I was going to write a post about this myself. I like the British Coupling, and I quite disliked the American one. It did come off as tentative -- but also (paradoxically) forced, and awkwardly put together. Also, the rhythm was terrible -- like it was directed off a metronome or a shot clock. I'm glad that Lindsay Price is getting work, but her Jane is so clearly inferior to Gina Bellman's that it was a little difficult to watch.
For the most part, I think that sitcoms (and other programs) do not translate well from one side of the Atlantic to the other. British and American humour are very different (and I don't just mean that we spell it with a 'u'!!!). I don't believe that it's a good idea to try to directly translate a sitcom like this between the US and UK or vice-versa.
A much better idea would be to take the same basic premise -- the 'situation' -- and change it, tweak it, then apply the funny stuff... Which is exactly what Steven Moffat has expertly done with Coupling... The 'situation' is very similar indeed, but the dynamics of the relationships and the comedy that surrounds them are inherently different.
Coupling (UK) is the funniest British sitcom for decades. If you're going to change the dynamic to suit a US audience, you're just going to end up with 'Friends', so why bother? Its much better to export the UK version and allow US audiences to see it, then create something entirely new for America.
When I mention Steven Moffat expertly crafting a tweaked comedy, I do not mean his US version of Coupling... I mean the UK version, which is a modified version of the 'Friends' situation!!
just passing by, found your blog. comment re: Coupling UK vs Coupling USA... I like many of my friends find the UK version far superior, and the US version lacking. I agree that some of the humour does not translate (I don't think Americans understand 'gusset') and its replacements are not up to par... it's not just the accents either. It is also the fact that 8 minutes of teleplay are shaved off to accomodate commercials, thereby making the US version a little too hurried to get the jokes across. I found the first three episodes, all re-makes of Season 1 UK version, hurried and forced... but watched an US episode last week that was based on various UK version situations but not exactly the same... and it did come off as quite funny for what it was worth. Guess we'll have to stay tuned...
Just wanted to let you guys know that the german version (translated from the UK version) ain't that funny as well. There simply is just one original one, the UK one, and I can't wait for the fourth season to appear (which is supposed to be this summer)....
I was going to write a post about this myself. I like the British Coupling, and I quite disliked the American one. It did come off as tentative -- but also (paradoxically) forced, and awkwardly put together. Also, the rhythm was terrible -- like it was directed off a metronome or a shot clock. I'm glad that Lindsay Price is getting work, but her Jane is so clearly inferior to Gina Bellman's that it was a little difficult to watch.
Posted by Bob | Link to this comment | 09-26-03 1:13 PM
I will need to get my hands on the British version!
Posted by Lisa Chau | Link to this comment | 09-28-03 12:54 PM
It's still on TV! (If you get BBC America.)
Posted by ogged | Link to this comment | 09-28-03 1:03 PM
In case you hadn't heard, there will be a series 4 of the BBC "Coupling". Filming is scheduled to start in January.
Posted by obeah | Link to this comment | 09-29-03 1:58 PM
For the most part, I think that sitcoms (and other programs) do not translate well from one side of the Atlantic to the other. British and American humour are very different (and I don't just mean that we spell it with a 'u'!!!). I don't believe that it's a good idea to try to directly translate a sitcom like this between the US and UK or vice-versa.
A much better idea would be to take the same basic premise -- the 'situation' -- and change it, tweak it, then apply the funny stuff... Which is exactly what Steven Moffat has expertly done with Coupling... The 'situation' is very similar indeed, but the dynamics of the relationships and the comedy that surrounds them are inherently different.
Coupling (UK) is the funniest British sitcom for decades. If you're going to change the dynamic to suit a US audience, you're just going to end up with 'Friends', so why bother? Its much better to export the UK version and allow US audiences to see it, then create something entirely new for America.
Posted by Thellers | Link to this comment | 10-21-03 2:30 AM
Just a quick note about my comment above...
When I mention Steven Moffat expertly crafting a tweaked comedy, I do not mean his US version of Coupling... I mean the UK version, which is a modified version of the 'Friends' situation!!
Just thought I'd clear that up!!
Posted by Thellers | Link to this comment | 10-21-03 2:32 AM
just passing by, found your blog. comment re: Coupling UK vs Coupling USA... I like many of my friends find the UK version far superior, and the US version lacking. I agree that some of the humour does not translate (I don't think Americans understand 'gusset') and its replacements are not up to par... it's not just the accents either. It is also the fact that 8 minutes of teleplay are shaved off to accomodate commercials, thereby making the US version a little too hurried to get the jokes across. I found the first three episodes, all re-makes of Season 1 UK version, hurried and forced... but watched an US episode last week that was based on various UK version situations but not exactly the same... and it did come off as quite funny for what it was worth. Guess we'll have to stay tuned...
Posted by tre | Link to this comment | 10-31-03 3:26 PM
Just wanted to let you guys know that the german version (translated from the UK version) ain't that funny as well. There simply is just one original one, the UK one, and I can't wait for the fourth season to appear (which is supposed to be this summer)....
Posted by ripclaw | Link to this comment | 04-21-04 1:37 AM
I know the German version, the Brit version and the US version. And to be honest ... the only one that's worth being watched is the British one :-)
Posted by Olli | Link to this comment | 05- 3-04 5:47 PM
The british version of Coupling is defenitely
the best and the funniest among the three sitcoms.
I'm sorry to tell that it's a total waste of time and money producing poor imitations like coupling u.s.
and this claim is based on the other mentioned above ...
Posted by Yaron Day | Link to this comment | 04-26-05 2:00 PM