10 Classic British TV Shows That Failed As American Remakes

4. Cracker (1993-2006) / Cracker (1997-1999)

TV has a love affair with classic anti-heroes and making you either love them and revel in their fall. In Cracker, yet another British crime drama, Robbie Coltrane (who also played the loveable Hagrid from the Harry Potter films) plays one of the best television anti-heroes this side of Breaking Bad€™s Walter White. Cracker€™s Eddie €œFitz€ Fitzgerald is an overweight, foul-mouthed, sarcastic asshole who smokes, drinks, and gambles, but he is also brilliant and respected criminal psychologist, so you know, you got to root for him. The show ran for three series (23 episodes) and two TV movies over a span 13 years. And of course, it won several awards, including three Best Actor BAFTAs in a row of Coltrane and two for Best Drama Series. In 1997, ABC attempted a remake to ride the on the heels of NYPD Blue€™s success for the channel. Stepping into Fitz€™s shoes was Robert Pastorelli (probably best known for Murphy Brown or the John Travolta-angel movie Michael). The show ran for just one season €“ though its 16 episodes were actually spread out over three years. It is perhaps most notable for giving Josh Hartnett his start in Hollywood (side note: where€™s he been the last few years?) and having original series star Robbie Coltrane guest star as a villain in one episode.
 
Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

Chris lives in New Orleans. He writes for several local publications and national websites - mostly about film, television, books, music, food, special events, and pop culture. Since writing unfortunately never pays much, he pays the bills with his day job in marketing.