Adapting a successful international show for American audiences is a tried-and-true formula in television. Hits like Ugly Betty and Ghosts proved that a fresh coat of local paint can work wonders. But sometimes, even the best-laid plans go awry. That was the case with Fox's 2013 adaptation of the Australian legal dramedy Rake, which was cancelled after just 13 episodes—before the first season even finished airing.
What Made the Original 'Rake' a Hit Down Under?
The Australian Rake ran for five seasons from 2010 to 2018, following the chaotic life of criminal defense attorney Cleaver Greene (Richard Roxburgh). A true rake—a rascally, immoral scoundrel—Cleaver burned bridges with friends, colleagues, and lovers while somehow remaining oddly endearing. The show blended sharp legal drama with dark humor, earning a devoted fanbase across 40 episodes.
How the US Version Tried to Adapt—and Failed
Creator Peter Duncan spearheaded the American version, shifting the tone to emphasize comedy over the original's darker edge. Greg Kinnear stepped into the lead role as Keegan Deane, a similarly self-destructive lawyer whose personal life—gambling, small-time crime, messy relationships—constantly undermined his professional brilliance. The supporting cast included Miranda Otto, John Ortiz, Necar Zadegan, Bojana Novakovic, and Tara Summers, all playing characters who inexplicably kept bailing Keegan out of trouble.
Despite Kinnear's charm—he brought a "golden retriever energy" to the morally questionable role—audiences didn't connect. Fox compounded the problem by airing episodes out of order, creating a disjointed narrative. Critics panned the series for failing to capture the original's dark humor, and ratings plummeted. The network shuffled the show from Thursday to Friday to Saturday—the dreaded "death slot"—before officially pulling the plug in May 2014.
Ironically, the Australian Rake continued for several more seasons, proving that some magic just doesn't travel. For fans of legal shows with a comedic twist, the 13 episodes of the US version remain a curious what-if—a binge-worthy curiosity that never got a fair shot. If you're in the mood for a legal drama that didn't make it, check out other cancelled adaptations that left fans wanting more.
The failure of the US Rake serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of adaptation. Even with a talented cast and a proven blueprint, striking the right tone is everything. As streaming services continue to mine international hits for American remakes, the ghost of Rake reminds us that not every success story translates. For those curious about the original, the Australian version is still available and well worth a watch.
What's your take on the US Rake? Did it deserve another season, or was cancellation the right call? Share your thoughts in the comments.
