I heard a reviewer on Radio National (Oz ABC) the other day commenting on the remakes of both Kath and Kim and Life on Mars for US audiences and thus right on the topic of this thread.

The reviewer had seen the first three episodes of the US Life on Mars, back-to-back, and regarded it as every bit as good as the UK version, with the "added attraction" of not closing down the plot line at the end of the second series, which happens in the UK version. In particular, she believed the cultural references that 'made' the UK version (such as the closing down of Manchester's cotton mills in the 70s) would never have worked in any US version and the original plan to film it in LA would have damaged it beyond repair so it was made in New York. Other aspects of the UK version, she reckoned, transferred perfectly into the NY/US version and made it an excellent program in its own right.

SHe went on to say, about the Kath and Kim comparisons, that one of the little ironies that made Oz version so delicious was the belief by Gina Riley's character (and Gina also was central to The Games) that she was a hot chick even though she displayed what must be the archetypical muffin tops. Her US version was much slimmer so all the context brought by the character's shape (in Oz) was missing in action in the US. *

I confess this is hearsay on my part as, although I saw all of the episodes of the Oz/UK series of both programs I've not seen any of the US remakes.

* Apparently US producers have some difficulty accepting female physiques that are 'on the large side'. Casting the role of Precious Ramotswe for the film of "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" has been criticised because the book's central character requires her to be "traditionally built" (and various plot parts hinge on this) whereas the producers somehow can't imagine a heroine's physique that is generously endowed across the hips.

Cheers, Rowan