U.S. version of 'Grandpas Over Flowers' a gigantic hit

The cast of “Better Late than Never” meet members of K-pop band Girls’ Generation to feature in a remake of the group’s hit “Gee” music video. / Courtesy of Twitter

By Lee Han-soo

“Better Late than Never,” an American TV reality show adapted from Korea’s “Grandpas Over Flowers,” is a major hit.

Produced by Universal Television, the show features actor William Shatner, comedian Henry Winkler, former professional boxer George Foreman, ex-NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw and comedian Jeff Dye, the youngest of the group.

The program has the five backpacking through Asia without luxuries. They will visit Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Thailand during four episodes.

The first episode started with a blast, ranking first in its timeslot with more than 7.35 million viewers.

Netflix has already commissioned a second series to be aired next year.

The popularity of the Korean TV show’s format has been limited in Asia. But “Better Late than Never” has turned the tide. “The Return of Superman,” KBS’s TV reality variety show, is also set to be remade and shown in the U.S. under the title “Breaking Dad.”

“The Genius,” a tvN reality show, will be remade and broadcast in Britain, the Netherlands and France.