Ugly Betty Around The World
November 19, 2008 by Tom
One of the things I find fascinating is the phenomenon of Ugly Betty-type shows around the world. There seem to be versions in every culture, and almost every country. The “Ugly Duckling taking on the world” theme is, I think, a universal one.
I try to highlight these various shows when I can (I am fond of what I’ve seen of the Filipino version, I Love Betty La Fea – featured in the video above, starring the beautiful Bea Alonzo). MOST of these incarnations are based on the Columbian original, Betty la fea, although some are inspired by the Americanized version – The Bosnian Croatian-Serbian Ne daj se, Nina (”Don’t give up, Nina”), for instance.
The absolute best catalogue of these international Betty versions is found at Sir Lizard’s site Ugly Is The New Beautiful . As you probably know, Sir Lizard is a frequent commenter at Ugly Betty News, and one of the most knowledgeable at that. Not only is there a full catalog of international Ugly Betty-themed shows, there are some other fascinating tidbits at UITNB – my favorite being character comparison chart.
I just wanted to highlight this wonderful resource, in case you had never checked it out.
Ah! I LOVE Sir Lizard’s UB web page! That site has been there since back in the time I didn’t even know Ugly Betty had even an ABC site.
Yeah, I’ve heard the latest Ugly Betty (in the Phillipines) is very closely based to the original Colombian telenovela. I like the intro vid anyway. Is hilarious. And uses Mika song.
I didn’t knew there were one inspired in the US version. I find “Ugly Betty” quite unique and it’s my favorite. (not that I have seen them all).
Just a slight correction ‘Don’t give up, Nina’ (’Ne daj se, Nina’) is Croatian-Serbian co-production. Bosnians have nothing to do with it.
SirLizard is blushing… and thankful for your kind words.
One thing about “Ne Daj se, Nina” (Croatia), though, is that it is actually based more on “Yo soy Betty, la fea” (Colombia), but has borrowed more elements from “Ugly Betty” (U.S.) than any other version. “I Love Betty la Fea” (Philippines) has also been borrowing more and more from “Ugly Betty” lately, but also has many elements that are completely new.
In Greece it was called “Maria i ashimi” (Ugly Maria). HUGE success!! out of his world ratings!! 60% average!!!!!!!!
it was in the air for 2 years.
this is a great website and one i’d reccomend to any fan, who wants to learn and find out more on this show. not just the original columbian version and the current US one, which is doing the rounds on tv right now.
sirlizard- i especially the character comparison chart feature. that was just a brilliant idea.