Maerj I wasn't getting at you personally (or anyone else on this board I would guess).
I just find it strange that in the whole history of US television, only one UK show has ever been shown on one of the major Networks (The Avengers if you're interested). As I understand it, BBC America is a pay-channel.
I probably came across a little harsher than I intended - but surely you must agree (especially if you watch British shows on BBC America or PBS) that a little diversity would be a good thing for the nation as a whole?
That said, the American culture overall is probably more diverse than the British – it's certainly a greater melting pot of nationalities. It just doesn't seem to be reflected in the mainstream American media, which seems very conservative.
Close to 10 years ago I had an American staying over who was watching UK television, and he was amazed at what was allowed on our television. He was especially horrified – in a good way - at "Absolutely Fabulous", which was relatively new at the time, and informed me that it would never be shown on American network television. He also seemed astonished by the sexual content and mild nudity of some of our dramas. God knows what he would think about the nudity in our newer programmes.
I'm not sick of American programmes and movies. I never even implied that in my post. I was just pointing out that the argument works both ways. There's often cultural references in American shows that are lost on non-American audiences (comedies especially) but we just watch them – and probably learn something at the same time. Refusing to even show British shows on American networks does suggest that the network executives are underestimating the American public.
But then again, these are the same execs that cancelled "Clerks The Series" virtually before it started, and then can't understand how it sold so many DVDs.
Don't believe our self-created lie that the British make the best television - the quality of our television has fallen greatly over the past 10 years, and I get the distinct impression nobody gives a damn for quality or originality these days. It seems every new British drama is just people shouting at each other for no reason. The writers can't even be bothered to write proper arguments these days. Something like E.R. puts our equivalent, Casualty, to shame.
The sad thing is, some of those programmes you mention in your post (especially The Prisoner and Monty Python) would never get made in the UK these days. While the US is embracing inteligent telefantasy and surrealism with open arms at the moment. The UK no longer leads the world in quality television (if it ever did).
I appreciate good television or films whether they are British, American, Australian (Loomis if you're reading this, I love "Round the Twist!") or whatever.
UK remakes of US shows are relatively rare, as we tend to just show the American originals. Apart from the two mentioned, I can't think of any others (but I suppose there must be others).
Now just to keep on the Disney theme, I understand Buena Vista have the US rights to "Duckula" – do they also have the "Dangermouse" rights?