The British are here! In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in the midst of a new British Invasion, remarkably in television. In full disclosure, I’m as complicit as anyone in this newest invasion because I spent almost four years working at BBC America. Because of that experience, I recognize most of the fine British actors and formats that have made their sojourn across the Atlantic.
For those non-Anglophiles, we now have a regular helping of British imports in primetime Television. What’s so insidious about this invasion is that the Brits are disguising the Queen’s English and speaking like us Colonials! My favorite example is Hugh Laurie, a great comedic actor, who I remember fondly from his BLACKADDER character. Laurie now plays the lead role on HOUSE as a grumpy American doctor. Can it be the same Hugh Laurie who played one of the inept Badden brothers in the live action 101 DALMATIONS feature?-you betcha!
Hugh’s not alone, he’s got backup. Here’s a quick rundown of the Yankee imposters you can watch every week this Fall:
- ELI STONE-Johnny Lee Miller
- PUSHING DAISIES-Anna Friel
- TERMINATOR: THE SARA CONNOR CHRONICLES-Lena Heady
- LIFE-Damian Lewis
- ELEVENTH HOUR-Rufus Sewell
Not only is the UK exporting actors, Television Formats have also become a big business. You might have heard of AMERICAN IDOL and DANCING WITH THE STARS. Cable is way into buying formats too, TLC has three Series in Primetime that are from UK formats: TRADING SPACES, 10 YEARS YOUNGER and WHAT NOT TO WEAR. Most of the hit Primetime game shows and reality competitions are British formats: HELL’S KITCHEN, GORDON RAMSAY”S KITCHEN NIGHTMARES, DEAL OR NO DEAL, WIFE SWAP and don’t forget WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE and THE WEAKEST LINK. Lest we not forget Mark Burnett, creator of SURVIVOR, THE APPRENTICE, ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?, and ECOCHALLENGE is also a Brit.
The point I’d like to make is that the system in the UK encourages risk and creativity in television. The BBC’s charter as a Public Broadcaster requires them to invest a significant portion of their annual budget in the Independent Production community, which then fuels the creativity and pushes the Commercial Channels to take more risks as well. Hopefully this newest British invasion will fuel a new revolution in Television and media here in America like it did for music in the 60’s. With so many Channels and options, I’m all for infusing more ideas and creativity into the American Television landscape. Cable Networks have taken up the challenge and continue to take risks on original drama and comedy series. Reality shows have long been a staple product for Cable and continue to grow and expand their depth.
Keep your eyes open, British actors and formats are everywhere in television nowadays. Maybe your neighbor or best friend is a Brit, how do you really know? Try offering them a spot of tea in the late afternoon. If they like it with milk and crumpets, be very suspicious.
Keep watching you might be surprised or impressed. I’m off to the pub for a pint and some crisps. Cheers!
I love Hugh Laurie. Keep the Brits coming!
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I’m really excited for Little Britain USA coming to HBO later this month. I’m a huge fan of the UK original, and I have faith that these kooky, hilarious characters will resonate here in the States.
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