Jersey Shore & Globalization

The first thing I was reminded of when we discussed in class the way shows are reformatted and packaged for different cultures and audiences was the infamous Jersey Shore. I remember reading articles like this one about how MTV executives were quoted saying things like Jersey Shore's appeal was universal, especially for people unfamiliar with the "shore culture" and being a "guido." Essentially, they were saying that the Jersey Shore concept did not need to be repackaged for other cultures, and in 2010, Jersey Shore reached over 30 countries in broadcasting. So has it been successful? It's hard to deny that the MTV marketing of the shore appeal has worked, considering the immense success the subjects have enjoyed (club appearances, book deals, fragrances, clothing lines, etc) and the success of the show in general. But the interesting thing about the globalization, so to speak, of Jersey Shore is that several other countries, including the U.K., Canada, and even South Korea have introduced their own versions of the shore show. When I think about the dialogue and catchphrases used in the show, I think of the "Dubbing the Simpsons" article and wonder. I can't understand how on earth the show could have been successfully translated or dubbed. Some things just don't translate for dubbing or subtitles. So with the different versions of the show, coupled with critical backlash as well as backlash from Florence during the filming of the season in Italy, I would say that the global marketing of Jersey Shore has not been entirely successfully exported.