Advertisers clamour for raunchy remake

America's advertising buyers are expecting British import Coupling to be one of the biggest TV hits of the year.

Commentators had predicted a backlash against the raunchy storylines when the sitcom is remade for the NBC network this autumn.

But agencies believe the show will be too big to ignore, despite possible pressure from conservative groups for companies to boycott the show.

The first episode has jokes about oral sex and shaved pubic hair and fa couple trying to have sex in a bar's toilet - very risque for a mainstream broadcaster.

"It makes the innuendos in Will & Grace look calm," ad buyer Tom DeCabia told the Salt Lake City Tribune. "There is stuff on this show that you never thought you would see on network television.

Analyst Steve Sternberg added: "It's going to be so hyped that people are going to watch. It will get sampling."

The remake, which stars Rena Sofer and Sonya Walger, is being touted as a successor to Friends - though it will have to go out in a later time slot.

Published: 13 Jun 2003