Brit TV vs. US TV, Volume II

What's unique about the British television model

and why it (probably) wouldn't work in an American market.

I've written before about some of the key differences between British and American television. "Quality" (and by this I mean quality of production and not quality of content) is one of the great dividers. British television has only recently achieved the production quality of American television, due in large part to their reliance on naturalistic (vs. flawless) footage. You can read more about that HERE, but my basic point was that American television looks a certain way...perfect. Scenes that are shot outside are no less vibrant and clear than scenes that are shot on a sound-stage. There is a seamlessness that viewers have come to expect.

Obviously there are numerous other distinctions between British television and American television. The differences are so vast that recounting them here would not only be ridiculous, it would be nearly impossible. However, one clear cut distinction between shows in the two countries is the length of a season.* In the

UK vs US Netflix

I got really excited earlier this week when I read that Netflix had signed a streaming deal with BBC Worldwide. Turns out, my excitement wasn't really warranted. Yes, Netflix did sign a deal with the BBC, but if you're in the United States don't expect it to have any impact on what you're able to watch anytime soon. The deal was actually for their new platform in the United Kingdom. The UK Netflix launched earlier this month. That's all very good and well, but I wish that the US Netflix had the same number of UK shows available (you'll know why if you read my last post about British television). Would you watch more foreign TV shows if they were available on instant view?

'Shameless' Second Season Premiere

I know I'm a little behind the curve, but I finally got around to watching 'Shameless' on Showtime.

I like it all right, but I like the original series a lot better.

For those of you who don't know, the American series is based on the British version of the same name.

The plots aren't identical though (much like the plots of the American 'Office' are not complete copies of the British original), so you can certainly watch both series.

If you like 'Shameless' on Showtime, then head on over to Netflix Instant and watch the Channel Four British version. You can also catch up with the first season of the U.S. version of 'Shameless' on Showtime OnDemand.

The second season of the U.S. version of 'Shameless' premieres tomorrow 
(Sunday, Jan 8th at 9/8C)

UK version

US version

'Downton Abbey' is Americanized

American TV critics and industry professionals liked 'Downton Abbey'. In fact, based on how well it did during awards season, I'd go as far as to say that they like liked it.

But did you know that what we saw on PBS was the Americanized version?

Because apparently American viewers can't deal with slightly slow plots, or historical terms. Because in America we're all about speed and stupidity.

This obviously isn't true, and it may not be the only reason 'Downton Abbey' got "Americanized".

Regardless, when 'Downton Abbey' aired in the US it was only six-hours long, as opposed to the eight hours that were aired in the UK. A lot of what was cut was related to the inheritance plot, because apparently "entail" is a concept that is too complicated for the average American (it's not like most of PBS' viewers are highly-educated or anything). Also, Americans don't own dictionaries (or computers, or have access to Wikipedia).

Not only did we get the dumbed down version, but we also got an intro, provided by the lovely Laura Linney. Her opener gave us a quick synopsis of the plot. When 'Downton Abbey' aired in the UK it did not have any kind of explanation; it just started, like almost every drama. I suppose I can't complain too much about that part though, because 'Downton Abbey' was presented as a Masterpiece Theatre Production, and they often have such introductions. Who can forget Alistair Cook or Russell Baker? Still, I'm not sure I need Linney to explain relatively basic concepts to me.

Also, 'entail' doesn't exist in the UK anymore, so it's not as though the Brits know way more than the average American. More likely than not, unless they're in their sixties, they won't have any more idea than we do.

According to the MailOnline, when 'Downton Abbey' is released on DVD, Americans will have the option of buying the British original. The biggest question is, why didn't we have the option of watching it that way on television?

Maybe we'll get Season 2 uncut, if we're lucky.

Chris Hastings provides more information about 'Downton Abbey' and PBS' decision HERE.

They have accents?

Wait, What Accents?

There are a shocking number of foreign actors and actresses who appear on American television using American accents.


Often we know who these people are, but occasionally it's shocking.


For instance, did you know that Kevin McKidd (who plays Owen on "Grey's Anatomy") is Scottish? Well, I had no idea...until I saw him being interviewed for the "Greys" musical episode.



Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who played Vivian Johnson on "Without a Trace" for 8 seasons, is also British. I discovered that (with a great deal of shock) when I watched the special features on the series DVD.







Oh, and lets not forget "House". Hugh Laurie is also a Brit. But they're not the only ones invading.

"Without a Trace" barely qualifies as an American television show. Poppy Montgomery and Anthony LaPaglia, the shows other two leads, are both Australian. But you wouldn't know it.






"Fringe", currently airing on Fox, has an Australian lead (Anna Torv), and so does "The Mentalist" (Simon Baker).





And, Portia de Rossi, who I've previously mentioned for her roles on "Ally McBeal", "Arrested Development", and "Nip/Tuck", is yet another Australian.







Here are the following shows that have foreign actors playing American leads different television stations:
1) "Fringe" and "House" on Fox
2) "The Mentalist" on CBS
3) "Grey's Anatomy" on ABC
So, that's the two out of the Big Three plus the 'newcomer' network!

I guess I really can't complain about an Australian/British invasion on "our" television. After all, I have British citizenship too, and I'm not planning on moving out of the U.S. anytime soon.

Check out this fun story about foreigners playing Americans that was first heard on NPR in 2008.

hating outsourced?

How Racist is "Outsourced"?


Side note: One of us (Sacha Dhawan!) was in "The History Boys".

Lots of people seem to be annoyed about NBC's newest Thursday night comedy. Many of my friends refuse to watch it, citing racism and rampant stereotyping. At first I was also concerned. The show could have easily turned into a comedy based solely on racist jokes. The first episode was really problematic (it showed the workers in India as totally clueless about America, and made jokes about Todd's bad reactions to Indian food). However, I've watched the last couple of episodes, and the show is working hard to actually develop the characters. They've (mainly) moved past the inappropriate Indian stereotypes. And the truth of the matter is that whether racism is overt or not, it's basically present in everything we watch. Check out this study.

For those of you who don't know the premise: Todd is a manager for Mid-American Novelties. The company decides to outsource their ordering service to India, and Todd is told to move there to oversee the switch.

The entire show revolves around Todd adjusting to Indian life. And, honestly, if anyone is shown in a bad light, it's Todd. He is often shockingly stupid about culture in India.

Are there issues with the show? Definitely. Is it racist? I think you can see hints of racism in most episodes. But it also depends on your interpretation. I certainly don't think that the writers are trying to be racist. If anything, they're trying to write a new "Office". Just set in India, with a "fish out of water" experience.

The Americans are often presented as complete idiots for the sake of "comedy" (sometimes this is funnier than others). On tonight's episode (3/24/11) Todd video chats with an American HR Rep. She proceeds to hit on him repeatedly, telling him it doesn't matter because she can just erase what she says:
"In fact, I'm in charge of the tapes...ass, ass, ass, ass, ASS."
Everyone else who is in the United States is also presented in a bad light. Jerry, the owner of the company, occasionally appears via video chat, making ridiculous suggestions while driving poorly or eating whole steaks with his hands.

Sure many of the Indian characters are presented as just as quirky and eccentric as Todd and Jerry, but that's part of what this comedy is about. It's very character driven. If it were completely PC and showed a sensible manager with typical employees it would be boring as hell.

There are also times when aspects of Indian culture are celebrated. Todd and Asha had brief romantic relationship, but she was committed to the idea of an arranged marriage, and she is now engaged in the show*. "Outsourced" is doing a good job of reflecting why Asha wants an arranged marriage, and it should be interesting to see how this evolves.



So, will "Outsourced" be renewed for another season? It's not yet clear. Last week its audience grew by 7 percent (to 3.64 million viewers). Robert Borden, the executive producer, spoke to the LA Times today and expressed his hopes that the show would be renewed.



*I was a little upset when Asha and Todd broke up, but now he's dating Tonya, so I definitely feel better about that. You know, cause she's hot. And Australian.



"Outsourced" is on NBC on Thursdays at 10:30 pm