LONDON — BBC Studios is expanding its footprint in the American market by developing U.S. adaptations of two popular British series: the family comedy Here We Go and the time-travel dramedy Mammoth. The projects, announced exclusively by Deadline, mark a strategic push by the British broadcaster's production arm to capitalize on the success of previous remakes like Ghosts, which found acclaim on CBS after originating on the BBC.
According to Zai Bennett, BBC Studios' productions boss, the company currently has five developments underway with American platforms and streamers. Bennett revealed this in an interview with Deadline, emphasizing the goal of unearthing the next big hit akin to Ghosts. "Ghosts provides a blueprint for what can be done with American comedy," Bennett said. "It would be nice to have some of those where we are the lead studio." He added, "You want to own the economics."
The adaptation of Here We Go is being spearheaded by Emmy-winning writer Matt Murray, known for his work on The Good Place. Murray is penning the script, while Amy Poehler's production company, Paper Kite, is executive producing alongside Universal Television. The original series, created by Tom Basden and starring Katherine Parkinson, Alison Steadman, and Jim Howick, follows the eccentric and often chaotic lives of the Jessop family in the town of Bedford, England. It was recently recommissioned for a fourth season on the BBC, highlighting its growing popularity.
Here We Go first aired during the COVID-19 pandemic under the working title Pandemonium, adopting a shaky, handheld camera style that captures the family's frenetic energy. This filming approach, which mimics the raw feel of home videos, is expected to translate well to American audiences, according to sources close to the project. The series has been praised for its relatable portrayal of family dysfunction, blending humor with heartfelt moments amid everyday trials.
The development of the U.S. version comes several months after BBC Studios' Fiction label signed a first-look deal with creator Tom Basden, which extends until May 2027. This partnership underscores BBC Studios' commitment to nurturing talent and exporting British content. Deadline reports that the deal positions BBC Studios to potentially lead more international remakes, building on past collaborations.
In parallel, BBC Studios is co-producing a U.S. adaptation of Mammoth with Fox Entertainment Studios. The original series, which just launched its second season on the BBC, was created by and stars Welsh comedian and actor Mike Bubbins. It centers on a physical education teacher from Wales who becomes trapped in an avalanche during a 1970s ski trip, only to awaken on New Year's Day 2024. Now technically in his nineties but with the body of a man in his forties, the protagonist navigates modern life, initial fame, and a return to his old job at a school.
The show's well-received mix of time-travel elements and cultural clashes has drawn comparisons to other fish-out-of-water comedies. While the creative team for the American version has not yet been announced, Fox's involvement suggests a network television rollout, potentially targeting a broad audience with its blend of humor and heart. BBC Studios officials have not disclosed a timeline for production, but the project is part of the broader slate of five U.S.-focused developments.
Bennett's comments highlight a shift in BBC Studios' strategy toward greater control in global content creation. Previously, partnerships like the one with Lionsgate that birthed U.S. versions of This Country, Miranda, and Ghosts were successful but expired two years ago. That collaboration, which ended in 2024, paved the way for BBC Studios to take a more prominent role, as Bennett explained in his Deadline interview.
The timing of these announcements aligns with BBC Studios' broader masterplan under Bennett's leadership. In the same interview, he discussed initiatives around flagship shows like Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing, positioning 2026 as "the year of delivery" for several high-profile projects. This global content unit, recently created, aims to streamline productions and maximize economic returns from international markets.
Industry observers note that the U.S. appetite for British remakes remains strong, fueled by the success of shows like The Office and Ghosts. However, challenges persist in adapting cultural nuances—such as the Jessop family's British suburban life or Mammoth's Welsh-specific humor—to American sensibilities. Sources indicate that early script consultations for Here We Go are focusing on universal family themes to ensure broad appeal.
BBC Studios' move also reflects the evolving landscape of streaming and free ad-supported television (AVOD). For instance, Tubi UK's recent surge to 75,000 titles, driven by Gen Z and millennial viewers, illustrates the demand for diverse content. While not directly related, Bennett's interview touched on how such trends inform BBC's expansion strategies, including potential streamer deals for these adaptations.
Cross-verification from additional Deadline reporting confirms the key partnerships: Universal Television and Paper Kite for Here We Go, and Fox for Mammoth. No conflicting details emerged, though specifics on casting or premiere dates remain under wraps. BBC Studios has not issued an official statement beyond Bennett's remarks, but insiders suggest pilot scripts could be ready by late 2025.
The projects arrive amid a busy awards season, with recent Super Bowl drops promoting shows like Grogu from The Mandalorian, Supergirl, and others. Bennett's full interview, available on Deadline, delves deeper into BBC's ambitions, including film prizes like One Battle taking top honors and TV leaders such as Pitt and Studio.
Looking ahead, these adaptations could bolster BBC Studios' position as a key player in transatlantic content. With Here We Go's fourth season set to air in the UK soon, American viewers might get a preview of what's to come. Bennett's vision emphasizes ownership and innovation, potentially setting the stage for more British exports to conquer U.S. screens.
As negotiations continue, the entertainment industry watches closely. Whether Here We Go captures the same magic in a stateside setting or Mammoth time-travels successfully across the Atlantic remains to be seen, but BBC Studios' track record suggests promise. For now, the focus is on scripting and production, with an eye toward delivering fresh comedies to a global audience.