How different can British and American movies and TV series truly be? With a shared language and complex history, some believe the accents are the most noticeable difference. To others, there’s a huge distinction in terms of humor, pacing, acting style, and cinematography. Both sides of the pond have a slew of talented actors, filmmakers, and TV show creators who’ve contributed great works to the entertainment industry.
For some series, experiencing those particular qualities that make it “British” is part of the appeal.Peaky Blinders, for exxample, wouldn’t have the same appeal if the characters spoke in a stereotypical California Valley accent rather than the distinctive Brummie one. Yet with other shows, it may have been better to adapt it for an American audience. Here are 15 must-watch American shows based on British series.
15The Office (2005-2013)
The Office (U.S.)
The Officeis a workplace sitcom based on the British series of the same name. This mockumentary follows the employees of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Though the warehouse workers get some screen time, it’s the individuals in the office who sit behind desks that are in the spotlight. Viewers witness how the different personalities gel and/or clash, particularly under the guidance of theWorld’s Best Boss, Michael Scott.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Steve Carell played the aforementioned boss for the first seven seasons, and his comedic timing and excellent characterization held the show together. The supporting cast was also great, from Stanley’s constant side-eye to the pity we felt for Toby (while also laughing at his expense). However, any time Michael entered a scene, fans knew chaos and hilarity were bound to ensue. The cast played extremely well off each other, and the jokes had an unrestrained quality to them that probably wouldn’t fly today, but we’re glad they did back in 2005.Stream on Peacock
14Undercover Boss (2010-2022)
Undercover Boss
Undercover Bossis a reality show based on a British show of the same name. In this sleuthing show, a businessperson at a higher level in a company, who doesn’t get to see the everyday goings-on in their company, infiltrates the establishment as an entry-level employee. As the new hire, the individual hopes to uncover faults with how the business is run, including poor management practices, cleanliness issues, and infrastructure issues.
This show displays a situation that many employees both yearn for and fear. Many people have experience of wishing higher-ups, who could actually make a change in the company, would discover first-hand all the challenges they face. But let’s be real, there are also shortcuts many of us take that we would never show our bosses or the public. This relatability makes the show addicting.Stream on Paramount+
13The Great American Baking Show (2015-Present)
The Great American Baking Showis based on the similarly titledThe Great British Baking Show(orThe Great British Bake Off). This cooking competition show bringsseveral talented chefstogether to see who can whip up the most spectacular treat. The challenges don’t test the cooks' abilities to make the best-tasting dish possible, but they reward total craftsmanship. How the meals are presented is just as important to the judges.
It’s perfect that the artistry of the dishes is given a lot of importance, since viewers can’t taste the foods through the screen. Seeing the creativity and passion they inject into each task is wholly entertaining. Additionally, viewers watch with bated breath as the judges take the first bite and give their verdict. The colorful criticisms add another layer of enjoyment. Not to mention the surprising amount of drama and conflict present in this baking show. Expected? Nope. But appreciated? Absolutely.Stream on Hulu
Related:The Great British Bake Off’s Biggest Controversies and Soggiest Bottoms
12Shameless (2011-2021)
Based on the U.K. version of the same name,Shamelessis a dramedy that follows the Gallaghers' unstable household. Frank is a single father who prefers get-rich-quick schemes over traditional forms of employment. He prefers a bottle of alcohol over everything, including his children. Each of the seven kids is headstrong in their own way, especially theeldest daughter, Fiona, who finds it hard to handle her own addictions while being a parent figure to her siblings and father.
With serious topics like child neglect and addiction, it’s hard to imagine a show successfully adding comedic elements without coming off as insensitive, butShamelessmanages that balance seamlessly. British humor is known for being drier and darker than “typical” American humor, and nowhere is that more evident than inShameless. The influence of the Manchester-set predecessor is unequivocally felt in this one set in South Side Chicago.Stream on Netflix
11Dancing with the Stars (2005-Present)
Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Starsis a long-running dance competition show based on the British showStrictly Come Dancing. Most competition shows focus on unknown talent competing for the ultimate prize. Here, professional dancers arepaired with celebrities, most of whom have little to no dance training. Each week the pairs are given a specific classical dance style, such as the foxtrot or tango. Viewers get to vote for their favorite couple and a panel of judges scores them, and the lowest-scored couple gets the boot.
Of course, the big dance numbers are a huge draw for the show. It’s hilarious to see reality stars or actors known for serious dramas try their best to cut a rug without breaking an ankle. However, even better are the behind-the-scenes segments. Before each couple performs, we are able to see the preparations for that week and how the pairs are bonding. The relationship between the stars and their professional dancing mentors is the best aspect of the show.Stream on Disney+
10Mistresses (2013-2016)
Mistresses
Mistressesis a soap opera about four friends who are involved in scandalous and complex relationships. Savi’s marriage is on the rocks, and she turns to a co-worker to bridge the gap in her relationship. Karen is a doctor who is involved with one of her patients. April is a single mom trying to wade back into the dating pool, but her efforts are complicated when her dead husband’s mistress shows up at her doorstep with a child. Joss is the other woman in relationships, including with her boss.
