Australian TV shows are getting recognised abroad, with a few programmes being optioned for remake in the U.S. Shows like "The Slap" and "The Straits" joined a number of local shows that have found a home outside the country.

According to The Australian, "The Straits" is in the process of being developed by Working Title Television for Cinemax, while "The Slap" is up for a U.S. remake, as well as French and British remakes.

Another show that will soon be seen by American viewers is the ABC comedy "Laid" as it has been optioned by NBC. Also, the format for the high-rated reality competition show "My Kitchen Rules" has also been sold to a British network.

If the shows will be a hit to American audience is still yet to be seen. But if they need an example of a thriving exported show, they can look up to the AFI Award-winning "Wilfred."

The original Aussie version has a successful two-season run before it was sold to the U.S. cable channel FX. The American version also received generally positive reviews from critics, and is currently airing. There had been sight changes to the plot, though the titular character, a dog that is visible to the main character and the viewers as a man in a dog costume, is still played by Jason Gann.

"Bondi Rescue" is another good example. The Network Ten factual TV programme is being broadcast in twenty countries around the world, with a U.S. deal also in the works.

Not all Aussie exports were well received, though.

The short-lived Ten channel sitcom "Sit Down, Shut Up" only lasted 13 episodes in Australia, and it even had a shorter run in the U.S. Its animated remake was removed from Fox network's line-up after four episodes due to low ratings. Its remaining nine episodes were allowed to air, but at an unfortunate midnight timeslot.

And who can forget "Kath & Kim." When it first aired in 2002, the show, starring Jane Turner and Gina Riley, has received much critical acclaim, including winning two Logie Awards for Outstanding Comedy Programme. It even spawned a TV movie, "Da Kath and Kim Code" in 2005, and a feature film, "Kath & Kimderella," which is set to be released on Blu-ray and DVD later this month.

But while the show was a hit Down Under, it was a different story in the U.S. The American version, which starred Molly Shannon and Selma Blair, was cancelled just after one season due to negative reviews.