The IT Crowd

I recently discovered the British series "The IT Crowd" and loved every episode. One of the biggest reason was that the brilliant writer Graham LInehan ("Father Ted") not only wrote the shows but directed them. So, some American company thought they could replicate the show's success here in the States...but never got Linehan's involvement...and that is a HUGE mistake since the concept alone isn't what made the show enjoyable...it was the wonderful writing.

I was surprised to hear that there was an American version but apparently it never made it past this pilot episode and NBC didn't buy it. Is that a good thing or bad thing? Well, after finding the episode on the internet, I learned for myself.

When the show began, I noticed something odd. While Linehan's name was not on the program, it was essentially the first episode of the British series. It even had the same graphics and practically the same set! Also, oddly, Moss was in this show and was played by the same Moss from the British series. However, the laugh track was much more obvious and noticeable and there wasn't much new. Was it terrible? No....not at all. But there seemed to be no reason for the show....as they could just show the British version. In hindsight, it's probably for the best this American effort went no further.

If we look back in television history the US has "Borrow" ideas from the British for decades. The list is too long to list. American television networks like to take successful British material because it's proven to have a market with audiences. They tend to Americanize the shows, using the stories and characters in an American setting in hopes that people will better identify with the stories. It sounds like they are lazy and want $$$$$ quickly instead of just doing it themselves.

I decided to watch this after having seen the original. I've never been so scared in my whole life. The horror of American comedy sometimes.

What is with this need for Americans to recreate British TV shows? Are they really that incapable of understanding a British accent? The script for the pilot is verbatim, the same pilot script from the original British series, save for a few minor word changes. The only major difference is that the American actors that were cast are utterly horrible at delivering their lines. NBC couldn't even come up with their own unique spin off for this awesome series. I'm glad it was never meant to be, it would have been an embarrassment if this somehow managed to pull through. Watch the original The IT Crowd, and if you have difficulty understanding a British accent then turn on the subtitles!

There is a huge difference between English and American humor. If you don't get the English humor don't bother to try and understand it, you wont. Not ever! I'm not surprised the American version din't get any further than te Pilot...