The transatlantic TV gap continues to frustrate fans, with plenty of big American series still without a UK broadcaster. From spin-offs of beloved franchises to buzzy new dramas, some shows feel like obvious pickups, yet remain stranded on the other side of the pond. Here’s a breakdown of the ongoing and brand-new series we’re waiting on, along with a few unfortunate casualties that never made it here at all.
Ongoing U.S. Shows Without a UK Broadcaster
‘The Pitt’ (HBO Max)
Starring Noah Wyle (ER, Leverage: Redemption), ‘The Pitt’ is a realistic examination of the challenges facing healthcare workers in today’s America as seen through the lens of the frontline heroes working in a modern-day hospital in Pittsburgh. We’re including this, however, we do have a strong idea where it will eventually land… With HBO Max launching in the UK in 2026, this one feels like a safe bet to stream there eventually, though nothing is official yet.
‘Brilliant Minds’ (NBC – Universal TV & Warner Bros. TV)
Inspired by the work of neurologist Oliver Sacks, this medical drama follows Dr. Oliver Wolf and his team as they tackle cases that explore both brain science and the human condition. The wrinkle here is that the series is co-produced by Universal and Warner Bros., meaning international rights may sit with WB. If that’s the case, HBO Max UK could be the eventual home. Otherwise, Sky Witness would be the natural fit for a glossy NBC procedural.
‘Doc’ (FOX – Fox Entertainment/Sony Pictures Television)
Adapted from the Italian hit, the series stars Molly Parker as a physician whose accident wipes out 12 years of her memory. Her medical genius remains, but her personal history is gone. If Sony controls the international rights, this one is very much up for grabs. Sky Witness feels like the obvious buyer, but it could be sold to the highest bidder.
Update (28/08/2025): Picked up by Sky & NOW for the UK!
‘Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage’ (CBS – Warner Bros. Television)
Spun out of ‘Young Sheldon’, this comedy follows Georgie (Montana Jordan) and Mandy (Emily Osment) as they stumble through young married life. Although it’s on CBS, it’s from Warner Bros. Television, which makes it a possible contender for HBO Max when that launches in the UK in 2026. E4 aired ‘Young Sheldon’ in the UK.
‘Going Dutch’ (FOX – Fox Entertainment Studios)
After an unfiltered rant, a loudmouthed Army Colonel (Denis Leary) is punished by being sent to a Netherlands base with no military purpose. He tries to restore order with help from the interim commander… his estranged daughter. Cultural clashes drive the humour, but U.S. sitcoms have a patchy record in the UK. In the past, E4 picked up this kind of fare, but the channel has cooled on U.S. acquisitions lately. Its UK future is very uncertain.
‘Watson’ (CBS – CBS Studios)
With Sherlock Holmes dead, Dr. John Watson (Morris Chestnut) returns to medicine, solving cases with both scalpel and detective’s eye. Paramount may want to hold this for Paramount+ UK or use it to bolster Channel 5’s 5USA, but for an external sale, Sky Witness or U&Alibi are the strongest fits.
New U.S. Shows Without a UK Broadcaster (yet!)
‘The Rainmaker’ (USA Network – Lionsgate Television)
Based on John Grisham’s novel, this legal drama sees rookie lawyer Rudy Baylor (Milo Callaghan) take on a corrupt insurance giant. Despite airing on USA Network, the show is produced by Lionsgate, meaning NBC doesn’t control the international rights. Sky would be a solid buyer, but Lionsgate also has licensing deals with MGM for some of its shows in the UK, which could push it toward MGM+ UK.
‘Talamasca’ (AMC+)
Part of Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe, this spin-off follows the secretive order monitoring vampires, witches, and supernatural creatures. The BBC already has Interview with the Vampire and Mayfair Witches in the UK, making them the obvious home for Talamasca too.
‘DMV’ (CBS – CBS Studios)
A workplace sitcom set inside America’s most dreaded bureaucratic office. CBS Studios produces, which means Paramount could put it on Paramount+ UK, but U.S. sitcoms are always a tough sell here, especially one with such a unique US experience… If it does surface, it may be for catalogue padding rather than a big marketing push.
‘Boston Blue’ (CBS – CBS Studios/Jerry Bruckheimer Television)
Donnie Wahlberg returns as Officer Danny Reagan as he moves from the NYPD to a new job with Boston PD. Once in Boston, he is paired with Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green), the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family, so keeps the family element, albeit with a different family, but also has a connection back to the original with Wahlberg as Danny.. Sky Witness already carried Blue Bloods before that, making them the clear frontrunner.
‘Sheriff Country’ (CBS – CBS Studios/Jerry Bruckheimer Television)
Following Sheriff Lorna (Morena Baccarin) as she tackles crime and corruption in rural California, this series leans on both personal drama and procedural elements. As with Boston Blue, Sky Witness feels like the most obvious UK buyer as they already air its parent show, Fire Country.
‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ (Starz – Lionsgate Television/DeKnight Productions)
The blood-and-sand saga returns, this time centred on the scheming Ashur. Starz shows are fragmented in the UK. Some land on MGM+ UK (Outlander: Blood of My Blood), through their licensing deal. However, the original Spartacus aired on Sky, so it’s possible they could reclaim it, but MGM+ has to be considered a strong contender.
Cancelled U.S. Shows Without a UK Broadcaster
Several American series that never crossed the Atlantic have now been cancelled. NBC culled a swathe of titles, including Found, Lopez vs. Lopez, Night Court, Grosse Pointe Garden Society and the short-lived spin-off Suits: LA. CBS dropped the sitcom Poppa’s House, while FOX axed surf rescue drama Rescue: HI-Surf and procedural Alert: Missing Persons Unit. Meanwhile, J.J. Abrams’ Duster bowed out after just one season on HBO Max.
These shows may still hold some value for UK buyers, though. UKTV’s U&Alibi, with its U streaming service, has been known to pick up short-run or already-cancelled procedurals as filler. They make ideal content padding for streamers who want to bulk out their libraries without long-term commitments. Duster will likely be on HBO Max UK when that launches here.
That’s the current state of play, but it’s very likely some of these will eventually wash up on UK shores, especially with HBO Max set to officially launch in Britain in 2026.
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3 comments
Brilliant Minds is defiantly distributed by Warner Bros, it’s one of shows in above list on HBO Max Australia
I’m not usually an advocate for watching TV shows or movies via alternative means, but with the buzz surrounding The Pitt I couldn’t endure the long and endless wait for it to be eventually available in the UK and have recently just finished watching season one. The show is amazing, with an outstanding cast, storylines and production crew. The obvious place for this would have been on Sky Atlantic, but with HBO Max launching next year I wonder if people will tolerate paying for yet another streaming service.
I have my doubts Sky Atlantic will exist as a channel brand by next April when most of exclusive premieres will be Sky Originals
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