Kath and Kim

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Network: NBC

Premiere: Thursday, October 9, 8:30pm

Cast: Molly Shannon, Selma Blair, John Michael Higgins, Mikey Day

Premise: Kath and Kim tells the story of a dysfunctional relationship set in suburban Florida. Kath is a 40 year old divorcee who is focused on her quest to find love. Her daughter Kim, in her mid 20s, still behaves like a child and moves home after separating from her husban

There were those snobs who turned their noses up when The Office premiered here in the states, boldly stating, "The British version is better!" after watching just one episode. There will be those, who say the same about NBC's new fall comedy, Kath and Kim. The show is an Australian important and is wildly popular down under. The Aussie version first premiere on ABC TV in 2002 and ran for four seasons. The show has been nominated for and won several prestigious awards, including Logies and AFI Awards. Kath and Kim was one of Australia's highest rated shows and has aired in the U.S. on Trio and the Sundance Channel.

This October, Molly Shannon and Selma Blair will give it their best shot at remaking an already popular show with a fan base both in Australia and here in the states. If successful, the show will join the ranks of The Office and Ugly Betty. If not, they'll be a punchline, like Coupling. If you don't remember Coupling, don't feel bad. We don't either.

However, I have faith in the show, especially having never seen the original. I'm a fan of Shannon and Blair but I have high hopes for John Michael Higgins, who has turned in hilarious performances in Christopher Guest's movies from Best In Show to A Mighty Wind. Mikey Day has gained YouTube fame after appearing in a few videos spoofing David Blaine. If you haven't seen them yet, go look it up right after this. Cheez-Its!!!! Though Blair hasn't necessarily been known in the past for her comic prowess, she makes me crack a smile each time I see the NBC commercials.

Here's the bottom line.  It's tough to find a good comedy these days that you can really sink your teeth into.  I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic and advise that you give this comedy a fair chance.  Fair is at least 2 or 3 episodes before forming an opinion.  Let's just hope that the lines on the show are as funny as the people saying them.


- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of NBC)