From Big Brother and Survivor to Idols and The Voice, the Americans have been quick and keen to import shows to their shores and give it their own spin. They’re hardly the only ones: the Russians are particularly fond of remaking American shows, while Dubai remade The Simpsons and several countries made their own versions of Married…with Children.
One of the latest shows the U.S. has decided to adapt is the Turkish series, Suskunlar. The American version is titled Game of Silence, and follows the story of hotshot attorney Jackson Brooks, whose dark past comes back to haunt him when his long-lost childhood friends re-enter his life.
Here are a few more shows that aren’t originally American. Check them out below and see how many you knew were remakes:
1. Containment
Based on the Belgian show, Cordon, a neighbourhood in Antwerp goes into lockdown when a deadly epidemic breaks out. In the American version, the action is moved to Atlanta.
Watch Containment every Wednesday at 21:30 on M-Net.
2. Homeland
While Containment is a limited series, Homeland has already been renewed for its sixth season. Winner of multiple awards, including several acting nods for its star Claire Danes, the show originated from Israel. Called Hatufim, it was as well received as its American counterpart, but not as long-lived.
3. House of Cards
One of the creative pots the U.S. loves dipping into is the British one. House of Cards is one of many British shows that has been remade in the U.S. The British version, in turn, is based on the book by Michael Dobbs.
Binge on House of Cards Season 4 every Saturday from 16 July at 22:05 on M-Net Edge.
4. Shameless
When it comes American adaptations of British shows, they often retain the show’s original name, along with its premise. One of these is Shameless, which centres on the Manchester-dwelling Gallagher family. The American version features the same family, but moves the setting to Chicago.
Watch the final Shameless Season 6 binge weekend on Saturday 9 July at 22:05 on M-Net Edge.
5. The Office
The characters are note quite as identical as they are in Shameless, but the American version of the office cleaves closely to the style of its original. Both shows were a major career stepping-stone for their stars: Ricky Gervais in the U.K. and Steve Carrell in the U.S.
6. Shark Tank
It’s called Shark Tank in the U.S. and Australia – and in South Africa too, come this October – but it originated from the Japanese show Dragons’ Den. However, the name of the show in Japan is actually Money Tigers. Other names for the adaptations of the show include Your Chance, Lions’ Den, Den D, and In the Dragon’s Eye.
Click here to enter Shark Tank South Africa.
7. Three’s Company
The popular sitcom, which remains one of John Ritter’s best-known works, is a remake of the British sitcom Man About the House. The American spin-offs The Ropers and Three’s a Crowd are based on the British spin-offs, George and Mildred and Robin’s Nest.
8. Ugly Betty
The award-winning dramedy that launched America Ferrera’s career is based on a Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea. The American version is not the first or last remake of the show: it’s also been adapted for audiences in Chile, Germany, Russia, Spain and Vietnam.
Watch Game of Silence Season 1 every Friday at 20:00 from 15 July on M-Net Edge.