2. Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) / Snavely (1978) / Amandas (1983) / Payne (1999)
Upon leaving
Monty Pythons Flying Circus after the third (of four) series, comedian John Cleese was eager find a new creative outlet. Based on hotel owner where he once stayed, Cleese and his then-wife Connie Booth created
Fawlty Towers. Of his characters real life inspiration, Cleese described Donald Sinclair as, the most marvelously rude man I've ever met. After a rocky start, the show soon developed both critical acclaim and high ratings, winning two BAFTAs for Best Sitcom and cited as the Best British TV show of all-time by the British Film Institute.
Fawlty Towers was so beloved and respected, an American adaptation was attempted no less than three separate times. First came
Snavely in 1978, starring Harvey Korman and Betty White, but after the pilot was not picked up for series. A few years late came
Amandas in 1983, starring Whites future
Golden Girls co-star Bea Arthur. Though a full season order of 13 episodes were produced, only 10 aired before it was axed. Finally, 1999 saw the brief appearance of
Payne, starring John Larroquette, JoBeth Williams, and Julie Benz. It was cancelled after 8 episodes. So is it three strikes and youre out, or is America due for another crack at
Fawlty Towers remake?