NBC is quite good at remaking British television into more Americanized fare. Take The Office, for example. Steve Carrell's Michael Scott is a reflection of Ricky Gervais' David Brent from the UK version of the show of the same name. And now, NBC is getting another British defector. Prime Suspect, a police procedural from the UK, is crossing the drink to appear on NBC.
Prime Suspect, in its original British run, starred Helen Mirren (The Queen, State of Play) as Decetive Chief Inspector Jane Tennison. The show heavily relied on Tennison's gender for the plot; sexism was often an obstacle to her solving the case, especially from her male co-workers. The series, which ran for seven three-and-a-half-hour seasons, featured British actors such as Ralph Fiennes and Tom Wilkenson, in addition to Mirren.
Hank Steinberg, a writer for Without a Trace, was "key" in the procurement of the project, Angela Bromstad of NBC told Variety. "We are incredibly excited about this modern vision for the show."
What separates Prime Suspect from all the other police procedurals?, I hear you ask.
That's easy: unlike the case-a-week fare that populates television today, Prime Suspect's seasons each centered on one case, taking multiple episodes to solve the murders. Though studios often worry about the attention span of viewers, I think that this aspect of Prime Suspect should not be removed from the remake -- that's what made the show special.
Prime Suspect is the first show in a three-show deal between NBC and British studio ITV, which will also include two more pilots for NBC: one scripted, and one unscripted.
What do you think about the Americanization of foreign television shows like Prime Suspect? Will you be watching Prime Suspect? Which British show would you like remade as an American series? Sound off below -- we want to hear your comments!
I'm not sure about this. The original was incredible. But I don't think it will translate to a full-season American show. It was meant to be a short, powerful series. That is why it could concentrate on one crime for the length of the season.
Like you said, part of the appeal was the female lead character in that environment. They will have to cast an actress with the same chops as Helen Mirren to hold the role. It must be an actress, not a celebrity. That will be one of the deciding factors for me to try this.
Also: Angela Bromstad of NBC told Variety. "We are incredibly excited about this modern vision for the show."
The first season premiered in 1992. It's not so out of date that it has to be modernized. Culturally shifted? Sure, to an extent. But if they do too much, they'll lose what made it great.
I’m not sure about this. The original was incredible. But I don’t think it will translate to a full-season American show. It was meant to be a short, powerful series. That is why it could concentrate on one crime for the length of the season.
Like you said, part of the appeal was the female lead character in that environment. They will have to cast an actress with the same chops as Helen Mirren to hold the role. It must be an actress, not a celebrity. That will be one of the deciding factors for me to try this.
Also: Angela Bromstad of NBC told Variety. “We are incredibly excited about this modern vision for the show.”
The first season premiered in 1992. It’s not so out of date that it has to be modernized. Culturally shifted? Sure, to an extent. But if they do too much, they’ll lose what made it great.
I’m not sure about this. The original was incredible. But I don’t think it will translate to a full-season American show. It was meant to be a short, powerful series. That is why it could concentrate on one crime for the length of the season.
Like you said, part of the appeal was the female lead character in that environment. They will have to cast an actress with the same chops as Helen Mirren to hold the role. It must be an actress, not a celebrity. That will be one of the deciding factors for me to try this.
Also: Angela Bromstad of NBC told Variety. “We are incredibly excited about this modern vision for the show.”
The first season premiered in 1992. It’s not so out of date that it has to be modernized. Culturally shifted? Sure, to an extent. But if they do too much, they’ll lose what made it great.
Agreed. NO one can really replace the wonderful Helen Mirren. But….if anyone can come close, it is Patricia Clarkson (The Station Agent), etc.
She is a great actress.
Agreed. NO one can really replace the wonderful Helen Mirren. But….if anyone can come close, it is Patricia Clarkson (The Station Agent), etc.
She is a great actress.
Agreed. NO one can really replace the wonderful Helen Mirren. But….if anyone can come close, it is Patricia Clarkson (The Station Agent), etc.
She is a great actress.
Anybody remember "Cracker", and how the U.S. version of THAT sucked? There aren't many actresses on this side of the pond that could bring Ms. Mirren's chops & intensity to the role. Look for the Hollywood version of PS to suck also.