US version of Shameless to be made for HBO
LONDON - US cable network HBO has struck a deal with 'ER' writer and producer John Wells to create a US version of Channel 4 drama 'Shameless'.
The sixth series of 'Shameless', which follows the lives of the dysfunctional Gallagher family living on the fictional Chatsworth council estate in Manchester, starts later this month in the UK with a seventh series due next year.
Wells, who also wrote and produced 'The West Wing' and executive produced film 'Far From Heaven', is currently writing a version of the series for an American audience.
The deal between HBO, which shows comedy 'Little Britain USA', and Wells follows years of negotiations between American networks and Paul Abbott, the creator of 'Shameless'.
Mike Lombardo, the president of HBO's programming group and west coast operations, said: "We are developing a US version of 'Shameless' with John Wells writing. [The question is] how do you move that show to America and not lose the essence."
The UK version of 'Shameless' has already aired on BBC America and the Sundance Channel in the US.
Remakes of British comedies such as 'Coupling' and 'Cold Feet' have not fared as well in the US as they did with British audiences -- both were cancelled during their first season.
A remake of 'The Office' for an American audience received mixed reviews initially but the second season proved to be a hit with critics and viewers.
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