Comedy and errors
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The news that Paul Abbott's Shameless is to be remade for American television has, naturally, prompted a chorus of headshaking and sharp intakes of breath: how will Americans cope with Abbott's gritty, unsentimental portrayal of working-class family life and the frank sexuality of his characters? They'll cock up all the subtle English irony, won't they?
The news that Paul Abbott's Shameless is to be remade for American television has, naturally, prompted a chorus of headshaking and sharp intakes of breath: how will Americans cope with Abbott's gritty, unsentimental portrayal of working-class family life and the frank sexuality of his characters? They'll cock up all the subtle English irony, won't they?
It is time that we stopped fooling ourselves that we can give any lessons in irony to the nation that spawned Seinfeld. While it is true that some superb British television programmes have drowned mid-Atlantic, others have prospered. (Archie Bunker was a pretty good take on Alf Garnett.) And when it comes to remakes, British television can't hold its head up; remember Brighton Belles, our (very feeble) answer to Golden Girls?
Still, a slight wince is permissible. The truth is, when television executives buy a format it is a sign of fear - they want the double reassurance of having a proven hit, and purging it of any intrusive local flavours. On both sides of the Atlantic, when it comes to getting ratings, Shameless is the word.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments