10 US Remakes Of British TV Shows Which Were Actually Pretty Good
3. House Of Cards
Like many of the most successful reimaginings, Netflix’s House Of Cards took all the best bits from the British miniseries as a base, then built a new drama entirely of their own. It was an early attempt by the streaming giant to launch their own original content, and remains one of their best efforts.
As per the British version, House Of Cards centres on a scheming politician who plays his better-offs against one another to climb the ladder of power. It keeps the fourth wall-breaking narration and the gleeful immorality, but beyond that, Netflix’s show is its own beast.
While the original kept things relatively light and comedic, the Kevin Spacey-led show starts in the murk and only gets darker. His Frank Underwood leans heavily towards the anti in antihero, and he is surrounded by a cast of similarly awful people. Robin Wright shines particularly as his wife Claire, who becomes the de facto protagonist after Spacey’s removal following sexual misconduct allegations in 2017.
It’s decidedly adult TV with an enviable visual sheen courtesy of David Fincher, a key producer in the early days.