Summary
Every now and then, American television takes a cue from across the pond, transforming beloved British originals into American sensations. American television has a long and fascinating history of taking brilliant British concepts and recasting them for a Stateside audience, a process that often involves more than just swapping accents and locations.
From iconic sitcoms to sharp political satires, thebest American TVadaptations of British showsdon’t just retell the same stories. They reinvent and often supercharge the original concept, reshaping characters, settings, and themes for a fresh audience while still honoring the spirit of their UK predecessors. So, here are some of the best American TV shows that started life in Britain, ranked for their creative reinventions and cultural impact.
Showtime’sQueer as Folkdidn’t just adapt Russell T Davies’ British series—it took its candid portrait of gay life and dialed up both the scope and the stakes. Where the UK original followed three men navigating Manchester’s gay village, the American version expanded to a full ensemble in Pittsburgh, delving into the lives of five gay men, a lesbian couple, and their extended “chosen family.”
The American series broke ground with its unapologetic approach, featuring the first-ever gay sex scene on US TV and tackling issues from HIV/AIDS to marriage equality. Despite criticism for its lack of diversity and certain stereotypes,Queer as Folkpaved the way for authenticLGBTQ+ representation in American mainstreammedia.
Few sitcoms have pulled off the slapstick sex farce likeThree’s Company. Adapting the BritishMan About the House, the American version shifted the action to Santa Monica, added a “pretend to be gay” twist to appease the landlord, and leaned into broaderhumor and physical comedy.
John Ritter’s iconic turn as Jack Tripper - complete with pratfalls and double entendres - turned the show into an instant classic, earning him both Emmy and Golden Globe wins. Where the UK original traded in gentle wit and social observation,Three’s Companycranked up the chaos, turning everyday misunderstandings into comedic gold.
Norman Lear’sSanford and Sontook the classicBritish working-class comedySteptoe and Sonand reimagined it as a groundbreaking Black sitcom in 1970s Los Angeles. While the UK original mixed comedy with pathos,Sanford and Sonfocused on pure humor and the push-pull dynamic between Fred and his son Lamont.
The show broke barriers for Black representation, quickly becoming a ratings powerhouse and influencing generations of sitcoms to come. Its success demonstrated how cultural translation, when done with heart and authenticity, could create something vital and new for American audiences.
While Paul Abbott’s original followed Manchester’s chaotic Gallagher clan, the US version uprooted the family to Chicago’s South Side and gave the story an even sharper American edge. William H. Macy’s Frank Gallagher is a masterclass in both tragedy and comedy, while Emmy Rossum’s Fiona brings grit and heart as the family’s glue.
What really set this adaptation apart was its willingness to keep the spotlight on the Gallaghers for all eleven seasons, delivering a raw, unfiltered look at poverty, addiction, and resilience in the US.Shamelessdidn’t just remake a British classic; it reinvented what dark comedy could achieve on American TV, becoming a must-watch for fans of fearless, character-driven storytelling.
When Netflix launched its first original drama, it chose a US take on the BBC’s Machiavellian political thrillerHouse of Cards. Swapping Westminster for Washington, Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood is all Southern charm and chilling ambition, dragging viewers into the dark heart of American politics.
Robin Wright’s Claire Underwood, a far more central character than her UK counterpart, proves every bit as ruthless. The American adaptation embraces a darker, more melodramatic tone fit for the era of antihero TV. Despite a controversial final season, the series’ influence on both political drama and digital TV is undeniable.
Armando Iannucci’s brand of political satire made the leap from Whitehall to Washington with HBO’sVeep, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the hilariously self-absorbed Selina Meyer. While the UK’sThe Thick of Itskewered the British government with rapid-fire profanity and Malcolm Tucker’s legendary tirades,Veepfound its own groove by sending up the absurdities of American power from the inside out.
Every episode is a showcase of cringe-inducing PR disasters, staff incompetence, and egomaniacal ambition.Veepresonated deeply with viewers because its storylines often felt uncomfortably close to real-world political blunders, solidifying its status as a modern classic of political satire.
Norman Lear’sAll in the Familydidn’t just adapt a British show—it changed American television forever. Inspired by the UK’sTill Death Us Do Part, the show put working-class bigotry and generational conflict front and center, making Archie Bunker an antihero for the ages.
By tackling everything from racism to women’s rights to the Vietnam War,All in the Familyshattered taboos, blending laugh-out-loud humor with genuine pathos. The show went on to earn a staggering 22 Primetime Emmy Awards, including four for O’Connor and three for Stapleton.All in the Familydidn’t just adapt a British show; it fundamentally altered the landscape of American sitcoms, proving that comedy could be a powerful force for social commentary.
At the top spot stands a show that didn’t just adapt a British classic—it became a phenomenon in its own right.The Office(US) took Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s groundbreaking mockumentary and, after a shaky first season, reimagined it for American audiences with warmth, optimism, and endless rewatch value.
The US version broadened its character arcs, evolving beyond its UK roots to deliver emotional payoffs, like Jim and Pam’s romance. Meme-worthy moments like “That’s what she said!” and a perfect blend ofawkwardness and heartmade the show all the more timeless. Years after its finale, it remains one of the most-streamed and rewatched sitcoms of all time.
