TVSquad

The effects of the writers' strike still linger (as well as the possible impending SAG strike). More foreign shows are being licensed by American companies. For example, NBC has purchased the fantasy BBC series Merlin which has just been greenlit for a second season.

I haven't seen Merlin yet (it hasn't yet been broadcast in the States), so I can't comment on its quality. It's shown in a lot of different countries and has been renewed, so how bad can it be? Plus it has Anthony Stewart Head in it, who can even save shows like Little Britain from mediocrity.

Given the fact that British dramatic seasons are slightly shorter than their American counterparts (13 episodes as opposed to 22), I do wonder what they'll fill the other half-season with. Despite the shortened season, I have faith in the show's quality. BBC productions with American backing have produced big hits. For good examples, see Rome or Extras.

One of the greatest TV mini-series of all time was I, Claudius. It was riveting TV and every time it's been repeated since it premiered in 1976, I've watched it religiously. The Robert Graves novel about the Roman empire, including the mad Caligula, is now set for a remake. Director Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot) will be helming an adaptation of I, Claudius with Nye Heron and Sheridan penning the script.

At this point, the project seems headed to the big screen. That would be a plus insofar as the set design and lush look. However, one of the benefits of the 1976 version was the length. It was 13 episodes, a hour each (sans commercials). That meant the complexities of Graves' novel -- and there were dozens of them -- not to mention the enormous cast of characters, could be played out.