TV Shows With International Remakes

Television formats often travel across borders through the process of international remaking. This practice allows networks to adapt successful storytelling structures for local audiences while maintaining the core themes of the original work. From workplace comedies to intense crime dramas, producers frequently look to global markets for proven concepts. These adaptations often reflect unique cultural nuances while preserving the spirit of the source material.

‘The Office’ (2001–2003)

This British mockumentary focuses on the daily lives of office employees working for a paper merchant in Slough. Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the series gained massive critical acclaim for its cringe comedy style. It inspired a long running American adaptation starring Steve Carell as well as versions in France, Germany, and Canada. Many critics consider the original show a pioneer of the modern mockumentary genre in television.

‘Yo soy Betty, la fea’ (1999–2001)

This Colombian telenovela follows an intelligent but socially awkward woman working at a fashion house. The show became a global phenomenon and holds a Guinness World Record for the most successful telenovela of all time. It was remade in over twenty countries including the American series ‘Ugly Betty’ and the Mexican version ‘La fea más bella’. Audiences worldwide connected with the story of inner beauty and professional perseverance.

‘Shameless’ (2004–2013)

Created by Paul Abbott, this British comedy drama depicts the chaotic lives of the working class Gallagher family in Manchester. The show ran for eleven seasons and won multiple awards for its portrayal of poverty and family dynamics. An American remake of the same name premiered in 2011 and starred William H. Macy. Turkey also produced an adaptation titled ‘Bizim Hikaye’ which became quite popular in its home market.

‘The Bridge’ (2011–2018)

This Scandinavian noir series begins with the discovery of a body on the bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark. The show follows investigators from both countries who must work together to solve complex crimes. Its success led to several international adaptations including ‘The Bridge’ set on the United States and Mexico border. Other versions were produced for the United Kingdom and France as well as Malaysia and Singapore.

‘The Killing’ (2007–2012)

This Danish police procedural follows Detective Sarah Lund as she investigates intricate murder cases in Copenhagen. The show is known for its atmospheric storytelling and detailed examination of the social consequences of crime. It was remade in the United States as ‘The Killing’ which moved the setting to Seattle. The original series helped spark a global interest in the Nordic noir genre during the late 2000s.

‘BeTipul’ (2005–2008)

This Israeli drama series centers on a psychologist and his weekly sessions with various patients. The minimalist format focuses heavily on dialogue and emotional depth within a single room. HBO adapted the series for American audiences under the title ‘In Treatment’ starring Gabriel Byrne. Versions of the show have also been produced in countries like Argentina, Italy, and Russia.

‘Prisoners of War’ (2010–2012)

This Israeli thriller explores the lives of soldiers who return home after being held captive for seventeen years. The show examines the psychological trauma of the prisoners and the impact on their families. It served as the direct inspiration for the American hit series ‘Homeland’ which focused on intelligence operations. Other adaptations include ‘Prizonieri’ in Russia and ‘P.O.W. Bandi Yuddh Ke’ in India.

‘Skins’ (2007–2013)

This British teen drama followed the lives of a group of teenagers in Bristol through their final years of school. The show was notable for casting actual teenagers and using young writers to ensure authenticity in the scripts. MTV produced an American version of ‘Skins’ in 2011 though it only lasted for one season. The series remains influential for its raw portrayal of youth culture and controversial subject matter.

‘Queer as Folk’ (1999–2000)

Written by Russell T. Davies, this British series chronicled the lives of three gay men living in Manchester. The show was groundbreaking for its unapologetic and realistic depiction of gay life at the end of the millennium. A successful American adaptation of ‘Queer as Folk’ was set in Pittsburgh and ran for five seasons on Showtime. A second American reimagining premiered in 2022 to bring the story to a modern generation.

‘Married… with Children’ (1987–1997)

This American sitcom follows the misadventures of the Bundys, a dysfunctional family living in a Chicago suburb. The show was a staple of the Fox network and famously subverted the traditional wholesome family dynamic of earlier sitcoms. It has been remade in numerous countries including Russia where it was titled ‘Schastlivy Vmeste’. Other international versions appeared in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Argentina.

‘Desperate Housewives’ (2004–2012)

Set on Wisteria Lane, this American series blends comedy and drama while following the lives of a group of neighbors. The show was a massive ratings success and revitalized the prime time soap opera format. It was remade for Latin American audiences as ‘Amas de Casa Desesperadas’ with various local casts. Versions were also produced in Turkey and Nigeria to cater to local cultural tastes.

‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020)

This mockumentary sitcom follows three diverse branches of the Pritchett family living in Los Angeles. The show won numerous Emmy Awards and was praised for its ensemble cast and heartwarming humor. International remakes have been produced in countries like Chile, Greece, and Iran. While the core family structure remains the same, each version adjusts the character dynamics to fit local social norms.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

The story of a chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing drugs became one of the most acclaimed television shows in history. Its intense narrative and character development earned it a massive global following. A Spanish language remake titled ‘Metástasis’ was produced in Colombia and followed the original plot closely. This adaptation changed the setting to Bogotá and renamed the protagonist Walter Blanco.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

This teen drama focuses on the lives of privileged socialites living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The show became a cultural phenomenon and was known for its fashion and dramatic plot twists. It inspired several international remakes including ‘Gossip Girl Acapulco’ in Mexico and ‘Gossip Girl Thailand’. These versions maintained the core premise of an anonymous blogger tracking the secrets of wealthy teenagers.

‘Criminal Justice’ (2008–2009)

This British legal drama follows the journey of an individual through the complex justice system after being accused of a crime. The show was praised for its realism and won several BAFTA awards. It was adapted in the United States as the limited series ‘The Night Of’ on HBO. South Korea also produced a version titled ‘One Ordinary Day’ while India released its own adaptation on a streaming platform.

‘Broadchurch’ (2013–2017)

This British crime drama explores the impact of a young boy’s death on a tight knit coastal community. The show stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman as detectives investigating the tragic case. An American remake titled ‘Gracepoint’ featured Tennant reprising his lead role with a different accent. France also produced its own version of the story called ‘Malaterra’ which followed a similar narrative path.

‘Life on Mars’ (2006–2007)

A police officer travels back in time to the 1970s after a car accident in this unique British series. The show blends police procedural elements with science fiction and nostalgia. It was remade for American television with a cast that included Jason O’Mara and Harvey Keitel. Other international versions were produced in South Korea, Russia, and the Czech Republic.

‘Mistresses’ (2008–2010)

This British drama series follows the lives and complicated relationships of four female friends. The show was popular for its soap opera style and focus on female friendship. An American version of ‘Mistresses’ aired for four seasons on ABC and featured Alyssa Milano. South Korea also adapted the series into a mystery thriller that emphasized the darker elements of the plot.

‘Being Human’ (2009–2013)

This supernatural drama follows a ghost, a vampire, and a werewolf sharing a house in Bristol. The British series was a cult hit and explored the struggles of supernatural beings trying to live normal lives. A successful American remake ran for four seasons on the Syfy channel. Both versions were praised for their character development and unique take on supernatural tropes.

‘House of Cards’ (1990)

This British political thriller is based on a novel by Michael Dobbs and follows a ruthless politician seeking power. The original miniseries set the stage for the highly successful American adaptation of ‘House of Cards’ starring Kevin Spacey on Netflix. The US version expanded the story into a multi season drama that became a cornerstone of streaming television. Both shows are known for their cynical view of government and fourth wall breaking monologues.

‘Doctor Foster’ (2015–2017)

This British psychological thriller stars Suranne Jones as a doctor who suspects her husband is having an affair. The show was a massive hit and sparked widespread discussion about infidelity and revenge. It has been remade in several countries including South Korea where ‘The World of the Married’ became a record breaking success. Other versions have been produced in France, Turkey, and India.

‘Luther’ (2010–2019)

Idris Elba stars as a brilliant but troubled detective in this gritty British psychological crime drama. The series is known for its dark tone and the complex relationship between the protagonist and a psychopathic killer. South Korea remade the show under the title ‘Less Than Evil’ in 2018. An Indian adaptation titled ‘Rudra’ premiered in 2022 with Ajay Devgn in the lead role.

‘Good Doctor’ (2013)

This South Korean medical drama follows a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome. The show was a significant success in its home country and caught the attention of international producers. It was adapted into a long running American series titled ‘The Good Doctor’ starring Freddie Highmore on ABC. Turkey also produced a popular version called ‘Mucize Doktor’ and Japan created its own iteration in 2018.

‘Juana la Virgen’ (2002)

This Venezuelan telenovela tells the story of a young woman who is accidentally artificially inseminated. The unique premise led to the creation of the critically acclaimed American series ‘Jane the Virgin’. The US adaptation maintained the soap opera roots while adding meta commentary and a satirical tone. This version helped bring the telenovela format to a wider English speaking audience.

‘Prison Break’ (2005–2017)

This American action drama follows a man who intentionally enters a prison to help his brother escape. The high stakes plot and serialized storytelling made it a global hit for the Fox network. A Russian remake titled ‘Prizonier’ was produced and followed the same narrative arc as the first season. The original show remains a popular example of the escape thriller genre.

‘Entourage’ (2004–2011)

Based on the early career of Mark Wahlberg, this American series follows an up and coming movie star and his friends in Hollywood. The show provided a behind the scenes look at the film industry and celebrity culture. A South Korean remake of ‘Entourage’ was produced in 2016 which shifted the setting to the Korean entertainment world. While the remake featured a star studded cast, it struggled to replicate the success of the original.

‘Suits’ (2011–2019)

This American legal drama focuses on a talented college dropout who works as a law associate despite never attending law school. The show was known for its sharp dialogue and the chemistry between its lead characters. South Korea produced a high profile remake in 2018 starring Park Hyungsik and Jang Donggun. Japan also adapted the series for its own television market later that same year.

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ (1996–2005)

This long running American sitcom centers on the life of a sports writer and his intrusive family. The show was a pillar of the CBS comedy lineup and won multiple Emmy Awards during its run. It was famously remade in Russia as ‘Voroniny’ which eventually became one of the longest running sitcoms in that country. The adaptation process was the subject of a documentary film titled ‘Exporting Raymond’.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

This American sitcom follows a man recounting the story of how he met his children’s mother to his kids. The show used a non linear narrative and frequent flashbacks to build its central mystery. It has been remade in Russia where it kept the same title and premise. China also produced a version of the show that adapted the humor for a domestic audience.

‘The Golden Girls’ (1985–1992)

This iconic American sitcom follows four older women sharing a home in Miami. The show was praised for its humor and its handling of various social issues affecting seniors. It has been remade in several countries including the United Kingdom, Greece, Russia, and Spain. These international versions attempted to capture the chemistry of the original four characters in different cultural settings.

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