8.3 Remaking foreign TV shows

Origins of TV remakes

TV remakes exist because a hit show in one country doesn't automatically work in another. Language barriers, cultural references, and audience expectations all differ across markets. Remaking a foreign show lets writers take a proven concept and reshape it so it feels native to a new audience.

This practice has grown alongside the globalization of media. As international content became easier to discover, producers realized they could reduce risk by adapting shows that already had a track record of success rather than building something from scratch.

Cultural adaptation reasons

The core reason for remaking rather than simply dubbing or subtitling a foreign show is cultural fit. A joke that kills in London might fall flat in Los Angeles. Social norms around family, workplace hierarchy, or dating vary widely between countries, and these differences shape how audiences connect with characters and stories.

• Localization addresses language barriers and idiomatic differences
• Adaptation lets writers align storylines with local values and lived experiences
• Humor, social references, and behavioral norms all need recalibrating for the target culture
• Familiar stories seen through a new cultural lens can feel fresh rather than redundant

Economic motivations

Remakes are attractive to networks and studios because they lower the financial gamble of developing new content.

• A show that's already proven successful in its home market carries less risk than an untested concept
• Development costs are often lower since the story structure, character arcs, and episode frameworks already exist
• Familiar storylines can draw in viewers who've heard buzz about the original
• Existing fan bases and brand recognition give the adaptation a marketing head start

Licensing vs. format sales

There are two main ways to acquire the rights to remake a foreign show, and they come with different levels of creative freedom.

• Licensing means purchasing the rights to remake a specific show. This often comes with stricter guidelines about what you can and can't change. The Office (US) was licensed from the BBC.
• Format sales involve buying the underlying concept or structure rather than the exact show. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is a classic format sale, where each country builds its own version around the same game mechanics.
• Licensing typically includes more oversight from the original creators, while format sales give the adaptation team greater room to localize
• Both options may include varying levels of support, consultation, or approval requirements from the original production team

Selecting foreign shows

Choosing the right source material is one of the most consequential decisions in the entire remake process. A show can be a massive hit in its home country and still be a poor candidate for adaptation if its appeal is too culturally specific or if the local market already has something similar.

Market research techniques

Before committing to an adaptation, production teams dig into data to assess whether a concept has legs in the new market.

• Analyze ratings and audience demographics from the original market to understand who watched and why
• Run surveys and focus groups to test whether the core concept resonates locally
• Use social media sentiment analysis to gauge organic interest or awareness
• Study the local TV landscape for gaps the adaptation could fill
• Forecast trends to determine whether the show's genre or themes are gaining or losing traction

Cultural relevance assessment

Not every great show translates. This step is about figuring out whether the themes, storylines, and tone will land with a different audience.

• Evaluate whether the show's central themes are compatible with local values
• Identify potential cultural sensitivities or taboos that could cause problems
• Consider the current social and political climate in the target market
• Look at historical context that might affect how audiences receive certain storylines
• Assess whether the show's genre is popular with the target audience

Adaptation potential evaluation

Even if a show seems culturally relevant, some formats adapt more easily than others. This evaluation looks at the practical side.

• Identify universal elements (family conflict, workplace dynamics, romantic tension) that cross cultural lines
• Assess whether the character archetypes will feel familiar and relatable to local audiences
• Evaluate visual and aesthetic elements for local appeal
• Consider production costs and feasibility in the new market
• Analyze potential for long-term success, including multiple seasons or franchise development

Adaptation process

This is where the real writing work happens. The adaptation process means transforming the original show so it feels like it was made for the new audience, not translated for them. Writers typically collaborate with cultural consultants and production teams throughout this stage.

Script translation challenges

Translation here goes far beyond converting words from one language to another. The goal is to preserve the feel of the original dialogue while making it sound natural in the new language.

• Tone and nuance are the hardest things to maintain across languages
• Idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms rarely have direct equivalents and need to be reimagined
• Pacing and speech rhythm differ between cultures; what feels snappy in Korean may feel rushed in English
• Culture-specific jokes and wordplay often need to be replaced entirely rather than translated
• Character voices must stay consistent and distinct, even when the language changes completely

Cultural references localization

Every show is packed with cultural shorthand that its original audience understands instinctively. For a new audience, those references are meaningless or confusing.

