What American Television Shows Do You See When You Travel?

One fun aspect of traveling is seeing what American television shows are hits in other countries.  After all, many foreigners form their opinions about the United States partly based on portrayals of life in the US in movies and on television.

This past summer, for example, there were two American television shows that were among the top ten most-watched shows in France: "House" and "CSI Miami." (The movie "Lethal Weapon 3" also was in the top ten.) 

In Germany and Italy, no American-produced television series made the hit parade, but in Spain, "CSI" and "The Simpsons" are among that country's top ten shows.  Movies "The Scorpion King," "The Mummy Returns," and the 2005 release "Cursed" were big hits, as well. 

Footnote: The Beijing-based Olympics did skew summer viewing somewhat, supplanting shows that might have otherwise made the top ten.