They're the most dysfunctional duo in suburbia! Find out more about this new show here.

The new comedy "Kath & Kim," starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair, joins the comedy block on Thursdays, beginning October 9.

Since this is a remake of the Aussie version of 'Kath and Kim' (I've seen the Aussie version here in NZ), when it comes on, can someone please tell me how it went? I really wanted to see the American version of 'Kath and Kim'.

At least we have a picture along with names of the cast for this show, but I still don't know them from anywhere. Yet another show I believe will fail. Most new sit-coms do. And in case anyone thinks I'm cold and negative about these shows, it's because of what is currently in prime time slots on all the networks. I've posted before, all the networks have some very good shows on, but the bad really outdoes the good ones.

Happened to come across this article today:

Expanding on Kath & Kim: NBC has ordered seven more episodes of Kath & Kim, bringing the total order for the new series to 13 half-hours. The pickup comes shortly after the mother-daughter comedy starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair shot the first episode of its six-episode order. The show is scheduled to go back into production next month on the remaining segments. Kath & Kim, based on the hit Australian series, focuses on the dysfunctional relationship between Kath (Shannon), a cheerful, fortysomething divorcee, and her self-absorbed daughter, Kim (Blair).

Toronto Star

I just say a preview of the "new" kath & kim show. I LOVED the Aussie version, the original, but really don't know what to think of the American style. I thought I would hate the Office since I fell in love with the Brit version, but now it is my fav. I really think they are going to have a hard time writting the show as funny because Kath & Kim are ditzy and that is what I love about them. Plus if they shoot it like the original, where it looks like reality and not tv, then perhaps it will have a real chance. The documentry style works well for the Office and other shows so they should keep it as well. I cant wait to see who Sharon is played by. If you havent seen the original version you have to buy it on Ebay. Check out their website too. Just type in Kath and Kim. Please NBC dont screw this one up. Brit and Aussie comedy is unique, but I belive in general it is better than American sitcoms. Acyually, where are most of the American sitcoms? Why so much reality/gameshows now? Bring back the funny NBC! Oh and leave Las Vegas on because you hit the jackpot on that one!

i can't wait for this show to start!

i heard nbc showed a promo for kath & kim after baby borrowers but i can't find the promo anywhere on the web. i'm really looking forward to this show. everyone knows how funny molly shannon is but i think a lot of people are going to be surprised on how GREAT selma blair is. i hope this show will give selma a bigger fan base because she's deserving. i've seen all of her movies and the girl is FEARLESS. she's beautiful & completely underrated. as for molly, she's needed her own show since SNL.
i don't care what the aussies' think. if anything, this version will be better than theirs. maybe that's what they are afraid of?

I aboslutlely LOVE the Aussie version. HUGE FAN! I'm a bit nervous for the US version....but I'm excited. I'm DYING to see the promo. Anyone find it? Can't wait!

i finally saw two promos for kath & kim last night on NBC during jay leno. selma blair was on promoting hellboy 2. she looked fabulous by the way...
the promos were really short but what REALLY cracked me up was they showed a framed family portrait of kath & kim (molly & selma) that looked straight out of 80's glamour shots style. it still makes me giggle when i think about it
if i find it on the web i'll let you know.

I am absolutely sick to my stomach. A perfectly good show... a classic show... an original, stripped, gutted, reworked, wrecked, for American TV.

There is no comparing the original Kath & Kim, and there's no "US" version that could possibly come close to it. Seeing the promo, I seriously felt nauseous. Yeah, I'm an Aussie with a sense of pride in the original... and seeing it "bastardized" for the US screen is nothing short of truly upsetting. I am truly disappointed that the original Aussie creators would venture to sign on to something like this.

I don't watch "The Office" for this same reason. The original UK version worked. The US version doesn't. Sorry. Yeah, it's a matter of adjusting the humour dial to a different audience... which doesn't speak well of the overall view of the American audience and their capacity to absorb a different kind of humour.

