As much as we Brits adore our telly, some American TV shows just didn’t quite hit the mark for us. Sure, we love a good binge on a thrilling US series or a laugh at American comedies, but there are a few out there that leave us scratching our heads. Sometimes it’s the cultural references, or maybe it’s the humour that doesn’t land. While some US shows like Friends and The Simpsons are beloved across the pond, others just never managed to gather the same following. Here are 13 American TV shows that, for one reason or another, never quite clicked with British audiences.
1. Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Although the Kardashians are global icons, the idea of following their glamorous yet chaotic lives hasn’t resonated with everyone in the UK. For many Brits, the show’s focus on luxury and constant drama feels distant from everyday life. While some tune in for the celebrity gossip, others find the series a bit too over-the-top.
2. The Bachelor
The American dating show, The Bachelor, has been a phenomenon in the US, but for Brits, the format doesn’t always appeal. The dramatic rose ceremonies and highly competitive love quests feel a tad intense compared to UK dating shows. Shows like Love Island offer a different vibe, making The Bachelor seem a bit artificial in comparison.
3. Duck Dynasty
This reality series, following the Robertson family’s duck-hunting business, had Americans fascinated, but the appeal was lost on most Brits. With hunting culture being less mainstream here, it’s hard to relate. The show’s niche focus and Southern Americana themes didn’t help it gain a strong following across the Atlantic.
4. Dr. Phil
The famous American TV psychologist Dr. Phil has a massive audience in the US, where his direct, tell-it-like-it-is style goes down well. In Britain, though, his approach can feel blunt and even confrontational. For us, the idea of airing personal issues on TV feels too intense—and a bit uncomfortable.
5. Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
The quirky series following the life of child pageant contestant Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson was a guilty pleasure for some Americans. But here in the UK, the show’s loud and chaotic style seemed a bit baffling. Many found it hard to connect with the over-the-top behaviour, finding it more bewildering than entertaining.
6. Jersey Shore
Jersey Shore introduced the world to a cast of self-proclaimed “guidos” and their wild lives. While Geordie Shore—the British spin-off—found its own audience, the original series seemed less relatable. The loud, party-focused lifestyle didn’t resonate with British viewers as much, and the cast’s unique personalities didn’t quite bridge the Atlantic divide.
7. Two and a Half Men
Despite its huge success in the States, Two and a Half Men left a lukewarm impression on British audiences. Some found the humour a bit crude or overly focused on stereotypes. With its fast-paced American wit, it missed the mark for those who prefer British sitcoms’ dry humour and subtlety.
8. Pimp My Ride
In the early 2000s, Pimp My Ride gave audiences a look at American car culture, with the host and rapper Xzibit transforming clunky cars into flashy showpieces. However, in the UK, the over-the-top modifications—like fish tanks in the backseat—seemed ridiculous rather than aspirational. Many Brits just couldn’t see the appeal of such flashy transformations.
9. The Jerry Springer Show
The Jerry Springer Show became notorious for its outrageous guests and controversial topics. While some Brits enjoyed the sheer spectacle, for others, it felt too extreme and staged. British TV chat shows usually have a more laid-back tone, so Springer’s brand of shock entertainment didn’t sit well with everyone.
10. The Young and the Restless
Long-running American soap The Young and the Restless is a staple of US daytime TV, but it never took off in the UK. With its glamorous characters and dramatic storylines, the show is quite different from British soaps like EastEnders. For many Brits, the intense drama of American soaps can feel a bit overdone.
11. Saturday Night Live
While Saturday Night Live is an American institution, the sketches and references don’t always land for British viewers. SNL often focuses on US politics and pop culture, which can be tricky to understand across the pond. Despite some brilliant guest stars, its American-centric humour can make it feel inaccessible.
12. The View
The all-women talk show, The View, is a major part of US daytime television, known for its hot takes and debates on current issues. But for Brits, the format hasn’t caught on. The show’s heated, opinion-driven discussions feel a bit much for UK viewers, who are more accustomed to lighter daytime content.
13. The Price is Right
While The Price is Right is one of America’s longest-running game shows, its format never became as popular in the UK. The energetic crowd, flashy prizes, and over-the-top hosting style felt too intense for British sensibilities. With its focus on consumer goods, it doesn’t align with the quieter, more subdued atmosphere we prefer in our own game shows.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