• Unfamiliar cultural elements need to be replaced with local equivalents or woven in naturally
• Holidays, traditions, and customs should be swapped for ones the new audience recognizes
• Pop culture references (music, celebrities, TV shows within the show) must be updated
• Historical or political references need to be relevant to the new market
• Social norms around things like personal space, directness, or formality may need adjusting

Character archetype adjustments

Characters that feel authentic in one culture can feel like caricatures in another. Writers need to rethink characters from the ground up while preserving what made them compelling.

• Personality traits may need adjusting to fit local expectations (a "lovable slacker" reads differently across cultures)
• Backstories should reflect experiences the local audience can relate to
• Relationship dynamics, especially family structures and workplace hierarchies, often need reworking
• Professions or social status may need updating for cultural relevance
• Representation and diversity should reflect the new cultural context

Creative changes

Beyond the adaptation of specific references and dialogue, broader creative decisions shape whether the remake feels like its own show or just a copy.

Setting and location modifications

Where a show takes place affects everything from the visual palette to the types of stories you can tell.

• Relocate the story to a recognizable local environment that feels authentic
• Consider whether an urban or rural setting better fits the target audience
• Incorporate local landmarks and geography to ground the show in its new home
• Adjust the socioeconomic context of the setting to reflect local realities
• Think about how climate and weather might affect storylines (a show set in Scandinavian winter plays differently in Southern California)

Plot alterations for local audiences

Storylines often need more than surface-level changes. The underlying social dynamics that drive conflict and resolution can differ significantly between cultures.

• Modify storylines to address social issues that matter to the local audience
• Adjust episode pacing to match local viewing habits (some markets prefer faster plot movement, others favor slower character development)
• Incorporate local events or historical contexts where they strengthen the narrative
• Adapt subplots around family dynamics, workplace culture, or community life
• Account for censorship regulations and content restrictions in the new market

Tone and humor adjustments

Tone is one of the trickiest things to get right because it's deeply cultural and often unconscious.

• Comedic styles vary enormously: slapstick, dry wit, absurdist humor, and cringe comedy all have different audiences
• Dramatic expression norms differ too; what feels emotionally authentic in one culture may seem melodramatic or understated in another
• The balance between comedy and drama may need shifting to match local genre preferences
• Cultural taboos affect what's fair game for humor
• Satire and parody need to target issues the local audience actually cares about

Production considerations

Production choices bring the adapted script to life visually and aurally. These decisions determine whether the show looks and sounds like it belongs in its new market.

Casting for local appeal

• Select actors who resonate with the local audience and feel right for the adapted characters
• Consider diversity and representation that reflects the new market
• Physical characteristics of characters may need rethinking based on local context
• Language skills and accent authenticity matter, especially in multilingual markets
• Balance star power with genuine fit for the role

Visual style adaptation

• Adjust cinematography to match local aesthetic preferences (lighting, camera movement, shot composition)
• Modify set designs to reflect local architecture and interior styles
• Adapt costume design to local fashion and cultural norms
• Consider color palettes that resonate with local visual culture
• Match special effects and production quality to local standards and expectations

Music and sound design changes

Music and sound are powerful cultural signals. The wrong soundtrack can make an otherwise well-adapted show feel foreign.

• Incorporate local music styles and genres that fit the show's tone
• Adapt or replace theme songs and background music for cultural relevance
• Consider local preferences for sound mixing (some markets favor louder dialogue relative to music, for example)
• Adapt ambient sound effects to reflect the local environment
• Account for differences in audio technology and broadcast standards

Legal and rights issues

The legal framework around TV remakes is complex, and writers benefit from understanding it even if they aren't negotiating the deals themselves. These agreements shape what you're allowed to change and what you must preserve.

Copyright and licensing agreements

• Rights must be negotiated for adaptation and distribution in the new territory
• Licensing terms define the scope of creative freedom, including what can be changed and what's off-limits
• Derivative works and original content created for the adaptation have their own legal considerations
• International copyright laws vary by country, adding complexity
• Agreements typically specify the duration of rights and conditions for renewal

Royalties and profit sharing

• Original creators and rights holders receive royalty payments, structured in the licensing agreement
• Profit-sharing arrangements for the adapted version are negotiated separately
• Revenue from merchandising and ancillary products (streaming, syndication) must be addressed
• International distribution of the adapted show creates additional revenue streams to account for
• Some agreements include performance-based bonuses or escalators tied to ratings or viewership

Creative control negotiations

This is where the relationship between the original creators and the adaptation team gets defined.

• Agreements specify how involved the original creators will be in the adaptation
• Approval processes for major creative decisions (killing a character, changing the ending) are established upfront
• The right to make significant changes to characters or storylines must be explicitly negotiated
• Quality control provisions protect the original show's brand
• The extent of required consultation with the original production team varies widely by deal

Marketing strategies

Marketing a remake requires a careful balancing act: you want to attract fans of the original while convincing new viewers that this version stands on its own.

Promoting familiarity vs. novelty

• Reference the original show enough to generate curiosity, but emphasize what's new and different
• Highlight universal themes while showcasing local adaptations
• Draw comparisons to successful local shows to build relatability
• Emphasize the adaptation's unique selling points
• For markets where the original is well-known, leverage that recognition while promising a fresh take

Target audience identification

• Compare the demographics of the original show's audience with the local market to find overlap and new opportunities
• Identify audience segments that might be drawn to the adaptation even if they never watched the original
• Consider generational differences in how people consume TV (linear broadcast vs. streaming vs. mobile)
• Factor in cultural preferences that influence what different audience segments watch
• Tailor marketing messages to specific segments rather than trying to appeal to everyone at once

Cross-cultural promotional campaigns

• Develop materials that speak to both fans of the original and newcomers
• Use social media platforms that are actually popular in the local market (not every country uses the same platforms)
• Adapt promotional events and fan engagement strategies to local customs
• Collaborate with local influencers and celebrities for endorsements
• Create bilingual or multilingual marketing content when the audience warrants it

Success factors

What separates a remake that works from one that doesn't? It usually comes down to three things: timing, cultural understanding, and execution quality.

Timing and market conditions

• The local TV landscape matters: is the market hungry for this type of show, or is it oversaturated?
• Political and social climate can make certain themes more or less appealing
• Competition and available time slots affect a show's chances
• Audience viewing habits (binge vs. weekly, primetime vs. late night) influence scheduling decisions
• Releasing to coincide with relevant cultural events or seasons can boost initial viewership

Cultural resonance

• The adapted show must feel like it genuinely reflects local values and social norms, not like a foreign show wearing a local costume
• Addressing current social issues relevant to the target audience gives the show immediacy
• Local humor and cultural references need to land naturally, not feel forced
• Character dynamics should mirror how people actually relate to each other in the target culture
• The show's themes should connect with local cultural narratives

Quality of adaptation

• Production values should meet or exceed local standards
• Storytelling must be coherent and preserve the strengths of the original
• Visual and audio elements should feel native to the market
• Strong casting is essential; actors need to make the adapted characters their own
• The best remakes find the sweet spot between honoring the original and creating something that stands independently

Challenges and pitfalls

Even well-resourced adaptations can stumble. Knowing the common failure points helps writers avoid them.

Cultural misinterpretation risks

• Misunderstanding subtle cultural nuances in the original can lead to tone-deaf adaptations
• Inadvertently reinforcing stereotypes or cultural misrepresentations damages credibility
• Failing to recognize sensitive topics or taboos in the target culture can provoke backlash
• Humor and dramatic elements are especially prone to misinterpretation across cultures
• Overlooking historical or social contexts that shape how audiences interpret certain storylines

Audience expectations management

• Fans of the original will compare every detail; new viewers need the show to work on its own terms
• Purists may resist any changes, while newcomers may not care about faithfulness to the source
• Overhyping the adaptation's uniqueness sets up disappointment
• Media coverage will inevitably compare the remake to the original, so the show needs to hold up under that scrutiny
• Skepticism about whether the remake is necessary or worthwhile is common and must be addressed through quality

Balancing originality and familiarity

This is the central creative tension of any remake.

