Spin Off!!

What is with the recent spate of television programming ripping off their foreign counterparts? It started off innocently enough and now we're getting a spate of American programs based on foreign programs.

Here are some that you can probably look forward to with dread, and some, maybe with glee. Be warned, there are a few WTF moments in this list:

Original: The Office BBC

Adaptation: The Office US

Verdict: The original had a smarmy Ricky Gervais heading his paper company, and it's just incredible how ignorant his character was. The adaptation wasn't too bad, the first season was a complete rip of the original, but it really started picking up in the 2nd season, then it got hilariously funny by the 4th season. A rollercoaster of emotions this one. Expect to laugh and cry and frustrate alot... like.. ALOT!!

Original: Top Gear BBC

Adaptation: Top Gear USA

Verdict: The original had 3 very different hosts, but they gelled some how. The cars were an awesome mix of European exotics, American muscle cars and Jap rice rockets. It wasn't always about speed though, they branched into luxury cars and Kei cars and they always had car challenges, often with hilarious results. What can we expect from the American version? Errr, terrible terrible American cars around a track with an obese Stig... I guess... Also, an Australian version is coming out too, expect lots of hopping marsupials in this one.

Original: Little Britain

Adaptation: Little Britain USA

Verdict: You know its not gonna be good when the title doesnt make sense. Little Britain USA?? How does that even begin to work? Ah well, was a HUGE fan of the original, the skits can get repetitive, but they always made for good one liners. I want THAT one!! *points at original Little Britain*

Original: Kath And Kim ABC

Adaptation: Kath And Kim USA

Verdict: Serious WTF moment here. Selma Blair as Kim?? Honestly??!! Mmm, the orignal thrived on how trashy they were, the accents totally completed the whole redneck feel to it too. As far as I know the US version is based in Florida, that not nearly as redneck enough!! Expect this one to seriously flop!! Australian Broadcasting Channel's Kath And Kim sez "Look at moii, look at moiiii!!"

I kid you not, all of these shows exist already or will start airing in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled and who knows, we might have even more reason to clog up the bandwidth hogging and hub leaching!!!