Wow, things keep getting more interesting today. First the Bruce Campbell movie news and now, Fox is planning on making an American version of Torchwood. I'm not certain what I think of that, because to me Torchwood is very much DOCTOR WHO. It's a spin off from Doctor Who and it works because it takes place in the darker side of Doctor Who's world.

If you're unfamiliar with Torchwood I did a Complete Series Overview last year that's largely spoiler free, while still breaking down the basics of the shows couple of seasons and specials.


According to the press release, John Barrowman (Captain Jack) might be a part of this and Russell T. Davies will be writing, which means that at least part of the script and idea will remain the same. I still don't know how you could focus a show on an immortal with a close connection to Doctor Who, without bringing up Doctor Who.

A more straight-faced spinoff of “Doctor Who,” “Torchwood” is about a covert group that investigates and fights alien activity. Two series aired domestically on BBC America as well as last year’s well reviewed stand-alone miniseries, “Children of Earth,” which broke all ratings records for the network.

Unlike U.S. adaptations that have gone awry, "Torchwood" fans can take comfort that the original producing team is on board. In addition to Davies, exec producers include Davies' producing partner Julie Gardner (former head of drama at BBC Wales for the show's first season) and Jane Tranter (another BBC vet, now exec VP programming and production at BBC Worldwide Prods. in the U.S.).

Also, some of the current cast -- most likely John Barrowman, who plays the immortal Capt. Jack Harkness -- might star if Fox orders "Torchwood" to pilot.

As for the new show's plot, the U.S. version will contain a global story line compared to the more localized sensibility of the first two BBC seasons.

Tranter might try to reboot “Doctor Who” for U.S. audiences while departing “Doctor Who” star David Tennant stars in NBC’s pilot “Rex Is Not Your Lawyer.”

Interesting that the Hollywood Reporter is saying that a Americanized Doctor Who could also be in the works. I'm not a fan of that at all. Doctor Who is decidely British. While Torchwood might could be reworked into an American show, I have my doubts that you could do that with Doctor Who. Fox's "American" Doctor Who movie left a LOT to be desired and didn't catch on very well.

I wouldn't oppose Fox airing Doctor Who though, as I think it could get some penetration in the states if done properly and as part of a lineup of Sci-fi shows on the network. The latter of these seems to be a rumor, whereas I assume the US version of Torchwood is actually in the works.