International Versions of UK Shows

Sorry, it's a hypothesis rather than actually documented reason. However, I'm pretty sure it would have been put to the test by VOAs lawyers pretty quickly had the producers decided to stick with the title.

Australia shows a lot of UK imports and therefore they tend to state when it is a home made version of the programme.

They used to do it with X Factor quite a bit:

Although that point had been made a couple of times before and since.

Reports today that Simon Cowell will replace Howard Stern next year as a judge on America's Got Talent.

Also:

Different titles. Neil walking through a backlot, looks at a TV featuring tonight’s guests which turns into a phone promoting Singalong Live. Nicole pops out of a wall photo,Little NPH mimics the actions of NPH in a mirror and a CGI door opens to reveal a live shot of the green room. All a bit full on, nowhere near as cohesive as ours.

It was a bit odd seeing elements so closely associated with Ant & Dec being redone (mind you, I did see that French version on YouTube...)

Strangely the audience seemed quite flat, compared with the frenzy that we see in London. Maybe there wasn't enough people packed into the studio? The banter between Neil and Nicole barely got a laugh and he did seem a bit alone at times but then, it may just be me being used to A&D bouncing off each other (Americans must have wondered who the two randomers were at the end!).

The Win The Ads, sorry Get Lucky, was odd as the booby prizes weren't that rubbish. The woman did well and decided not to gamble, sorry play. More jeopardy needed next time.

I guess time will tell whether it’ll find an audience, maybe more high profile guests will help.

The Great Holiday Baking Show - ABC - United States

The 2nd attempt at a US version of the BBC baking show based off of The Great British Bake Off premiered yesterday on ABC. This show comes after the failed attempt on CBS to "Americanize" the format with Paul Hollywood. Failed miserably. This show features Mary Berry as judge alongside Johnny Inuzzi. Sadly no Mel and Sue. Taped in the UK using the same tent, some of same music and graphics. Its only a 4 episode special. If the show does well it might lead to a full season. I thought it wasnt half bad. The contestants are frankly not that good. Surely they could have found some homebakers that can actually bake. But maybe that will change if the show takes off. The real homebakers will apply to be on the show.

Watch here on Youtube..hopefully its not geoblocked.

I hope that sticking more faithfully to the UK format works for them - they should have learned by now that Americanising our shows takes the charm out of them. Surprised too the BBC are yet to commission a Christmas series of their own - wouldn't be too surprised if it turns up next year. Also think it would be significantly more popular than the planned professional spin-off.

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/02/bbc-bake-off-creme-de-la-creme-pastry-chefs-tom-kerridge


Also back to The Chase Australia and the Beast is joining the line up of Chasers next year.

Didn't America do their own version of The Big Breakfast entitled The Big Day in 1994/5?

Maybe with certain formats.

I've watched some of Best Time Ever. Neil Patrick Harris is a great fit and it all feels extremely familiar however I feel the intro lacks the *buzz* and excitement of SNT.

Ant and Dec Produced - Saturday Night Take Away USA is done.
Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris officially cancelled by NBC
http://www.ew.com/article/2015/12/15/nbc-cancels-best-time-ever-neil-patrick-harris

Well that went down well then