ABC has ordered a pilot of Rabbit, an American remake of the BBC's David Mitchell hit Ludwig. Should US TV remake British shows, or just air the originals?
Rabbit moves the story to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where a reclusive puzzle writer poses as his missing detective twin. Mythic Quest's Megan Ganz and Humphrey Ker are writing the pilot, with Mitchell and Ludwig creator Mark Brotherhood as executive producers. The original already streams in the US on BritBox, where series two arrives on 13 October.
What happened
On 8 October it was reported that ABC has given a pilot order to Rabbit, a US adaptation of the BBC One comedy-drama Ludwig, with 20th Television as the studio. Megan Ganz and Humphrey Ker, who both worked on Mythic Quest, will write the pilot. David Mitchell, who stars in the original, creator Mark Brotherhood and Big Talk's Kenton Allen are executive producers. Rabbit is set in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Ludwig has been renewed for a third series and a Christmas special.
Why people disagree
Supporters of remakes argue that a home-grown version can reach viewers who would never seek out a British import, and the original's creator and star are on board here. Sceptics say American viewers can already watch Ludwig on BritBox, and that its very British tone may not survive the move; the A.V. Club recalled the failed American pilot of Peep Show as a warning.
What's still unclear
A pilot order is not a series order, so Rabbit may never air. No cast has been reported, and it is unclear how closely it will follow the BBC version beyond the premise.
Sources
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