Torchwood next up in the great American re-make sweepstakes


In, yet another attempt to take a great British series and “Americanize” it, Torchwood has drawn the short straw. I have two words for the particulars putting this together….Red Dwarf. Oh, and Coupling. Oh, yeah, three more words. Life On Mars. Learn from these attempted re-make mistakes. Anyone think of other failed attempts at American re-makes like the numerous versions of Fawlty Towers?

hrphotosstylus121838-torchwood_341.jpgThe encouraging news is that the original UK production team, including writer, Russell T. Davis, will be involved along with executive producers Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter from the beginning. And, word is that John Barrowman, who plays Capt. Jack Harkness, will be in the cast. Early signs point to a much more global story line as opposed to the London-based nature of the original series.


In: Action/Drama,Actors/Actresses

  • Holly

    I don’t really get the point. At least with Queer as Folk, the original British version only ran one season. By moving it to Showtime, Davies was able to get several more seasons. But it’s not like the original Torchwood has lacked for audience or opportunity. As a fan, it seems like Davies was fed up with BBC and ready to jump ship for Hollywood. He had his chance with the show, gave up on it and now wants to reboot? Can something gone only six months really be in need of a reboot?

  • Cora Latta

    So Torchwood on both sides of the pond? I read that a series 4 was coming over in Britain. I agree with the idea about Coupling. Disaster. I guess it’s a wait and see kind of thing.

    • @Cora: I just wish they’d let it go and stop trying to re-invent the wheel over here. Finally figured out in the case of Coupling that they bought the scripts and read them verbatim but, the problem was that the scripts were designed for a 30 minute show and they read them in the U.S. version of 22 minutes. Spelled disaster from the beginning.

  • Theresa

    I don’t really see why they’re trying to do this. Torchwood is such a fantastic show as it is, there is absolutely no reason to change anything about it. Americans should appreciate the original instead of settling for a remake.