitz , Susan Borowitz , T.J. Brady
The remake of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is wildly different from the Will Smith sitcom in terms of genre and tone, but it still focuses on the same core story. Bel-Air is a reimagining of Will’s move from West Philadelphia to his aunt and uncle’s home, but is far grittier and veers away from comedy. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air tackles deep issues of racism and cultural divide, but it’s always in a lighthearted way, and by the end of the episode, the issue is often swept away. Bel-Air instead approaches these problems head-on in a painfully realistic way.
At a glance, such an abruptly truthful interpretation of a sitcom that is known as a feel-good watch shouldn’t translate well. Bel-Air’s uneasy atmosphere and reflection of societal standards feel like a selection of deleted scenes from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, looking at the fallout of the events of certain episodes after everyone’s smiles have dropped. The core personalities of Bel-Air’s characters are still the same, but the meaning of the show is completely different. Despite the stunning contrast in the two shows, Bel-Air is still an endearing watch and a show worth investing in.
Related
Bel-Air Cast Guide: How Each Character Compares To Fresh Prince
Bel-Air’s cast and characters dramatically take over the 1990s sitcom’s iconic roles, so here’s how they compare to their Fresh Prince counterparts.
1 Veep
Based On The Thick Of It, Remade In 2012
4.5
When former U.S. Senator Selina Meyer becomes Vice President of the United States, she finds that it is less like what she hoped for, and more what people warned her it would be.
- Cast
- Anna Chlumsky , Timothy Simons , Julia Louis-Dreyfus , Reid Scott , Tony Hale , Matt Walsh , Kevin Dunn , Sufe Bradshaw
- Release Date
- April 22, 2012
- Seasons
- 7
- Network
- HBO Max
- Writers
- Armando Iannucci
- Directors
- Armando Iannucci
- Showrunner
- Armando Iannucci
Veep is one of very few TV show remakes with a name different from its inspiration. It is an American reimagining of the hilarious British political comedy The Thick of It, but one thing that doesn’t change is the use of satirical humor. Veep and The Thick of It both come from the mind of Armando Iannucci, which is why both shows’ jokes and gags have a similar tone. The Thick of It and its iconic main character, Malcolm Tucker, are both quite niche concepts. Therefore, Veep faced much concern that it wouldn’t have the same impact in the US.
However, Veep’s critical acclaim and 17 Primetime Emmys prove otherwise. While the term remake is used very loosely, the similarities between Veep and The Thick of It are visible. Amy Brookheimer can be compared to Oliver Reeder, two aides whose personal lives are constantly sacrificed for the sake of their political leader, for example. The only character counterpart who is missing is, sadly, Tucker. The ridiculous storylines that revolve around all kinds of PR stunts and the makeshift solutions for them are a staple of The Thick of It, and this quality is something Veep replicates perfectly.
