American Networks Love British TV Shows

Sales of British TV shows overseas reached almost £1.28bn in 2013, primarily driven by The X Factor, Downton Abbey and Sherlock. American networks love British TV shows - the United States accounted for 47 percent of total sales, £523 million, compared to Europe's 27 percent. Demand is also increasing further afield. The Chinese have become huge fans of British dramas and gameshows. In 2013, China spent £17 million on TV imports from the UK, a 40 percent increase on 2012.