US version of 'Ramzor' debuts to rave reviews

Less than three months after winning the International Emmy award for "Ramzor" creator Adir Miller already gets to see the American version of his show being aired in the United States.

Fox's "Traffic Light" aired its first episode Tuesday and features David Denman, Kris Marshal, Nelson Franklin and Aya Cash.

Despite the fact that the majority of the cast is relatively unknown, there is a significant media buzz surrounding the show, which culminated Monday when Fox chose to air a promo during the Super Bowl broadcast – one of the most sought-after TV commercial slots.

The first episode introduces Mike, Adam and Ethan – three college buddies, each at a different stage in their relationship. Mike is a married lawyer and father of one, Adam has recently moved in with his girlfriend and Ethan is the quintessential bachelor.

The show was met with positive reviews by the American press. The Hollywood Reporter described it as "shockingly funny" while the Wall Street Journal dubbed it "a scintillating comedy brimming with confidence and wit."

Fox promo for Traffic Light 

Miller himself appears satisfied with the American adaptation but is still shocked at the success the show has won. "What’s the saying, 'We make plans, God laughs'? In this case I guess 'Ramzor' makes him laugh too. Reading the reviews of the most exclusive magazines in Hollywood with TV critics naming it the best comedy of the year is just unbelievable."

First of all you owe us an explanation. How is it that the American title changed from 'Traffic Light' to 'Mixed Signals' to 'Traffic Light' again?

"The moment we won the International Emmy award, they realized the branding worked and reverted back to the original name. I was very pleased. The name refers to the colors of the traffic light and the distinction in the statuses of relationships. The red is married, the green is a bachelor and the yellow is in between. Incidentally, I had no problem with either name. "

But the show's success doesn't stop here. Russian TV network CTC has also purchased the show and has made its own adaptation while the original will air in 13 different countries.

"The Russian version is an exact replica of the Israeli one," Miller says. "They went frame by frame and reworked it, you just see us on the screen. They omitted nothing. I guess they went with the 'If it ain't broken, don't fix it' approach. It’s amazing to see your creation in so many languages, with different actors."

So how are you celebrating your success?

"Those who know me know I'm not the celebrating type. I think ahead and what I'm most concerned with is the Israeli audience. It wants a third season and I have the very heavy responsibility of not letting it down."  

What will you do if they offered you to move to the US and work for an American audience?

"Ramzor is an Israeli show and that's how we wrote it. It's something very emotional for me. It’s like a child to me. The American version is like a grandchild. I look after my kid and let my kid look after his kid. I'm not one for reazling the American dream. I'll be happy if it succeeds but I'm staying in Israel. I also have my stage show that's been running for years, I can't get up and leave my audience. I have no plans of leaving Israel, but then again I had no plans to win an Emmy," he laughs.

Thinking about a second American season  yet?

"Don’t put the cart before the horse, let's wait and see if it does well. We’re currently editing the third Israeli season. I wonder how they will adapt the third season there, in case it does succeeds. The new season is very Israeli and less appealing to an American audience. "

• Follow Ynetnews on Facebook