Fox Takes on Torchwood USA

James Hibberd of The Hollywood Reporter is saying that it is so – Russell Davies is writing the pilot script for a new American version of Torchwood and it’s going to Fox.

There are several good things in that statement. One, that Davies, the man who created Torchwood in the UK is the one adapting it for US TV. And two, that it’s going to Fox. Fox is the only network, outside of Syfy, who could handle the project. Yes, they’ve taken some flack for the handling of Dollhouse and a few other shows – but face it – Torchwood on The CW or on CBS simply wouldn’t fly.

Hibberd also notes that John Barrowman could come along for the ride. It’s not clear if the series would revolve around him or if he might be the catalyst that unites the US and UK branches of Torchwood.

The downside of all this is that it’s a US remake (or spin-off) of Torchwood. We haven’t had a lot of luck with remakes of foreign series. Look at Life on Mars and Kath and Kim. But The Office has worked out for us, so there’s that.

I think if we look at Torchwood like a CSI franchise, an entity that has a different personality depending on the city it’s set in. If they go with Torchwood as it would be if the agency existed on US soil as opposed to “remaking” the UK Torchwood, we could be alright.

The comments on Hibberd’s post have been pretty harsh overall. Actually, I think harsh doesn’t begin to cover it.  No love for the idea at all?

Photo: BBC America