According to an article in Marketplace, Great Britain has made a record $1.1 billion selling their own television shows to other countries. Over 100 British shows so far have been remade by the U.S. television industry with more on the way. The invasion of U.S. television from the British really picked up after the success of American Idol which premiered in 2002. While launching the careers of artists like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson, it also sparked a revolution in American television. After the instant success of Idol, other popular British game shows were picked up by American networks, such as Dancing with the Stars, America’s Got Talent, and most recently, The X Factor. Even fictional shows like The Office were adapted for the American “small screen.”
“I love American Idol, senior Renee Schuldt said. “I’ve watched since the beginning and mainly for the preliminary auditions. They are hilarious.”
The wave has also brought original British shows that have been kept unaltered. The BBC America has been getting increasingly more viewership within the past few years with the addition of shows like Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Copper. In fact, thanks to Doctor Who and Copper, BBC America has been ranked number one across all cable channels in those respective timeslots.
“I love Doctor Who,” senior Samantha Locke said. “I have been a fan for a long time, since my dad introduced me. He used to watch the original series.”
But are these shows here to stay? Since 2006, the viewership of American Idol has dropped steadily. As with all good things, they must come to an end. The producers have yet to disclose when the show will end, but it seems like the viewers are starting to get fed up.
“I hate American Idol,” Locke said. “It is so over-rated and the judges do not only pick people just because of their voice. They also base their decision on looks.”
Competing programs have also sprung up because of thoughts like these. On NBC, The Voice has challenged the initial success of American Idol with a twist of their own: blind auditions with celebrity coaches. After its premiere in the United States, The Voice showed higher in the Nielson Ratings than American Idol in their 2011-2012 season premieres. American Idol had 21 million viewers while The Voice had 37 million.
“The Voice is so much better,” Locke said. “The judges are way better, plus I love those spinning chairs.”
But this “invasion” does not come without gain. Many original American programs have also been created off the basis of British-turned-American shows. One of the most successful and popular is Parks and Recreation on NBC. The show is based on the same idea as The Office. Parks and Rec has been nominated for eight Emmy awards, including Best Comedy Series, and even a Golden Globe for Amy Pohler’s portrayal of Leslie Knope.
“I’ve never seen Parks and Rec,” Schuldt said, “but The Office is pretty funny, even if Steve Carell isn’t on it anymore.”
Whether or not the invasion is here to stay, it has brought success financial success to both countries, and as long as viewers are entertained, why should it matter anyway?
“Honestly, it really doesn’t bother me,” Shuldt said. “Keep them coming.”
