Marta Kauffman, the co-creator of smash hit US sitcom Friends, is adaptating Doc Martin for American audiences.

The series is being developed for Electus, the production company of Ben Silverman, whose credits include Ugly Betty and the US version of The Office.

A comedy drama, Doc Martin has run for six series on ITV since 2004, with a seventh run recently filmed and due to be broadcast later this year.

Starring Martin Clunes and Caroline Catz[/z], the series follows Doctor Martin Ellingham, a top London surgeon who relocates to his childhood holiday village of Portwenn in Cornwall after developing a fear of blood, becoming the local GP. There he finds himself constantly frustrated by the locals, attitudes toward medicine and health, and the more relaxed way of life.

Already adapted in countries including France, Spain and Greece, the original British series is also sold worldwide and has become a firm favourite on American Public Television.

Ben Silverman said today: "We are thrilled to be adapting this hilarious smart show for America. Doc Martin has charmed viewers worldwide with its excellent concept and unique style of comedy, and we're proud to be working with Marta Kauffman on this exciting show. She and her team are brilliant partners."

Trade publication Broadcast reports that the project was originally being developed for premium cable channel TNT, but is now being pitched to other broadcasters following their decision to pass on the programme.

Series 6 attracted an average of 7.27 million viewers across each of its eight episodes when broadcast during September and October 2013. Series 7 is expected to premiere at a similar point this year.

Here is the trailer for Series 6: