Yankee Version of "Torchwood" (and "Dr. Who"?) in the works

[J.M. Vargas]

http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/01/fox-readying-us-version-of-torchwood-.html. Depending on how a "Torchwood" pilot/series goes a "Dr. Who" American version might get off the ground soon after.

Fox is developing a stateside version of the U.K. hit series “Torchwood.”

The project is from BBC Worldwide Prods., with original series creator Russell Davies writing the script.

Unlike U.S. adaptations that have gone awry, “Torchwood” fans can take comfort that the original producing team is on board. In addition to Davies, exec producers include Davies’ producing partner Julie Gardner (former head of drama at BBC Wales for the show’s first season) and Jane Tranter (another BBC vet, now exec VP programming and production at BBC Worldwide Prods. in the U.S.).

Also, some of the current cast — most likely John Barrowman, who plays the immortal Capt. Jack Harkness — might star if Fox orders “Torchwood” to pilot.

As for the new show’s plot, the U.S. version will contain a global story line compared to the more localized sensibility of the first two BBC seasons.

Tranter might try to reboot “Doctor Who” for U.S. audiences...

[Michael Stailey]

Oy vey... As if the BBC hasn't already learned its lesson from the failed "reboots" of Coupling and AbFab.

[the5thghostbuster]

Oy vey... As if the BBC hasn't already learned its lesson from the failed "reboots" of Coupling and AbFab.

If the US Torchwood is a contionuation of the old show, it might work. I'm not sold on the idea, but at least can be optimistic aboput it.

I very seriously doubt a US WHO TV series will happen though. For starters, I can only imagine RTD would do everything in his power to talk Tranter out of the idea, and the backlash from fans and most likely the current production team would be considerable.

However, a US lead, seperate Doctor Who film franchise is another issue entirely. I could very easily see this happening. Again, not sure It's a good idea, but given the history of alternate Doctors such as the Shalka Doctor, Cushing's Dr. Who and even Rowen Atkinson's "9th" Doctor, a film version of the character would be less threatening to the television version.

[Eric Profancik]

We've seen the Americanized version of "Doctor Who" already in that vile, abonimation of a television movie on Fox. It was horrible from start to finish, completely losing the concept of what the show is all about, and changing the characters for no good reason. Let's not try it again. Just watch BBC America and be satisfied! That goes for "Torchwood" too. The first thing that would go would be Jack's bisexuality and it would go downhill from there.

[Kenneth Morgan]

We've seen the Americanized version of "Doctor Who" already in that vile, abonimation of a television movie on Fox. It was horrible from start to finish, completely losing the concept of what the show is all about, and changing the characters for no good reason. Let's not try it again. Just watch BBC America and be satisfied! That goes for "Torchwood" too. The first thing that would go would be Jack's bisexuality and it would go downhill from there.

As I've noted in the past, I completely disagree with you re: the McGann movie. Actually, I thought it was far closer to the original series than the new one has been. I'm never been really comfortable with the whole "lonely, lovelorn, angst-ridden Doctor" of recent years. But, that's just me.


As for "Torchwood", I'm not sure that it'd work on a major U.S. network. That's not necessarily because of any changes they'd make, but because a network would say, "We already saw this when it was called 'U.F.O.', 'The X-Files' and 'Fringe'". I just think the timing is off. Still, it might get on the schedule, but only if it really caught on. And, even then, only if a network really got behind it regardless of initial ratings.

[Eric Profancik]

We've seen the Americanized version of "Doctor Who" already in that vile, abonimation of a television movie on Fox. It was horrible from start to finish, completely losing the concept of what the show is all about, and changing the characters for no good reason. Let's not try it again. Just watch BBC America and be satisfied! That goes for "Torchwood" too. The first thing that would go would be Jack's bisexuality and it would go downhill from there.

As I've noted in the past, I completely disagree with you re: the McGann movie. Actually, I thought it was far closer to the original series than the new one has been. I'm never been really comfortable with the whole "lonely, lovelorn, angst-ridden Doctor" of recent years. But, that's just me.

I knew you'd be there for the yin to my yang.

[Kenneth Morgan]

We've seen the Americanized version of "Doctor Who" already in that vile, abonimation of a television movie on Fox. It was horrible from start to finish, completely losing the concept of what the show is all about, and changing the characters for no good reason. Let's not try it again. Just watch BBC America and be satisfied! That goes for "Torchwood" too. The first thing that would go would be Jack's bisexuality and it would go downhill from there.

As I've noted in the past, I completely disagree with you re: the McGann movie. Actually, I thought it was far closer to the original series than the new one has been. I'm never been really comfortable with the whole "lonely, lovelorn, angst-ridden Doctor" of recent years. But, that's just me.

I knew you'd be there for the yin to my yang.

Well, just as long as the Balance of the Force is maintained. Wait, wrong franchise...

[Dunnyman]

Um, why? We already have two excellent shows that we enjoy. Are the Brit ones going away? If they're not, then let us just enjoy them as they are, all Britified and everything.

[Michael Stailey]

Um, why?

Because the BBC just invested big bucks to set up an office in Los Angeles, put Doctor Who/Torchwood producer Julie Gardner in charge of running the joint, and wants to develop new programming specifically for BBC America. So, what's easier than pilfering already established properties? After all, it's the American way.

[J.M. Vargas]

Bottom line: if a BBC show is a hit show in its native land it's a regional hit (at best) in certain territories. If a BBC show is a hit in the United States and has an easy-to-grasp-without-dialogue-concept then it's a guaranteed money-maker worldwide. As big and wealthy as the UK market is to finance it's quality TV shows, with the US studio/distribution pipeline and worldwide acceptance of American shows as standard (most people would be thrown off by little British eccentricities like, you know, an openly homosexual lead character not making a big deal out of his/her sexuality) the US version of "Torchwood" could end up being the one most people in the world accept as THE one... if it's a hit in the US of course. Heck, the NBC show "Heroes" is a piece of s*** but it's a worldwide hit and that alone (along with DVD sales) is what's kept it alive well past it's natural expiration date.

[molly1216]

one of these days , i need to make a list of all the quasi-sci fi shows where a secret organization with access to cool gadgets functions outside the government to save the world. i ran out of fingers just counting the ones from the last 5 years.

[J.M. Vargas]

Fox kills proposed American version of "Torchwood"; US "Doctor Who" discussions continue: http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/04/torchwood-snuffed-at-fox.html

[J.M. Vargas]

New "Torchwood" coming in 2011 to the Starz premium channel: http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/06/starz-picks-up-torchwood-.html. John Barrowman and Eve Myles will return as leads.

Interview with "Torchwood" creator and Starz CEO about what the movie to premium cable means for the show's content/budget: http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/06/torchwood-interviews-with-starz-chief-chris-albrecht-creator-russell-t-davies-.html#more.

[mhansen]

The Hollywood Reporter has just broken the news that Russell T Davies’ Torchwood has been greenlit for a fourth season. John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness) and Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper) are confirmed and new cast members will be announced shortly. The 10-episode story arc will pick up in the aftermath of Children of Earth and take on threats to humanity worldwide rather than just the populace of Great Britain and Wales. Series 4 will be a BBC Worldwide production in partnership with BBC Wales and Starz Entertainment, airing exclusively on Starz in the US.

http://www.tvverdict.com/2010/06/07/tor ... mmer-2011/

[the5thghostbuster]

The Hollywood Reporter has just broken the news that Russell T Davies’ Torchwood has been greenlit for a fourth season. John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness) and Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper) are confirmed and new cast members will be announced shortly. The 10-episode story arc will pick up in the aftermath of Children of Earth and take on threats to humanity worldwide rather than just the populace of Great Britain and Wales. Series 4 will be a BBC Worldwide production in partnership with BBC Wales and Starz Entertainment, airing exclusively on Starz in the US.

http://www.tvverdict.com/2010/06/07/tor ... mmer-2011/

Welcome back Torchwood!

[Dave Ryan]

one of these days , i need to make a list of all the quasi-sci fi shows where a secret organization with access to cool gadgets functions outside the government to save the world. i ran out of fingers just counting the ones from the last 5 years.

My favorite one was M*A*S*H....