Why BBC shows reign supreme

Life on Mars was a successful BBC show before it came to ABC

Americans love TV shows. We can't get enough of the gritty dramas, the laugh out loud sitcoms or the reality TV shows we've grown to love. But lately American TV has gotten kind of stale. In the "Seinfeld" era of television, America was on top with originality in their programs. Shows like "Seinfeld," "Fraiser" and many others showed the creativity we can possess.

Lately, all the U.S. seems to do is look to other foreign countries and take a show that was a smash overseas and try to dupilcate it. Many shows from the BBC in England have been sent over here only to have many of them become casualties. Here is a list of shows that have come over only to fail:

Coupling - The BBC comedy about a group of 3 guys and girls talking about everything from Sex to the Giggle Loop failed miserably when the Americanized version premiered on NBC in the Fall of 2003. The big reason was the scripts were identical. Some british humor can not translate here. It's not that it isn't funny but when an American says "Bollocks," it kind of loses its luster. The show lasted 4 episodes before the plug was pulled. (BBC series lasted 4 series, 28 episodes and won the best comedy award in Britain.)

Little Britain USA - The biggest example of how a british show that's exactly like its counterpart can not possibly work in America. Jokes going over people's heads, etc. This HBO show was taken off the air after 6 episodes and its status for return remains uncertain.

Life on Mars- Sam Tyler found his groove eventually on ABC but the famed BBC Drama's American cousin was cancelled after only one season. In all fairness, the original only had 16 episodes which is about how many this version had. But still, this was one of my favorite imports and its disappointing to see it go.

Now let's take a look at the few successful BBC imported shows:

Worst Week - Based on the successful "Worst Week of My Life" on the BBC, the American version is even wackier than the original. Status of this series renewal is uncertain but I hope CBS decides to keep it.

The Office - This Golden Globe award-winning BBC show is now an Americanized award-winning show. Ricky Gervais saw the BBC version as a limited run show along with a Christmas special (much like his HBO hit Extras). He also was smart and made sure to change the dialogue to where Americans would understand it better. Still going strong and anchors NBC Thursdays.

For the last few years, BBC America has been one of my favorite networks. It has brought such great, original shows like "Robin Hood," "Not Going Out," "That Mitchell and Webb Look," and now the sequel to "Life on Mars" - "Ashes to Ashes" to the forefront of American TV. I think TV writers need to take a look at what they're creating and ask themselves what we could do that is as original as their shows.