The news that Australian comedy series Upper Middle Bogan is set for an American remake may inspire a collective cringe from audiences still recovering from the awkward remake of Kath and Kim.

But it's not the only Australian hit that has been remade for American tastes. Here is a rundown of five Australian TV smash hits turned into (mostly) ratings flops by US network executives.

Kath and Kim

It took just one episode of the US version of this much-loved Australian bogan comedy to inspire an American TV critic to apologise on behalf of his country.

Tim Goodman from the San Francisco Chronicle said the "fantastically funny comedy" Kath and Kim had been made into a contender for "worst remake ever".

Even though the series' original stars Jane Turner and Gina Riley worked as executive producers on the US version, the question needs to be asked - which casting agent thought Selma Blair, sans muffin top, could nail Kim's appalling fashion choices?

The remake was cancelled after 17 episodes, to the relief of many.

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Thank God You're Here

Big name guests like Jane Lynch, Fran Drescher and Jason Alexander weren't enough to save this well-received Australian sketch show from the chopping block in the US.

The improv comedy program was created by Working Dog Productions and sold extensively overseas but it didn't fare well with audiences in Germany or the US.

Despite winning a Logie Award for Most Outstanding Comedy Program in 2007, the American version was axed after seven episodes.

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The Slap

Based on the 2008 book of the same name, the controversial Australian TV series set in suburban Melbourne was well received at home.

But the Americanised series, which premiered this year, was met with mixed reviews at best, despite a stellar cast including Peter Saarsgard and Uma Thurman.

A review published by American magazine Slate described its characters as "monstrously unlikeable", adding "the best thing about The Slap is that it's ending".

Ouch.

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Wilfred

This black comedy followed the story of a dog called Wilfred, played by a man in a dog suit, and his two owners. The series won three AFI awards and a Logie nomination before being picked up by an American television network.

It was remade with Elijah Wood in the starring role, hitting US screens in 2011. It was an immediate success, lauded as FX Network's highest-ranking debut sitcom ever.

It maintained cult-status through four seasons before it was announced 2014 would be its last.

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Hi-5

Despite being named a "quagmire of freakiness" by an American IMDB reviewer, the Australian children's musical program fared relatively well in the ratings in the US.

The program, featuring a troupe of five singers and dancers, was adapted using American performers in 2003 and ran for several years.

It earned a number of daytime Emmy nominations, pleasing critics and earning adoring young fans.

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