Brit TV stars hiting US screens

Simon Cowell did it with American Idol, then The Big Breakfasts' Amanda Byram (although she's Irish) hosted Paradise Hotel. Now the latest US reality show - Forever Eden - also has a British host - Ruth England, of Wish You Were Here?

It's also reported on BBCi that Patrick Kielty will host a new show for ABC, while Martin Bashir is also said to be travelling stateside.

So why is it that the American networks have no problem bringing in British talent to front their programmes - yet won't even consider screening an original British drama or comedy on their network?

Unfortunately the division heads feel that British shows (with the original casts) won't work here.

Of course, there are a number of shows that did far better on PBS ("Monty Python"; "Mr. Bean") or BBC America ("The Office"; "Father Ted") than they ever could/would on the broadcast networks.

The broadcast networks seems to think that American casts can do better, even with foreign content. They keep getting proven wrong, with NBC's attempt at "Coupling" being the latest dismal failure.

Mind you, NBC has the US rights to a remake of "The Office" on their slate - I don''t know when it's due to air though.

Just yesterday the TR!O channel premiered FOOTBALLERS WIVES, the first series.
FOOTBALLERS WIVES ON TR!O
They also premiered a hit from OZ "Kath and Kim"