US versions of UK shows including Shameless

From award-winning executive producer John Wells (ER, The West Wing) and starring Oscar-nominated actor William H. Macy (Fargo) as the notorious Frank Gallagher, the US version of Shameless is now out on DVD.

This American take on a quintessentially British show makes for compelling viewing. Besides, leading man William H Macy is always ace, whatever he's in. To celebrate Chicago's most dysfunctional family, we take a look back at some British-made TV shows that made their way across the Atlantic.

Shameless: UK (2004 - present)

Taking place in the fictional Chatsworth estate, Shameless follows the dysfunctional Gallagher family - and their neighbours - as they struggle to stay together by any means necessary even if the methods are not quite legal. The groundbreaking British show launched James McAvoy's now stratospheric Hollywood career and won a Bafta for Best Drama following its first series.

Shameless: US (2011 - present)

Shameless has enjoyed similar levels of critical acclaim since premiering in 2011. Joan Cusack was nominated for an Outstanding Guest Actress Emmy for her portrayal of Sheila Jackson while William H Macy was nominated for a Best Actor Critics' Choice award for his take on incompetent father Frank Gallagher. The show has established itself as a believable depiction of working-class America, with a realistic balance of humour and heart.

Steptoe and Son: UK (1962-1974)

This classic British sitcom about warring rag and bone men in London gave audiences one of the most successful double acts in TV history. Despite a mere 13-year age difference, Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett were utterly convincing as cynical father Albert and ambitious son Harold. The pair constantly bickered over their business, Harold's love life and their vastly opposing views on social issues.

Sanford and Son: US (1972-1977)

The well-loved UK series was renamed Sanford and Son in its American translation and set in Los Angeles. The pioneering series starred famous US comedian Redd Foxx and is now considered to be a precursor of numerous African-American sitcoms including The Cosby Show and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

The Office: UK (2001-2003)

Created by funnymen Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, this classic series revolved around the working day of employees at the fictional Wernham Hogg Paper Company. The social misdemeanours of awkward general manager David Brent (Gervais) was a crucial element of the show. The Office spearheaded the comedic mockumentary style that has since become a popular device in numerous TV shows including Modern Family and Life's Too Short. The Office is the only British comedy in 25 years to be nominated for a Golden Globe, and the first ever to win one.

The Office: US (2005-present)

In America, The Office has just finished its eighth season (the UK series only ran for two) and is still going strong. The US show made a household name out of Steve Carell, who won a Golden Globe for his role as general manager Michael Scott in 2006.

Life On Mars: UK (2006-2007)

This time-travel drama centred on Sam Tyler (John Simm), a Manchester police officer who wakes up in 1973 after a car accident. Much of the conflict centred on his relationship with DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister), the epitome of a 1970s copper. Sam had to cope with - to him - dated procedures and thinking in order to continue with his job, while working out how to return to modern-day Manchester. The critically-acclaimed show won two Emmys for Best Drama.

Life On Mars: US (2008-2009)

The American Life On Mars had a bumpier ride on US television. Gene Hunt was originally played by Colm Meaney before the role was recast with Harvey Keitel. An unfortunate two-month hiatus halfway through the first season and disappointing ratings resulted in cancellation. The producers were given enough warning to substantially wrap up the remaining storyline, but the finale was dismissed unsatisfactory as by critics.

Being Human: UK (2009-present)

Being Human combines supernatural drama with flat-share comedy as a vampire, a ghost and a werewolf attempt to live a normal life among humans. The successful series focuses on themes of identity, loneliness and love as the extraordinary housemates struggle to keep their secret and remain anonymous, while experiencing everyday encounters with the outside world.

Being Human: US (2011-present)

Instead of keeping to the UK's standard of around six episodes per series, the US Being Human has run two 13-episode seasons; this was reportedly to allow the show to explore new storylines in order to effectively differentiate from the British series. The American programme is the most successful winter season series for six years on TV network Syfy, and was commissioned for a third season in February.

Shameless: season one of the drama starring William H. Macy is now available to own on DVD