British TV is definitely more visible in America these days. BBC America reaches about 68 million homes, according to its press site, and features a few shows every TV fan probably recognizes, like 'Doctor Who' and 'Top Gear.' But it's still behind some of its basic cable brethren.

According to TV By the Numbers, the April premiere of 'Doctor Who' series 5 set ratings records for the network with 1.2 million viewers. That's a lot of people, but dwarfed in comparison to the 5.3 million who watched the 'Jersey Shore' season 2 debut in July.

Fox has announced plans to make a pilot based on the UK hit The Vicar of Dibley. The Americanized version will be renamed The Minister of Divine. Of course, bringing comedies across the Atlantic to be retooled for the American audience is nothing new. What does remain to be seen is whether this latest attempt leans more toward the updated Office, or the updated Coupling.

The Vicar of Dibley tells the story of Geraldine Granger (Dawn French). She comes to the small town of Dibley after their ancient vicar dies. Initially she encounters some reluctance, but eventually her outgoing spirit breathes new life into the failing congregation. Most of the show focuses on Geraldine and her interactions with the collection of misfits that make up the church council. It's very English and very funny.

Now if someone would bring Black Books across the pond, we'd really be in business...

[ via Digital Spy ]

Every Tuesday morning here on TV Squad , we will highlight the week's TV-on-DVD releases. Some noteworthy releases today, January 10, 2006:

• Andromeda - Vol 5.3
• As Time Goes By - Reunion Specials
• Black Books - The Complete 1st Series
• The Flash - The Complete Series
• Hee Haw - Collection Vol 5
• The House of Eliott - Series 2
• Men Behaving Badly (UK) - The Complete Series 3; The Complete Series 4
• Nighty Night - The Complete 1st Series
• Red Dwarf - Series 7
• Rising Damp - Series 1
• Strong Medicine - The Complete 1st Season
• Urban Gothic - Season 1
• Viva la Bam - The Complete 4th And 5th Seasons
• Wild Kingdom - Hunters Of The Sky; The African Wild 2