Trio of British comedies to be broadcast in USA

Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd, and the partly-animated sketch show Modern Toss are to be shown on The Independent Film Channel, a US cable network.

Both existing series of the The IT Crowd, and the forthcoming third series will be shown on the channel from the 29th September, whilst Modern Toss will be shown early next year.

Meanwhile, The Cartoon Network's Adult Swim strand has brought the rights to broadcast spoof science programme Look Around You.

All of these deals were struck by Freemantle Media Enterprises. Head of the company, David Ellender said: We own the rights to some of the best UK comedy programming in recent years. Comedy is a key genre for us and we are making substantial investments to ensure we attract the best talent.

Other British comedies soon to be shown in the US include Pulling (on the Sundance Channel), and That Mitchell and Webb Look (on BBC America).

Last year NBC filmed a pilot American version of The IT Crowd, however reports indicate that the network has now ditched the project. The reason is unknown, however some speculate it is because the network considered the general theme to be too similar to the hit new CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory.