Most networks choose to ignore the old "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" adage when it comes to importing concepts from abroad, often opting to completely retread an idea with American accents and no hint of originality -- and those are the shows that inevitably fail. But what about the adaptations that buck the trend, those remakes that prove to be equal to or greater than their British forebears?

The UK version of "American Idol," known as "Pop Idol," only lasted for two seasons in the early aughts, while its American spin-off has dominated the US ratings race for over a decade. The American "Queer as Folk" ran for 83 episodes, while the British version lasted only 10. Now MTV is hoping to break its "Skins" curse by creating a successful British adaptation: The surprisingly charming "Inbetweeners," which is a tonally perfect companion to their other teen comedy, the girl-centric "Awkward."

Time will tell if they succeed, but in the meantime, HuffPost TV has rounded up 15 of our favorite UK to US imports to remind you that, sometimes, imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery.