Posted on: Thursday, September 25, 2003
MIXED MEDIA
NBC bets copy of British hit translates into U.S. success
By Lynn Elber
Associated Press
| 'Coupling' • NBC • 8:30 tonight |
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| Left to right: Lindsay Price as Jane, Christopher Moynihan as Jeff, Sonya Walger as Sally, Colin Ferguson as Patrick, Rena Sofer as Susan, and Jay Harrington as Stevel.
NBC |
When the U.S. version of the BBC sitcom "Coupling" debuts on NBC, the American cast will be working off essentially the same scripts that made the original a hit.
The adaptation raises another question: Will America share Britain's taste for a fast-paced comedy of sexual manners that delights in double entendres?
The first "Coupling," a witty romp, found a loyal but limited U.S. following with showings on BBC America. The new version will seek a much bigger audience when it begins at 8:30 tonight.
With "Friends" in its last season, NBC is grooming "Coupling" as its singles-in-the-city replacement (although at a later hour, reflecting its racier approach).
The network has long dominated Thursday, a key night for advertising, and is trying to keep the magic alive with increased competition from series such as CBS' "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
The pressure is on for "Coupling," acknowledges Ben Silverman, an executive producer.
"It's a position I want to be in," Silverman said. "It's much better than being the show they (NBC executives) don't care about. The expectations are high, but I think we have a really funny, good show that people will enjoy and relate to and which, hopefully, delivers upon the expectations."
