I have the nasty feeling you’d end up with an “adaptation” like the American versions of “Life on Mars” (Bad), and “Kath and Kim” (Appalling).
I liked the American version of Life on Mars very much. Yes, some of the story pacing was wonky, but that was partly due to the fact that it was cancelled before the end of the first season (and then they tried to scrounge up some sort of ending in time). It had a lot of potential.
I'm an American, I quite enjoy Dr. Who (though the new seasons have been mostly bad, I'll admit). While it is certainly niche in our culture, most geeks I know are at least familiar with it. If the new season goes well, which isn't too unlikely, I can see it becoming better known.