It's a slow summer's day, hence no posts of any substance, so I thought I'd suggest a talking point. This one came to me because Secret Diary Of A Call Girl is possibly being turned into a movie and, funnily enough, I only ever read positive reviews about Diary from US critics. Americans seem to really love Billie Piper and the show's light-hearted approach to prostitution, but I don't know ANYONE who watches the show here in the UK, where the show is actually made and set. You'd have thought British women would watch it for escapist drama, or men would tune in for the naughtier scenes with Piper in lingerie, but that's not been my experience. Maybe I mix in the wrong circles? Is it fair to say that Secret Diary Of A Call Girl's a bigger deal in the US than it is in the UK? Or is that only true in terms of TV criticism?
Are there any other TV shows that are, or were, much bigger hits in foreign countries? My mind wanders back to the first season of 24, which became an almost-instant phenomenon in the UK (it even had a discussion show on BBC3 debating the week's events, remember that?), and to this day Kiefer Sutherland admits that 24's immediate success and fervor in the UK helped build interest in the US during its formative year. Of course, 24 went on to become a huge hit worldwide.
Also, are there any TV shows that weren't a hit in their country of origin, but achieved success elsewhere in the world? Or it at least feels that way? Does FlashForward and later seasons of Heroes count? Both had poor ratings in the US, but those shows are still big hitters in many foreign territories.
And why do you think some TV shows don't appeal or connect with their home audience, yet become popular overseas? Is it a cultural thing, with countries finding foreign TV automatically "exotic", different and engaging? Is there less competition in overseas markets, or not much else to watch but foreign imports?
I'm not sure if anyone has anything to share on this matter, but appreciate all comments.
