After NBC's recent remake of the British comedy "The Office," the BBC announced yesterday that it intends to remake the NBC comedy "Seinfeld."
Taking a cue from the U.S. version of "The Office," the BBC is keeping all the main principal characters and jokes from the original "Seinfeld" pilot, but with a few minor cultural changes. For instance, instead of cereal, Jerry's food of choice will be fish and chips, and the elevator in Jerry's building will now be referred to as the "lift."
BBC president Martin Tate outlined some of the minor alterations.
"It makes sense for all these shows to be remade," Tate said. "Americans can't possibly understand our version of 'The Office,' and conversely British audiences can't get 'Seinfeld.' There's really no other choice than remaking it."
The "Seinfeld" remake is only the tip of the iceberg. The announcement has started a chain reaction of cross-cultural adaptations. Here in America, all of Shakespeare's plays are currently being re-written.
AU Literature professor Darlene Winter said she fully supports the remakes.
"It all makes sense why Shakespeare's writings were so confusing; it's because he was British," Winter said. "No wonder my students had such trouble understanding them. When these new, American-made adaptations of Shakespeare's works hit the shelves, it will make life a whole lot easier."
The BBC version of "Seinfeld" is set to air this fall.
