In the ever-evolving world of television, some of the most exciting and innovative content is born from adaptations. In recent years, many American TV shows have taken inspiration from successful international series, infusing their own creative flair while staying true to the essence of the originals. These adapted series often bring a fresh perspective to familiar stories, introduce international talent to American audiences, and offer a glimpse into different cultures and lifestyles. The result is a fascinating blend of global influence and local storytelling.
This article delves into ten of the best American adaptations of international TV series, exploring what makes each unique, how they’ve shaped the American television landscape, and why they resonate with audiences. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming comedies, these series demonstrate the rich potential of international inspiration combined with American storytelling sensibilities. Let’s explore the top ten best American-adapted international TV series that have captivated audiences and earned critical acclaim.
1. “The Office” (U.S.) – A British Original Transformed Into an American Classic
The Office (U.S.), based on the British series created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, is arguably one of the most successful American adaptations of a foreign show. While the British version is known for its sharp, dry humor and its awkward, uncomfortable tone, the American adaptation embraced a more accessible, heartwarming style, eventually becoming one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history.
The key to the success of The Office (U.S.) was its ability to adapt the original’s mockumentary format into a format that resonated with American viewers. The characters were deeply fleshed out over the course of multiple seasons, and the series created a perfect balance between absurd humor and emotional depth. Steve Carell’s portrayal of Michael Scott, the bumbling regional manager, became iconic, and the chemistry among the cast made it relatable to audiences in a way that transcended cultural boundaries. The success of The Office (U.S.) sparked a wave of interest in adaptations, setting the stage for other international series to be re-imagined for American television.
2. “House of Cards” – From a British Political Drama to an American Powerhouse
House of Cards, based on the 1990 British political thriller of the same name, was one of the first series to show how a sharp political drama could be adapted into an American setting while maintaining the tension and dark cynicism of the original. The British version was a straightforward exploration of British politics, but the American adaptation expanded the scope, turning it into a larger-than-life power struggle within the American political system.
Kevin Spacey’s portrayal of Frank Underwood, a Machiavellian politician navigating the complexities of power and corruption, captivated audiences and raised the stakes of political dramas in America. House of Cards elevated the genre by intertwining contemporary political themes with character-driven storytelling, and it became a cultural touchstone, especially for viewers interested in the inner workings of Washington, D.C. The series marked a significant moment in TV history, where an international property was not just adapted but reimagined to reflect the unique dynamics of American politics.
3. “The Killing” – A Scandinavian Crime Drama with an American Twist
Adapted from the Danish series Forbrydelsen (The Crime), The Killing was an American take on Scandinavian noir, exploring the complexities of a murder investigation and its impact on the community. The Danish original was known for its slow-burn approach to storytelling, as well as its nuanced portrayal of characters, and the American version retained those qualities while adjusting to a different cultural backdrop.
The show follows Detective Sarah Linden, played by Mireille Enos, as she investigates a murder that has far-reaching consequences. The darker tones of the Danish series were successfully translated into the American context, creating a gripping, atmospheric drama that appealed to viewers with a taste for intense crime stories. While the American adaptation did take liberties in terms of pacing and character development, it stayed true to the heart of the original, offering a fresh yet faithful rendition that gained critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
4. “The Bridge” (U.S.) – The American Version of a Nordic Crime Thriller
Another example of Scandinavian influence is The Bridge (U.S.), an adaptation of the Swedish/Danish series Bron/Broen. The original series, which explored the connection between Sweden and Denmark via a murder investigation on the Øresund Bridge, became a breakout hit and was praised for its exploration of cultural and psychological complexities. The American version, set in the U.S.-Mexico border region, took the core premise of the original and infused it with a distinctly American narrative, focusing on issues such as immigration, crime, and the tensions between two very different cultures.
While the American version changed the geographical setting, it maintained the dark, brooding atmosphere that made the original so compelling. The chemistry between the two lead characters, Detective Sonya Cross and Detective Marco Ruiz, mirrored that of their Scandinavian counterparts, and their complex, often dysfunctional relationship was at the heart of the show’s success. The Bridge (U.S.) proved that a successful adaptation does not require a carbon copy of the original but rather a thoughtful re-imagining that stays true to the core themes while adding new layers to the story.
5. “The Good Wife” – A Political Legal Drama Inspired by a Swedish Original
The Good Wife is an American legal and political drama based on the Swedish series Den goda frun (The Good Wife). While the original series explored the political life of a woman whose husband is a disgraced politician, the American adaptation redefined the premise, transforming the story into a complex narrative about gender, power, and personal growth within the legal system.
The American series follows Alicia Florrick, played by Julianna Margulies, who returns to her career as a lawyer after her husband’s public scandal. The show tackled themes of morality, justice, and the balancing act between personal and professional life. By shifting the focus from Swedish politics to the intricacies of the American legal world, The Good Wife managed to captivate both critics and audiences, running for seven successful seasons. Its success demonstrated how international adaptations could tackle universally relevant themes in ways that still resonated deeply with American viewers.
6. “Shits Creek” – A Canadian Export That Became a Cultural Phenomenon
Though not a direct adaptation of a single international show, Schitt’s Creek is a Canadian creation that found immense success in the U.S. after its American debut. Created by Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy, the series follows the Rose family, who lose their fortune and must adapt to life in a small town they once bought as a joke. Despite being a Canadian series, its international appeal and critical acclaim led to it becoming an American television sensation.
The show became iconic not just for its unique premise and sharp wit, but also for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, which were integral to its storyline. Schitt’s Creek earned numerous awards, including multiple Emmys, and cemented its place in the hearts of viewers on both sides of the border. Its success is a testament to how television can transcend borders, bringing international concepts and sensibilities to mainstream American culture.
7. “The Americans” – Cold War Spy Drama Inspired by Russian Series
The Americans is an American period drama that draws inspiration from the Russian series I Married a Communist, which focuses on the lives of spies embedded in foreign countries. The show follows two KGB agents posing as an American couple in Washington, D.C. during the Cold War, and it blends espionage with family drama in a way that resonates deeply with American audiences.
The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of the espionage world, as well as its exploration of the complex relationships between the characters. The psychological tension between the two lead spies, played by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, added an emotional depth to the political intrigue, making The Americans a standout series that received widespread critical acclaim.
8. “The Night Manager” – British Espionage Thriller with a Hollywood Cast
The Night Manager is a British series based on the novel by John le Carré, but it was adapted into an American television event. The show, starring Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie, follows Jonathan Pine, a former soldier who infiltrates the inner circle of an international arms dealer. The adaptation successfully retained the novel’s atmospheric tension while updating it for a broader audience.
The American version introduced global elements to the story, drawing on themes of corruption, power, and the international arms trade. With a star-studded cast and high production values, The Night Manager became a critical success, praised for its pace, direction, and performances, proving that British source material can be reworked into something even more compelling for American television.
9. “Rake” – An Australian Legal Comedy Adapted with Charm
Rake is an Australian legal comedy series that was adapted into an American version, starring Greg Kinnear. The show follows a brilliant but deeply flawed lawyer who is more interested in his own personal life than his professional responsibilities. The American version retained much of the quirky humor of the Australian original while infusing it with American sensibilities.
Kinnear’s performance was widely praised, and while the show only lasted one season, it captured the essence of the original while offering a unique take on the legal comedy genre. It showed that international adaptations do not need to be confined to dramatic retellings but can also embrace humor and charm.
10. “The Fall” – A British Thriller Reinterpreted for American Audiences
Lastly, The Fall, a British psychological thriller that follows a serial killer and the detective trying to catch him, was adapted into an American version. While the original was praised for its chilling performances and tension-filled storytelling, the American adaptation reinterpreted the core elements of the series, with an emphasis on psychological suspense.
With a strong cast and gripping narrative, this adaptation proved that American audiences could embrace dark, intense thrillers from across the Atlantic, helping to expand the horizons of American television.
Conclusion
American adaptations of international TV series offer a window into the global storytelling landscape, allowing American audiences to experience different cultures, themes, and styles while enjoying the familiar comforts of American television. These ten adaptations showcase the rich diversity of ideas and the ability of American creators to reinvent stories for new audiences, ensuring that television remains an exciting, dynamic medium for years to come. Whether it’s a political drama, a crime thriller, or a heartfelt comedy, these adapted series have set a high bar for international influence in the American television industry.
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