Anyone know the 1970s UK show "Fawlty Towers" with John Cleese? He played the title character, Basil Fawlty, in a show that can only be regarded as genius... all mere 12 episodes. Well, there was an attempt to bring that over to the States as well... and the new version actually had Basil Fawlty WRITTEN OUT of it! Can you imagine? Thankfully, Cleese & Co. had the sense to say "No!" to that disaster. And that summarizes the whole "import & rework" style of American television.

I'll try an episode of the butchered (ie, US) version of Kath & Kim... and I know up front, just from the preview alone, that I won't be laughing. What a disaster-in-waiting.

here's the thing, you will still have your awesome original show. it's not like they canceled your series and replaced it with the US version. please tell me how the US version will ruin the aussie show. it's two seperate shows!

yes, the humor in america is different. just as you won't be laughing at the US version, some americans wouldn't find the aussie version all that great but i can tell you americans do think molly shannon and selma blair are hilarious. i'm guessing you don't know who they are but a lot of people will tune in just to see them regardless of the storyline.

I'm glad the original show is still on. Problem is, I can't see it from here in California. It used to run here on one of NBC's cable channels called Trio, until Trio was canned entirely.

How does it ruin the Aussie show? By taking an original idea and tweaking it to fit an audience, instead of coming up with a truly original show to fit an idea, not an audience. "Cult" shows that get cancelled (eg. American Gothic) are usually very original but don't appeal to a broader audience. Granted, the US version of K&K will have to be tweaked to suit the masses here, which in itself is kinda sad, don't you think? It can't live up to the original, because the original would likely not appeal to most Americans.

Yeah, I know who Molly S. and Selma B. are. Been here 20 years, I should know them by now.

i'll be honest, i've been to other countries and have seen what tv is like there. it pretty much BLOWS but that's because i'm used to american tv. i don't think it's sad that kath & kim will have to be tweaked to work here. i don't care if the rest of the world tries to copy american tv or movies. i wouldn't want them to fail just because it wouldn't be the same. would you feel better if you could still view the aussie version here in the states?

I loved the original Kath and Kim from the first moment I saw it. There will be somethings that are integral to the original that just won't play over well here. I am hoping that they do incorporate the character of Sharon... she was hilarious.

If you get a chance... check out some of the original on youtube.

I will keep positive about NBC's version... I love Selma Blair.

OMG!!!! New York City can't wait for this one!!!! Molly and Selma!!!! I see two new gay icons in the making!!!!!!! Chatter is spreading from the West Village, to Chelsea, to Hell's Kitchen, to The Pines in Fire Island!!!!! THANK YOU NBC!!!!!!!!

From NBC Universal Media Village (click here for the full news release)

NBC ALLOWS VIEWERS TO GET A JUMP ON NEW FALL SEASON WITH 'THE NBC PRIMETIME PREVIEW' SPECIAL – HOSTED BY ZACHARY LEVI ('CHUCK') -- TO RUN OVER MULTITUDE OF BROADCAST AND ONLINE PLATFORMS FROM AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 28
Published: August 6, 2008

BURBANK, Calif. – August 6, 2008 – NBC draws back the curtain to provide broadcast and online audiences an early sneak peek at the network's new and returning series for Fall as title star Zachary Levi ("Chuck") hosts "The NBC Primetime Preview" -- a 30-minute cavalcade highlighted by an exclusive backstage look to be conveyed on a full spectrum of NBC Universal media platforms beginning August 30 through September 28.

The show will also feature appearances by Christian Slater (star of NBC's new drama "My Own Worst Enemy"), Molly Shannon and Selma Blair (stars of NBC's new comedy "Kath & Kim") and many NBC stars from the cast of such favorites as "Heroes" and "The Office," among others.