This show has a few “hard-nos” for some viewers, such as the seeming glorification of cheating. The fact that many of the women continually engage in this type of deceit may rub some viewers the wrong way. However, that same element is what draws others to it. It’s refreshing to watch characters who are flawed and don’t have the best moral compass. Additionally, as we dive into more episodes and later seasons, we learn why they make certain decisions.Stream on Hulu
Related:10 Most Heart-Warming Friendships in TV Series
9Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (1999-2021)
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, titled the same in the American and British versions, is atrivia game showwith the ultimate prize: $1 million. Multiple-choice questions on various topics: politics, history, pop culture, and more. Every round of questions gets increasingly more difficult, and the contestants who are thoroughly prepared stand apart from those who believed they could wing it. Though in most of the questions the contestant has to rely on their own knowledge, there are a few cheats to assist them, such as phoning a friend for help.
The program is perfect for a game night with friends or family to see who among the group would last the longest. But even for people who don’t want reminders of how many obscure facts they’re lacking, it’s fun to see how much others know. Those who make it to the final rounds and even the few who win it all are impressive, to say the least. Contestants also have the opportunity to walk away with a smaller sum of cash rather than risking it, and the anxiety and adrenaline that spikes within viewers during those moments makes it a must-watch.Not Currently Available to Stream or Purchase
8Three’s Company (1976-1984)
Three’s Company
Three’s Companyis a sitcom based onMan About the House. It’s about three roommates living in an apartment in Santa Monica, California. At the start, Janet and Chrissy lived together with a third roommate, a woman. However, when she moves out, the two need a replacement. Enter: Jack. He’s in culinary school and sleeps at the YMCA, so a place in their apartment sounds better than that, even if there are a few growing pains at the start of this unlikely living situation.
Sure, men and womenplatonically living togetherisn’t as outlandish and high-concept now as it might’ve been in the late-70s. Still, there’s a lot to like in this over-the-top comedy. Those behind this show understood that the key to making an ordinary show featuring people living together entertaining is to make the characters themselves larger than life. And it’s not just the main trio. The combination of the landlord, building manager, neighbors, and romantic interests create this unforgettable show.Stream on Pluto
7Trading Spaces (2000-Present)
Trading Spacesis a reality show based onChanging Rooms. In the program, two sets of neighbors accept the challenge of redecorating a room in the other’s house. The teams have two to three days and a $1,000 to $2,000 budget. The participants have professionals aiding them in the challenge, from a carpenter to a designer. Neither group can know what’s happening in their house and isn’t allowed to go inside until the challenge is completed.
As with manyTLC reality shows, some viewers question just how “real” it is. Some moments feel a little scripted and the exaggerated drama infused into most episodes is a tad eye-roll inducing. Still, for those with a penchant for interior decorating and architecture, it’s fun to see what someone can do with so little time and money. Viewers will be weighing in their opinions throughout the episode and anticipating the homeowners' reactions at the end.Stream on Fubo
6Veep (2012-2019)
Former Senator Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) has accepted the call to serve as Vice President of the United States. The job is nothing like she imagined and everything she was warned about. Veep follows Meyer and her staff as they attempt to make their mark and leave a lasting legacy, without getting tripped up in the day-to-day political games that define Washington. Meyer’s inner circle includes: her chief of staff Amy (Anna Chlumsky), longtime press spokesperson Mike McClintock (Matt Walsh), right hand and body man Gary (Tony Hale) and secretary Sue (Sufe Bradshaw) all of whom often do battle with Dan Egan (Reid Scott) an ambitious interloper and smug White House liaison Jonah (Tim Simons).
Veepcenters on Selina Meyer, the Vice President of the United States. This political satire is based onThe Thick of It, a British series about a government minister. Selina ran for President, but was unsuccessful. However, luckily she was chosen as V.P. and can attempt to leave her mark as second-in-command. Though given a high title, she has to fight to be considered and experiences tons of stress. Thankfully, her robust team is there to help relieve some of the burden.
The show ran for seven years and had seven seasons, yet it’s often ignored in broad discussions about great comedies. The humor is creative and delivered with just the right energy. One Reddit user stated, “It’s one of those shows where there are so many jokes that you can watch multiple times and still pick up on new ones.” Selina herself is a dynamic character to follow, but fans will come to enjoy even the scenes with just her staff and other politicians on-screen.Stream on Max
