10 American TV Shows Adapted From Foreign Series

These Popular US TV Shows Have International Roots You Probably Didn’t Know About!

Some of the most popular U.S. shows actually started far from Hollywood. From Dutch reality hits and British sitcoms to Korean dramas and Colombian telenovelas, global ideas have shaped American screens in surprising ways. You might be shocked!

Jane The Virgin

For anyone watching Jane The Virgin first time, it might look like a generic telenovela, but stick around for the first couple of episodes and you'll realize it's not. The series is based on a Venezuelan telenovela that translates to the same name. Like its original, the story follows a young woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she’s accidentally artificially inseminated. However, U.S. version has skillfully blended telenovela-style twists with modern humor and emotional depth.

Three’s Company

The classic sitcom Three’s Company wasn’t born in the U.S. Its premise came from the British series Man About the House. The U.S. adaptation took the same concept of roommates hiding a living arrangement from a landlord and stretched it into a long-running hit.

Shameless

Shameless became one of America’s most talked-about dramedies, but it actually began in the United Kingdom. The original U.K. version depicted the same messy, dysfunctional, and lovable Gallagher family that later stole U.S. viewers’ hearts.

All in the Family

All in the Family set the bar for sitcoms with social commentary. Surprisingly, it’s based on the British sitcom Till Death Do Us Part. The U.S. adaptation took that foundation and created one of the most iconic American comedies ever made. While the British version was shorter-lived, All in the Family thrived for years.

Euphoria

The HBO hit Euphoria is known for its raw portrayal of teenage struggles, but few realize it’s based on an Israeli miniseries of the same name. The themes of identity, addiction, and emotional turmoil run deep in both versions, though the American adaptation amplifies its visual and emotional intensity.

The Office

The Office might be considered one of the greatest U.S. comedies of all time, but the show’s concept didn’t start in America. It’s based on the British series of the same name, and interestingly, the pilots for both versions are nearly identical. While the U.K. version leaned into dry, awkward humor, the American adaptation added warmth and heart without losing the cringe factor.

Ugly Betty

Ugly Betty became a cultural touchstone in the mid-2000s and launched America Ferrera’s career into stardom. However, it wasn’t originally an American concept. The series was adapted from a Colombian telenovela titled “I Am Betty, the Ugly One.”

Power Rangers

While Power Rangers is a beloved American franchise, the concept came from Japan. It’s based on the long-running Japanese series Super Sentai, which features colorful heroes fighting villains with teamwork and giant mechas. The U.S. version reused battle footage and adapted storylines to suit Western audiences.

Homeland

Homeland, the tense political thriller starring Claire Danes, didn’t originate in the U.S. In fact, it's an adaptation of the Israeli series Prisoners of War. Both versions explore loyalty, trauma, and the blurry lines between heroism and betrayal. The American series expanded the concept into a global espionage though.

The Good Doctor

The Good Doctor may be a hit American medical drama, but it’s not an original concept. The series is adapted from a 2013 South Korean show of the same name. It follows Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, as he deals with the challenges of working at a prestigious hospital while struggling to connect with those around him.