• Too faithful, and the adaptation feels like a pale imitation; too different, and it loses what made the original work
• Mere imitation is the most common failure mode, producing shows that feel like copies rather than reimaginings
• Innovative elements should enhance the original's appeal, not replace it
• Local tastes must be respected without stripping away the original's unique identity
• Creative differences between original creators and the adaptation team need to be resolved early, not during production

Case studies

Studying real examples is one of the best ways to understand what works and what doesn't in TV remakes.

Successful foreign TV remakes

• The Office (UK to US) is the gold standard. The US version struggled in its first season when it hewed too closely to the British original, then found its voice by developing distinctly American characters and humor while keeping the mockumentary format.
• Ugly Betty (Colombia's Yo soy Betty, la fea to US) successfully adapted the telenovela format for American network television, adjusting the tone and pacing while preserving the core Cinderella story.
• The Bridge (Denmark/Sweden to US) relocated a Nordic crime drama to the US-Mexico border, using the new setting to explore entirely different political and cultural tensions.
• House of Cards (UK to US) took a relatively short British series and expanded it into a long-running political drama, modernizing the story and deepening the characters.
• Jane the Virgin (Venezuela's Juana la Virgen to US) adapted a telenovela premise with a self-aware, comedic tone that felt fresh for American audiences.

Failed adaptation attempts

• Coupling (UK to US) couldn't translate the British original's specific brand of relationship humor to an American context and was cancelled quickly.
• Life on Mars (UK to US) struggled to adapt the original's complex time-travel narrative and tonal balance, resulting in a confused final product.
• Skins (UK to US) ran into censorship issues and couldn't capture the raw, boundary-pushing quality of the British version within American broadcast standards.
• Gracepoint (adapted from UK's Broadchurch) failed to differentiate itself enough from the original, leaving audiences wondering why it existed.
• The IT Crowd (UK to US) never made it past the pilot; British workplace humor proved resistant to direct American translation.

Innovative remake approaches

• Homeland (adapted from Israel's Prisoners of War) took a limited Israeli series and expanded it into a sprawling, multi-season thriller with a very different scope and tone.
• The Good Doctor (South Korea to US) successfully adapted a medical drama across vastly different healthcare and cultural contexts.
• Shameless (UK to US) translated British working-class dynamics to a Chicago setting, effectively reimagining class issues within American socioeconomic realities. It ran for 11 seasons, far outlasting the original.
• Luther (UK) has been explored for US adaptation with cross-cultural casting considerations while aiming to maintain the original's dark, intense tone.
• The Killing (adapted from Denmark's Forbrydelsen) brought Nordic noir to American crime drama, adapting the atmospheric storytelling style for US audiences.

Future of TV remakes

The landscape for TV remakes is shifting as technology and distribution models evolve. Several trends are reshaping how adaptations get made and consumed.

Global streaming impact

Streaming platforms have changed the calculus for remakes in significant ways. When audiences can watch the original Korean, Spanish, or British version with subtitles on Netflix or other platforms, the case for a local remake becomes harder to make.

• Increased accessibility to foreign content with subtitles may reduce demand for some remakes
• Streaming platforms can distribute original foreign shows directly, bypassing the need for adaptation
• Simultaneous global releases of both original and adapted versions create new competitive dynamics
• Streaming data analytics provide more precise insights for deciding which shows to adapt
• Hybrid models that combine elements from multiple international versions are emerging

Cross-cultural collaboration trends

Rather than one country remaking another country's show, the industry is moving toward more collaborative models.

• Co-productions between countries are increasing, blending perspectives from the start
• Writers' rooms with international representation are becoming more common
• Global franchises with localized versions (like various international editions of a format) continue to grow
• Multi-language productions designed for diverse global audiences are on the rise
• The emphasis is shifting toward universal storytelling with localized elements built in from the beginning

Technological advancements in adaptation

• AI-assisted translation and cultural adaptation tools are becoming more sophisticated, though they still require human oversight
• Virtual production techniques (LED volumes, digital environments) make it easier to adapt settings without expensive location shoots
• Interactive storytelling formats could eventually allow for culturally tailored narrative paths within a single production
• Advanced data analytics enable more precise audience preference predictions, helping producers make better adaptation decisions