When NBC announced its plans for the reality show "Victoria Beckham: Coming to America," this $20 million glimpse into the larger-than-life world of Victoria and David Beckham was a six-episode mini-series. After its Monday night debut -- and American critics savaging the show -- NBC's surprise decision to trim it to one-hour special seems less mysterious.
Billed as a revealing look at the couple's superstar lives, Victoria Beckham told the press last week that she's "just a normal girl from London." The show's premise was to showcase this everyday heroine's move to Los Angeles with her soccer icon husband and three children, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz. Throughout this journey audiences would be treated to Beckham's "dry sense of humour," sense of style and the surreal magnitude of their wealth and fame as she organized their move into their $22 million, 13,000-square foot villa in Beverly Hills.
The U.S. media has been having a field day since the U.K. superstars arrived in Los Angeles last week. Soccer icon David Beckham officially opened a new chapter in his career with the LA Galaxy soccer club, which welcomed him at much anticipated press conference. His pop-star wife accompanied him, posing for photographers in a sleek pink dress, lady-like handbag and big, Jackie O sunglasses.
Their L.A. move has been called a shrewd one by celebrity analysts, giving the soccer star and pop singer the red carpet exposure needed to transition their careers into Hollywood's entertainment industry.
Downsizing the show was something Beckham explained to Access Hollywood.
"My husband got recalled to play for England, for the national side, so I wanted to be there supporting him. I wanted to be there with the kids, so I had to cut a bit of a hole in my filming schedule. I love my work, I take it very, very seriously, but predominately I'm a mom, I'm a wife and I want to do my thing but I want to be there for my family."
Beckham was also quoted as saying she thought the show was "different", pushed the boundaries" and would "surprise a lot of people".
The former Spice Girl appeared on select TV talk shows and magazine covers to woo the American media's favour upon her arrival.
Unfortunately for Beckham, her efforts have backfired.
The New York Post gave the show a damning zero-star review, slamming the pop-star turned fashion figure as "relentlessly self-promoting" with "vapid, condescending behaviour." Her show was described as "an orgy of self-indulgence."
The New York Times was no less brutal. It described the show's leading lady as being "somewhat famous for being sort of famous." It pondered why so much time and tape were wasted on Mrs. Beckham's moving arrangements. "If she can retain viewers past the first commercial break, then the results will be conclusive: either there is a vast, media-controlling conspiracy afoot, or there is no such thing as celebrity ditz-fatigue."
In early promotional footage of the show, Victoria's plight to find the perfect personal assistant was highlighted. "Do you find (my husband) attractive?" she demanded of one candidate. In 2004 rumours swirled that her handsome husband had been unfaithful with his former P.A. Rebecca Loos. In the show's new promo footage, the aspiring reality star showed us all that an assistant far less attractive than herself would always be Beckham's choice.
America has had a long tradition of embracing U.K. inspired shows and translating them into the U.S. market. For example, the U.K. show "Man About the House" became the American hit "Three's Company. "Changing Spaces" morphed into "Trading Spaces." "Pop Idol" became "American Idol." "Antiques Roadshow," "Celebrity Fit Club," "What Not To Wear" and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" didn't even require a name change as it filtered into the US market.
Conversely, relatively few American shows have been snapped up by British television.
Whether Victoria Beckham's show will reemerge in the future on NBC's lineup is anyone's guess.
Perhaps U.S. critics have misunderstood the cool composure and icy, regal stares that earned her the nickname Posh Spice from the British media? Perhaps her disappointing reality debut will spin the one-time pop sensation towards Hollywood fame? With new best friends--and neighbours--such as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, anything could happen.
Coming to America will no doubt have taught Beckham an important lesson.
America loves its underdogs -- and a celebrity cliff-hanger.
Stay tuned Beckham fans.
