(no subject)

[pensnest]

I've just spent several happy/bemused minutes watching a direct, side-by-side comparison between the UK and US versions of 'Coupling'. Prithee, do the same.

It's bizarre. Is the American audience *really* unable to appreciate the humour in its original form? I have to say, that seems unlikely.

Comments

[stripped]

I am American. I am HORRIFIED by the fact that they made a US version of Coupling, and even more horrified by the fact that they changed it. I actually kind of haven't even seen it.

On the other hand, I loved the British version, have seen it multiple times, and developed a lifelong adoration of Gina Bellman thanks to it.

My husband and I also quote the British version regularly. So yeah, there are Americans who think people are insane. I'm also watching in horror to see if they are ruining Skins completely by remaking it here.

[pensnest]

I must admit I don't understand why whoever bought 'Coupling' would decide it needed to be re-done for the US market, given that it is in perfectly comprehensible English, and brilliantly funny. I love that show. It's the way they are all recognisably people rather than 'actors in a sit-com' that makes the big difference, I think.

[scarlett-o.livejournal.com]

I'm such a huge fan of the UK Coupling and the US remake pales in comparison. I'm with you I can't understand why anyone would want to watch the US version (actually no did) when the UK version is so good. The biggest difference I noticed in the two side-by-side is that the acting in the UK is acres better. The US version managed to mangle all the comedic timing.

[pensnest]

The US version seems to go for 'every line has to be a punchline' rather than letting the funny build until you're crying with laughter, which I have done, watching this show. It's such a totally different style. I don't think the US production trusted that the material was, in fact, very funny indeed.

[scarlett-o.livejournal.com]

That's it right there. I've cried laughing at it too. The first time I saw it my best friends brother came running over to her house with an ep taped from PBS (The Man With 3 Legs, I believe) and told us we had to watch it right now. I don't think I've ever laughed so much.

One of the things I hate about American television shows is that so many are geared to the lowest common denominator. So much American television is about "See, see, that was funny. You should laugh now." There are shows that don't do that but they have to fight to get any kind of network support. Sports Night comes to mind.

[zillahseye.livejournal.com]

...there was an American version of Coupling? How depressing.

[pensnest]

I spose there's a certain style that *works* (apparently) in the US, and they'd rather stick with it than go for something different. It's my impression we've always been a bit more innovative about comedy over here. It's weird, though, that the networks are convinced the stuff works, and yet still rewrite it to remove the funny.

There were times I had to stop watching Coupling so's I could breathe. Now I want a Coupling icon, or three. Hmm.

[scarlett-o.livejournal.com]

This is so true. Why take a show that obviously is funny from the UK and then change it to surgically remove the funny. I just don't understand it.

And yes I want an icon of Jeff in the bondage mask.

[nikibee.livejournal.com]

I have never seen this show but it looks amazing. I will be watching the UK version asap. British humor ftw! This reminds me of when they remade Life on Mars for America and it was awful. But some shows actually end up good when they're Americanized (e.g. The Office, Queer as Folk).

Also, is that Ted from Better Off Ted? I LOVE BETTER OFF TED AND NOW I WANT TO WATCH IT!