Some of America’s most familiar shows actually began overseas. The formats were created abroad, then remade for American audiences.
1. The Office — Britain
The original British The Office ran for just two short series and a Christmas special.
The American adaptation turned the concept into a nine-season hit and helped make mockumentary-style sitcoms a major part of American television.
2. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? — Britain
The original British version premiered in 1998 before the American version arrived in 1999.
The format spread to roughly 100 countries, making the simple combination of escalating questions, lifelines, and a huge top prize one of television’s most recognizable formulas.
3. Survivor — Sweden
The reality competition Americans know as Survivor was adapted from the Swedish series Expedition Robinson, which debuted in 1997.
The American version helped launch the reality-TV boom of the early 2000s and turned alliances, challenges, and elimination votes into prime-time entertainment.
4. Big Brother — Netherlands
The original Big Brother premiered in the Netherlands in 1999.
The American version arrived a year later, putting strangers together under constant surveillance. The format became one of television’s longest-running reality franchises.
5. The Voice — Netherlands
The Voice of Holland introduced the now-famous blind auditions, where judges initially hear contestants without seeing them.
The American version premiered in 2011, turning the spinning chairs and celebrity coaching into instantly recognizable television.
6. The Masked Singer — South Korea
South Korea’s King of Mask Singer inspired the American series The Masked Singer.
The American version premiered in 2019, with celebrities performing while hidden inside elaborate costumes. The mystery surrounding each singer became almost as important as the performances.