I just watched an interview with Robert Carlyle about "Stargate Universe" where he touched on the subject of actors coming from Britain to star in American series, lamenting that Britain isn't producing and supporting films and television enough nowadays, saying that he (paraphrased) wanted to do "something that might actually be seen by more than 3 people." My husband and I have talked a few times about the increasing number of non-American actors showing up in American TV series (playing Americans)... Hugh Laurie on House, Mark Addy on Still Standing, the whole primary cast of True Blood...

When I was growing up in America, my family and I coveted British television, especially BBC programs. I don't think my grandma's TV ever moved from PBS (Public Broadcasting Service, publicly funded TV network) which showed just about any British series and costume drama it could get ahold of.

What's happened? Has the rest of the world given up trying to compete with American programs?

I'm certainly not buying the idea that America just makes better shows, because I think even the most tv-addicted Americans have to acknowledge that half of what comes out these days is either a remake of a non-American program, a copycat or spin-off of an American program, or a reality show.

So... where are the good British series?

There are still the odd good homegrown programmes (Being Human, Apparitions, Waking The Dead etc) but it's true that UK TV companies simply won't invest the same amount into their shows. If they are made at all they come across as cheap looking.

How annoyed must American actors be though? Every new series that starts seems to have Brits or Aussies in the main roles.

I may have to think about this a little more, but the last British series I can remember truly enjoying was Life on Mars, which I thought was outstanding.

Of course, there may have been some gem that I have overlooked, but nothing is coming to mind at the moment.

Is it as simple as American shows having more money? More money means more writing staff, a longer series run (I.E. 22 episodes as opposed to 6), better lure for actors. Or am I over-simplifying it?

How annoyed must American actors be though? Every new series that starts seems to have Brits or Aussies in the main roles.

I've thought about that, too; how shallow has the pool of American talent gotten that they have to recruit from elsewhere? ;)

I may have to think about this a little more, but the last British series I can remember truly enjoying was Life on Mars, which I thought was outstanding.

...which has now been remade into an American series. I've enjoyed what I've watched of Life On Mars, as well; do networks think Americans just won't accept a British series, or do British studios undervalue (or overvalue?) their work?


Of course, there may have been some gem that I have overlooked, but nothing is coming to mind at the moment.

Is it as simple as American shows having more money? More money means more writing staff, a longer series run (I.E. 22 episodes as opposed to 6), better lure for actors. Or am I over-simplifying it?

I'm sure it all comes down to money and stability, in the end.

Is it as simple as American shows having more money? More money means more writing staff, a longer series run (I.E. 22 episodes as opposed to 6), better lure for actors. Or am I over-simplifying it?

That's part of it certainly. HBO for example have just spent $100million on a 10-part series. The BBC would go white in the face at the thought of spending even a tiny fraction of that amount.

...which has now been remade into an American series. I've enjoyed what I've watched of Life On Mars, as well

From what little I've seen of the US series, it was poor beyond belief. :(

From what little I've seen of the US series, it was poor beyond belief. :(

Honestly, I can't think of an Americanised version of a British series that I've thought was up to snuff, yet.

Honestly, I can't think of an Americanised version of a British series that I've thought was up to snuff, yet.

You've made me think now of the pilot for the US Red Dwarf... *shudder*