BBC America dropping classic comedies
American cable channel BBC America has announced that it is revamping its schedule to bring 'more contemporary UK programming' to the US market. This shift of focus will result in classic British comedies like Are You Being Served?, Allo Allo and Benny Hill being dumped from the airwaves.
BBC America, which is available in over 54m American homes via digital cable and satelitte, has long been a home for classic British comedies like Keeping Up Appearances, however the comedies are now being axed to make way for more modern TV series like C4's teen soap Hollyoaks.
It's a bold move which will no doubt upset many BBCA viewers – classic British comedies series like 'Are You Being Served?' and As Time Goes By are held in very high regard in the States (more so than they are here in the UK).
The change in emphasis is likely to please others though – particularly fans of British drama and those in Britain who accuse BBC America of spreading the perception that modern Britain is still a place filled with bowler hats, tea and scones and old men chasing scantily clad women (rather than what it really is: chav filled housing estates!)
Garth Ancier, the new BBC Worldwide Americas President, commented: "We are undergoing a complete transformation - redefining the network and refocusing the schedule. From now on BBC America will focus exclusively on bringing US audiences the very best in contemporary British programmes including a greater emphasis on our world renowned news coverage. Our new-look schedule is packed with quality, original programming and big name stars that reflect everything that's exciting about modern Britain today."
So gone, for better or worse, are the classic comedy shows. The channel will now be bringing Americans quality drama instead - US viewers can expect to see more of Spooks, Hustle, Hotel Babylon, Torchwood, Life on Mars, Robin Hood and er... Hollyoaks.
It should be noted comedy is not being completely eradicated from BBCA though - the channel will still be showing newer comedies. This includes Lead Balloon, Jam and Jerusalem (re-named 'Clatterford' Stateside) and Saxondale.