The annual Fall program will be offered to NBC's 232 television stations (check local listings) as well as other channel entities such as USA, SCI FI, Bravo, UniHD, Chiller, mun2, MSNBC, CNBC, Oxygen, Sleuth, NBC2Go, on-demand and broadband. NBC stations can also run it on their websites while NBC.com will also run it as well. In addition, the program will be screened on selected United Airlines flights.

NBC's Fall 2008-09 premiere week begins in earnest on Monday, September 22.

The American adaptation of the Australian hit comedy series "Kath & Kim" stars Shannon (NBC's "Saturday Night Live") and Blair ("Hellboy 2") as the hilarious and iconoclastic mother-daughter duo. "Kath & Kim" focuses on Kath (Shannon), a cheerful, foxy, forty-something, and her self-absorbed daughter, Kim (Blair), who have the love/hate, push/pull dysfunctional relationship that only a mother and daughter could share. John Michael Higgins ("Best in Show") and Mikey Day (MTV's "Short Circuitz") also star. The comedy premieres on Thursday, October 9 (8:30-9 p.m. ET).

I totally agree with you!! The Aussie show rocks but the US one.. hmm . Don't get me wrong I will watch it but I really don't think will fly with the people who saw the original Kath and Kim. I been a Kath and Kim fun for about 3 years. Molly Shannon is a ok Kath and John Michael Higgins is a dead one Kel(Phil) but Selma oh come on. Kath is the Aussie version has a muffin top and she it damn thin. They should of got someone that has a gut on them not some Hollywood stick to play Kim. What about her second best friend Sharon??? Who plays her Nicole Richie??

Sorry i meant Kim has a muffin top! I think I need to have a another glass of Tia Marie and some footy franks. LOL

Totally utterly and absolutely agree that this Americanized version of the show is going to fall horribly and terribly flat in front of a US audience. It's an Aussie thing that made K&K what it was...this will not cut it. Don't expect it to last for the season.

After viewing a preview of the "new" Kath and Kim, I felt as though I had just seen a fatal car crash happen before my very eyes. The death was to the quick-witted humor of the aussie satire. Some have said that the "new" version will be just as funny, if not more, for American audiences. The problem I have with this whole concept is that Kath and Kim is a social commentary about the middle/working classes of Australia and not America. It is an exaggerated portrayal of a family who loves going to the pubs, discos, eating bikkies, playing netball and spending an arvo at the local shops. They use terms like "look at mooooooooy!" and "hunk o' spunk". The Australian slang is what truly makes this show a cult classic and to alter that is a major mistake. It doesn't matter if the actors are hilarious or the script is well written, it doesn't represent the core idea of show: Australian culture. There is no clear translation from Australian life to American and therefore it is going to be very hard to portray the true essesence of the show. Without the main idea, there will just be a shell of a truly original and unique show left. The remake will only place a damper on the original concept and ruin the show for people who have never experienced the real deal. They are not two different shows, there is one show and one remake, representing everything that inspired and came before it. So with that I ask this, The original show has been such a success in the past so why change a sure good thing?!?!

do you really believe if NBC put the original K&K in the fall line up it would be a smash hit in america???

i don't see what is so hard to grasp here. they take a great idea, concept, make it an american social commentary about our middle/working class with our american slang and humor and market it to americans.

would you be less offended if they didn't call it Kath & Kim? if they completely stole the idea without the help of the original creators and called it Karen & Kate or something?

if they thought the original K&K would have worked in america, they would have brought it here and put it in a prime time slot.

the new show might fail here but that will be for the americans to decide if it's funny or not.
it's our show now. get over it.

Well. I only have been able to see the short promos but to mee it looks like it's going to be very funny. I most say that I usually don't like NBC comedy but this one looks funny to me. I haven't like any comedy since Friends and Everybody love Raymon but I think this one is a winner.

I hope it translates for the American market. The last season here in Australia wasn't as funny as the previous years in my opinion, but it captures Australia's "cultural cringe" so well. I wonder if the term "hornbag" will become part of the vernacular for the US as well?!

