How Foreign Shows Became Americas Next Big Hits

Many acclaimed American drama series have taken inspiration from shows made in other countries, or even in another language. In recent years, popular streaming services and TV networks in the US have produced remakes of projects from the UK, France, Denmark, and Israel, among others.

Some limited series, such as HBO's 2021 retelling of 'Scenes from a Marriage', based on the Swedish 1973 drama of the same name, have been well-received. Long-running shows like ABC's 'The Good Doctor' have also been influenced

While some viewers carefully compare an American reimagining to its overseas counterpart, others may not even realize that a series is a remake. The US generally produces more popular versions of foreign shows, but their success can vary when it comes to critical consensus.

Among the many American dramas based on series from other countries, some stand out for their impact on audiences and fan discussions today.

'High Potential', an ABC crime drama-comedy, is a remake of the Franco-Belgian show 'HPI'. The original aired five seasons in France and Belgium from 2021 to 2025 and earned generally positive reviews. The American version maintains the same story, following a hyper-intelligent single mom who uses her talents.

'High Potential' was one of ABC's most-watched shows through its first two seasons, with an average score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Its success carries promise into the future.

Read More: Anggun Lands Major Role in Amazons Reacher Season 4

Another American remake is AMC and Netflix drama 'The Killing', which garnered attention in the TV world during its first season in 2011. The show centers on Detective Sarah Linden as she investigates a series of murder mysteries.

The original Danish production, 'Forbrydelsen', is widely considered superior to the American remake. While both shows focus on interpersonal drama and crime, critics praised the original more highly.

Netflix's first original series, 'House of Cards', helped establish the platform as a leading force in streaming when it premiered in 2013. The show's story is based on a four-episode serial that aired on the BBC in 1990.

The US version of 'House of Cards' differentiated itself from its predecessor Despite this, the American show became even more popular globally during its six-season run.

'Euphoria', an HBO limited series, was inspired Both shows follow a group of high schoolers dealing with sex, drugs, and crime in their day-to-day lives. The original Israeli show received mediocre reviews and was canceled after its first season.

Both 'Euphoria' and its American remake generated controversy for their explicit scenes, but only the latter achieved mainstream success.