The Collegian

Issue date: 1/26/10 Section: Opinion

We all know that the British will almost always point out that they did it first, and more importantly, that they did it better.
The most obvious television program is the uber-popular NBC show The Office. This little gem was originally created by English comedian Ricky Gervais, the most recent host of the Golden Globes.
Other well-known programs include Whose Line is it Anyway, Britain's Got Talent, and the reigning ratings king, American Idol, known as Pop Idol in the UK.
But would it surprise you to find out that programs such as Hell's Kitchen, Life on Mars, What Not to Wear, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire? were all once hits over in Great Britain?
So what is one to make of all these wonders of the television world? One thing is for sure: the British are doing something right. Many times the British style of humor causes shows to flop in the US once they are brought over.
But the aforementioned programs and a few others represent those that found a way to break through the mold, and make it entertaining to American audiences.
The Office is a prime example of a show that translated well to American television. But what does this say about the skill of American writers and creators? Are we truly being beat at our own game, at the staple of America, television?
I am of the (no doubt biased) belief that American television is doing well and has been doing so despite the influx of British programming.
I think we can and do make creative, unique shows without the help of the Brits. Sure, they do a good job, and every so often they conjure up a golden show with an appeal to a wide-range of audience members, both age-wise and culturally speaking. But that is not reason enough in my mind to give up on American programming altogether.
If you are of the mindset that Americans are simply stealing ideas from our British counterparts, and further, that we are incapable of producing our own unique entertainment, then I would simply point out all the home-grown programming that begs to differ.
Shows like Seinfeld, Friends, 24, Lost, Frasier, Cheers, and everything in between are all examples of quality American television programming.
Besides, the British steal our game shows almost as often as we steal their sitcoms, so who's to say it's not fair? In the end, we are all shooting for the same goal: producing programming that is entertaining enough to make a profit. Therefore, it's only natural that we would share our creative juices with one another in order to achieve that end.

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