‘The vibe may be British, but the money is not’: how the US quietly conquered UK TV

That new British show you love? There’s a fair chance it is being backed by a US studio. What’s behind the Americans’ sudden influence over our TV – and will it mean more Ted Lassos, and fewer Only Fools and Horses?

My favourite TV show of 2024 couldn’t be any more British if it tried. Set in a City investment bank violently buffeted by an omnishambolic treasury, soundtracked by wry, maudlin 1980s UK synthpop (Simple Minds, Pet Shop Boys) and featuring a character named Sir Henry Muck, Industry scans British society, from strip clubs and tabloids to private members’ establishments and country piles. Every second pulses with a lightly worn, razor-sharp fluency in British class and culture that can only be the product of a lifetime studying its dynamics. But the funny thing is, Industry isn’t really British at all.

Perhaps that’s a bit harsh. After all, Industry is – obviously – filmed here in the UK, has a predominantly British cast and is written by two Britons; erstwhile City boys Konrad Kay and Mickey Down. Yet this is a TV series that is essentially made by and for the US: Industry has two prominent American actors in its ensemble, premieres in the States and is funded by HBO, the network that almost single-handedly created prestige TV in the early 00s. The vibe may be British, but the money is not.

Topics

UK politics live: Kemi Badenoch criticised by Nigerian vice president for ‘denigrating’ his country

Kashim Shettima said Nigerians are proud of Badenoch’s achievements, despite her denigrating the country where she was brought up. Rachel Reeves has rejected Lib Dem criticism (see 10.33am ) ...
The Guardian - 1d
UK 'keeping close eye' on British jihadists

Home Office minister Angela Eagle tells the BBC that UK intelligence services are monitoring the situation.
BBC News - 1d
How a Realtors’ Nonprofit Quietly Funds Conservative Advocacy Groups

The National Association of Realtors has created a nonprofit that gives more heavily to one side of the political aisle and to groups that have little to do with real estate and housing.
The New York Times - 2d
Money, lawyers or boosting Farage on X: how Elon Musk could affect UK politics

The billionaire, having helped Trump regain the White House, is reportedly turning his interest to Britain. Elon Musk appears to have many obsessions. The world’s richest man is evangelical about ...
The Guardian - 5d
Money may be green, but the color of luxury is 'Mocha Mousse'

A rich color is having a moment with shoppers — and it shouldn't come as a surprise.
CNBC - 5d
How a Sports Broadcasting Pioneer Found Herself Conquering a New Frontier

Kate Scott has built a resume of many firsts in an illustrious career. Now she is one of the main voices in the Madden video game franchise.
The New York Times - Dec. 4
British band Sports Team robbed at gunpoint on US tour

The band had just arrived in California when their tour van was looted by an unidentified gunman.
BBC News - Dec. 3