US version of Only Fools and Horses leaks online – and fans call it 'worst remake EVER'

Virgin Radio

21 Sep 2023, 12:58

An American remake of our beloved Only Fools and Horses has resurfaced from 2012 and viewers can't believe their mince pies.

An original fan and comedian shared the toe-curling video on social media and told users: "A US remake of Only Fools and Horses was produced. It has recently leaked online. This is a Trigger warning, for nothing I can say will adequately prepare you for what they did to the beloved British character."

In the hands of US network ABC, the pilot called King of Van Nuys was written by Scrubs writers Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley and followed the 'misadventures of two streetwise brothers and their ageing grandfather as they concoct outrageous, morally questionable get-rich-quick schemes in their quest to become millionaires'.

The pilot starred The Menu's John Leguizamo as Del, We Bought a Zoo's Dustin Ybarra as his brother Donnie (Rodney) and Back to the Future's Christopher Lloyd as Grandad. Although the pilot never saw the light of day, the unaired episode landed on YouTube this year and horrified original fans.

One disgusted fan wrote: "I'm amazed this was made in good faith or anyone thought it was a good idea. I mean, a US OFAH was always going to be bad but this almost seems deliberately bad. Nearly every "joke" falls flat while the laugh track just guffaws along regardless. So much toilet humour as well."

Fans of the original series responded with horror on social media: "Thank god it was never made", wrote one.

"Wow. Literally the worst remake ever attempted," said another unimpressed user.

"I refuse to believe this is real," wrote a third.

A fourth wrote sarcastically: "What if we remade an adored character-based comedy, and - here’s the clever bit - we changed all the characters?"

Brace yourself if you're feeling brave enough to watch it below:

"I wish I never watched this clip," barked another.

Sir David Jason - Del Boy - told the BBC in 2012: "They can do brilliant comedy [in America] but I don't see that they can bring off Fools and Horses.

"I don't see that it will travel across the pond."

What do you make of it?