The Nine Network's hit crime series Underbelly will reportedly be remade for American audiences.

According to The New York Magazine and The Hollywood Reporter, pay TV network Starz has acquired the US rights to the Australian show and development of the series is a "top priority" for CEO Chris Albrecht.

The first Underbelly series told the story of Melbourne's infamous gangland war that raged from 1995 until 2004.

The second series was about the booming heroin trade in the late '70s, while the third series focused on the activities of crooked cops in the '90s.

In addition to earning critical acclaim, all three series have been ratings bonanzas for Nine.

Albrecht, formerly head of HBO, hopes "Underbelly's phenomenal success in Australia can be replicated" but the original scripts will not be used for the US remake.

The network will reportedly develop story arcs around infamous American crime families.

The ABC is seeking comment from Channel Nine.