Why is British television so low-par compared to United States television?

Why is British television so.. ''low-par''... compared to television in the United States? Has anyone else noticed this? The acting is terrible and overall themes of British television are quite boring, and rather lifeless. The effects are also really amateur looking. Maybe it's because they are two different countries with different cultures? Is it perhaps there isn't as big of a business in British television compared to the United States, or is there less of a fan base? I'm not making this to hate on British television, people have put time and effort in to making these shows, I would just like a general reason why there is such noticeable differences?

I'm really curious.

 

It's all about budget.

 

That's what I figured. :laugh:

 

It's about budget to be honest. I'm British and I never watch TV, because frankly as you said, it;s terrible.

The tables do turn in Cinema though, which is why Hollywood seem to love investing in British actors.

I'm studying a Media, TV & Film course at University and this topic has come up in some seminars.

Interesting thread, will be interesting to see what other people say.

 

This is totally subjective man. It's the same way I think american TV adverts are so dumb and looks like their target audience is the retarded.

Black Adder, Game of Thrones, doctor who, shameless, the office, theres been some top top shows.

 

Peaky Blinders is one of my most favorite tv shows of all time, and its from BBC

British movies are also pretty good too?

 

Watching In Bruge last night, it's my favourite british comedy and a bit of an unheard of - give it a watch, hilarious and fantastic at the same time

 

Personally I find a lot of American stuff to be corny and cringey. Just different tastes I suppose. British people do have a unique sense of humour that a lot of people don't find as funny, too.

 

Is it bad that the only show that comes to mind when I think of British television is Cornation Street. (Is that even British?)

Otherwise, I imagine it all comes down to budget. Probably means your typical American enjoys and indulges in TV more than the average Brit.

 

I love British TV. They aren't afraid to actually be funny and people don't bitch about being offended the whole time.

 

Game of thrones is an American show.

America just has a bigger audience, and on average they watch TV longer. That alone gives American media a bigger budget. In the end I believe both makes great TV shows, but a few of the British ones I've watched normally have a rather low budget compared to America.

 

Exactly, I think we've concluded, it's all about budget. I'm just interested in what everyone thinks. I do agree with everyone else and think there's more people that watch tv for extended periods of times in the US.

 

It all comes down to opinion really and culture differences. But there are still quality british shows, agme of thrones for instance, if im not mistaken.

 

Game of thrones is an american show, with british cast (this thread isn't comparing actors however). The difference is their massive budget. I think I read somewhere on average the show spends ~$6M dollars which is normally 2-3x the budget of normal shows. Not to take anything from the British, as I've watched (and continue to) their shows, but when it comes to budget it seems American shows just have a bigger budget.

 

Have you watched any British TV shows other than mainstream 'known' ones? Your comment reeks of ignorance.

I do agree however, that American networks have a larger budget and thus can produce better quality shows due to being able to afford better writers, scripts, actors, rights, etc. However, with that said, yes, on the larger spectrum with a very simple and dumbed-down comparison, American TV overall can be deemed better.

I recommend you watch British TV shows such as, Utopia, Skins (s1-4), Misfits (s1-2) and Sherlock (must watch).

 

Acting, Budget, and writing... if all 3 are on a high level the show is good no matter where it comes from... Everything else example what genre it is or story wise comes down to viewers. Since the early 70's I believe fiction has dominated non-fiction because viewers want to see the impossible or what they don't see in everyday life.

 

You are very right friend. People want to see things that can't be done.

 

Dude, you're watching the wrong shows!

So many good sitcoms have come from Britain:

Only Fools & Horses, Bottom, The Young Ones, Blackadder,,,

 

because tea and crumpets aren't entertaining hehe