NBC has yet to premiere their new sitcom
Kath and Kim, but already audiences are worried that the adaptation of the popular Australian comedy, which stars Molly Shannon and Selma Blair, would ruin the comedy.
The comedy, which is slated to hit the airwaves on October 9, revolves around a dysfunctional mother and daughter dealing with their lives. The 40-something Kath (Shannon), a divorcée, finally has time for herself and her search for a new love. Her daughter, 20-something Kim (Blair), suddenly decides to move back home after separating from her husband Craig (Mikey Day). Kath reluctantly agrees, but she would not cater to her daughter's every whim like before.
The Australian version premiered in 2002, and was a huge rating success; the fourth season premiere last August 2007 became the highest rating Australian television program in history. The program also snagged six awards throughout its four seasons.
NBC's Ben Silverman, who is executive producer of the American version, isn't just about to let the pressure get to him. He thinks he wouldn't let this adaptation—his third—slip like other failed foreign comedies adapted to the United States, like NBC's
Coupling, a British import which folded after less than a season. “They are part of my own personal trilogy,” he said.
“The Office was the best comedy in the UK,
Ugly Betty was the best comedy in South America and
Kath & Kim is the best comedy in Australia.”
The Australian version's producer, Rick McKenna, believes that the early audience backlash is because of their attachment to the original show. “The fact that this show has such a large following in Australia and worldwide means people always have an attachment,” he said. “Any show with a large following will have fans that feel ownership of the characters.”
McKenna also revealed that it took him three years to find a partner who he thinks will bring justice to the successful comedy. “[The] key to our deal with [production company] Reveille and NBC is that we are not Endemol or Granada with 400 different formats,” he said. “[Program creators Gina Riley and Jane Turner] and I regard this as our family business and we are very protective of that.”
Silverman, on the other hand, believes that the show will strike a chord with the mainstream audience. “Kath and Kim's relationship is accessible,” he said. “In America, just like in Australia, more adult-age children are living with their parents. It's a phenomenon.” However, he also thinks that
Kath and Kim doesn't have to make it big here quickly. “We are big believers that comedy takes time to develop,” he said. “We would love it hit out of the park but we know these things take time.”
Kath and Kim premieres on NBC on October 9, from 9:30pm.
-Henrik Batallones, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source:
Variety
(Image courtesy of NBC)