I can not wait for this to premiere.... it looks like it is going to be funny !!!

I'm looking forward to this new show. I love molly shannon so I hope this plays well to her comedy talents

I'm a HUGE fan of the original series. I know that Gina and Jane are the reason the show is so insanely good. Its a hit in Aussieland. There is no way anyone could ever duplicate the show, ever.

However, I don't think that's whats going on here. This is supposed to be an entirely different version of Kath and Kim, with the same basic setup. The American version - and that's why i'm willing to watch it and see what happens.

Look at it this way - pretend you had never seen the original: Would you give this version a chance? Watch it without bias. Don't expect to see the exact same humour and running jokes as the Aussie version because you probably wont. Take it for what it is and what it isn't.

If it sucks i'll be the first one to blast it, but i'm holding out that judgement until Oct 9th.

Can't wait for this show! Love Selma Blair! It's being adapted by the same people who adapted the Office for the U.S. audience so I have complete faith that this one will do just as well. Plus, in my opinion, the American Office is ten times funnier than the British version (which I like and watch as well), so who knows - perhaps Kath and Kim will surpass the original Aussie version! Here's hoping!

i'm hoping that is exactly what will happen.
i hope this show does so great that the aussies' and the rest of the world against the US version will shut their faces.

OK, All the ex-pat aussies out there have to chill out. I remember when I first heard about the original K&K, I thought, 'how are they going to turn a 3 minute skit into a half hour show', but that worked. Gina Riley and Jane Turner (Aussie Kath and Kim) were well respected comedians before they even undertook the original show, already had a huge following and for those reasons is what helped the show initially work, not to mention the quick wit, sarcasm and satire that made the show such a success. And don't forget, a real ****-take on aussie culture. Americans are good at this. Recently, The Office shows us that. But don't forget shows like The Larry Sanders Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Letterman to an extent. I'm sure if we all give it time, and look at it as an american show and not a rip off, i'm sure we'll be presently suprised. Remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

BRAVO Sir!!

I would like to first start off by saying I am an American and a HUGE FAN of the original Kath & Kim. It's pretty much my favorite show of all. I'm also a fan of Big Girl's Blouse (amazingly funny show from '94) which started Kath & Kim as a sketch in the show originaly. The humor of the original is absolute brilliance and each character is perfection. The show is genius! Now I've been waiting on the American version for a long time now but I'm all "twisty feeling" about it lol. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not going into the show with a negative outlook on it. I have a completely open mind and completely understand that it's going to be tremedously different for very understandable reasons. Since the original creators wanted the show to come to America I was happy. I also want to say that I LOVE Molly Shannon and Selma Blair and think they are PERFECT for the show so KUDOS to them cause I ADORE them both.

I am skepticle though. I mean come on, it's my favorite show! I have to be a little bit right? It killed me when I found out they replaced Sharron's chracter (who is BRILLIANT) with a male best friend who happens to be gay. I don't know why it's necessary at all. Is it because Sharron's character was heavier than they wanted for the American version? It can't be right? They could have just cast her thinner in the American version. So what's the reasoning? I really hope it's not to just connect with the gays because coming from a gay person myself that's a little annoying. Don't get me wrong though I'm sure the character/actor is going to be great and kudos to him too but I really wish Sharron wouldn't have been completey taken out.

It's just really going to be interesting to experience this new show. It's the same idea but Americanized which can make it bomb or maybe make it work. I feel like the show is my baby and I just want everyone to love it, but love it for what it is and not what it's been turned into. To know what the original is like and then have this one have fans that know nor care nothing about the original will always break my heart completely. But I guess I'll get over it lol.

Does anyone else get the feeling? I'm not hating on the new show btw everyone, I AM totaly excited and can't wait to see it! OMG! So please no one get all defensive with me.

Fan to Fan
With Love,

-Love Kota

there are going to people who will never see the original. there are going to be people who don't like the original but like the american version...and then there are going to be the people who love the original and can't get past it in order to like the american version.

i get it though. if they tried to do a show like FRIENDS somewhere else and changed things...i would probably always compare it to the original. BUT i would not wish the show to fail because of it like some of these aussie fans are doing.

i love selma and molly and i'm hoping it translates here.
i think this show is going to have a huge gay fanbase and that is probably why they changed the sharron character.


one month and we'll see....

jen

I really want to see this show! (lame post, I know..)

WOOOOW. That's why you're upset? Selma Blair is GREAT actress, and she's a very cool person! I can't believe you'd blow her off just because she's skinnier than the actress in the original...wow. She's definitely NOT a Hollywood cutout...she actually has talent, plus she's REAL! She actually has a personality...so don't throw her in with all the rest.

SELMA FAN LOVING ALICE.....

exactly! that's a great example! it's all about translation. i can't wait to see how it turns out! so excited!

-Love Kota

just saw the promos for this show!!! molly and selma!!! AWESOME!!! and HELLO!!!... like, FINALLY!!! this looks really, REALLY, MAJOR!!!!! thank you nbc=)

I will totally let you Know, i have all 3 seasons here that i got in sydney, im just bummed they dont seem to have the character of sharon!!!!![color="#FF0000"][/color]

new and original

super funny show...great job!

NBC!!! word is that kath and kim is totally pimpin'!!!!! molly and selma are total poppins!!! did you see the new promos! it's like sex in the city and john waters had a baby ... gonna be like all that and a bag of chips!!!
aussie version audi 5.0!!!

NBC!!! word is that kath and kim is totally pimpin'!!!!! molly and selma are total poppins!!! did you see the new promos! it's like sex in the city and john waters had a baby ... gonna be like all that and a bag of chips!!!
aussie version audi 5.0!!!

Kath and Kim American looks great! Except tws things i won't be able to see it in Australia and there is no Sharon! Bring Sharon in it! Bring Sharon in it! Maybe if enopugh people say it they will!

Funny Funny show! But put it on in Australia and put Sharon in it! Put Sharon in it! Put Sharon in it! PLEEEEEEEASE!:crying:

The cast looks ace but where's Kath's fuzzy perm? I hope for their sake it does alright but i looks a bit like the american version of Coupling which was crap.

It will be interesting to see how the Umor translates. I do wish that American television execs would just do a deal with the overseas networks to run the originals however i guess that's not possible as there wouldn't be as much $$ in it for them.

I will watch but I'm not holding my breath that it won't suck.

OMG, the latest K&K candid photo of selma wearing a pink JEM TRULY TRULY OUTRAGEOUS dress
totally cracks me up!!
i swear they are swiping their kim wardrobe ideas from JEM!!

I am SOO excited to see this show. Sorry for the "soo" caps.. but I am that excited! Ever since the Olympics when they were really showing the commercials for Kath and Kim, I have been counting down the days.

Molly is so talented - "Sometimes when I get nervous. I sniff my armpits" LOL! Selma is a diamond in the ruff (lol). Many can not see either of them as a lead type role (SNL and Cruel Intentions) but I believe these ladies together will make this a must see show that we all can laugh and apprecaite during these cruddy days.

lovin' molly's hair!!! fashions are hilarious!!! selma with that whale tail! and scissor sister=)! lovin' that! can't wait for premiere!!! [font="Impact"][/font]

oh just one more thing ... molly's exercise outfit ... i fell off the sofa when i saw it

the birth of two new icons ... i can hardly contain myself!!! kath and kim!!!! i just can't wait!!! hooray!!!!!!!!!!

i just saw the latest promo for K&K (Mother and Daughter) and it is so freaking funny!!
if only they had done a promo like that in the beginning...
i'm no longer worried about the future of this show. it looks like it's going to be FANTASTIC!!
way to go Selma & Molly!!