Kath & Kim (American TV series)
An American adaptation of the Australian comedy series.
Kath & Kim is an American television sitcom adapted from the Australian series of the same name, created by Jane Turner and Gina Riley. It stars Molly Shannon and Selma Blair in the titular roles and premiered on NBC on October 9, 2008. The series was co-produced through Reveille Productions and Universal Media Studios, with Turner and Riley serving as executive producers and consultants.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Sitcom
- Based on
- Kath & Kim
- Gina Riley
- Jane Turner
- Developer
- Michelle Nader
- Starring
- Molly Shannon
- Selma Blair
- John Michael Higgins
- Mikey Day
- Opening theme
- "Filthy/Gorgeous", Scissor Sisters
- Composer
- Adam Cohen; John Robert Wood
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
Facts from the source article.
Production
Before the American version was made, the first two seasons of the original Australian series aired in the United States on Trio in 2004, and after Trio folded, moved to the Sundance Channel in early 2006. NBC announced an American version on November 9, 2006. A pilot was produced by Reveille and NBC Universal, with Riley and Turner as executive producers and consultants, and Paul Feig directing. NBC originally planned to air the series in the 2007–2008 fall season but delayed it. The series was greenlit after Reveille founder Ben Silverman became NBC's entertainment head; Silverman had sought to bring the adaptation to American screens since 2004. The show was ordered to series in early 2008. In Australia, Channel 7 aired only the pilot and first episode in mid-2008 before replacing it with repeats of the original series due to popular demand; the full series later aired there. Molly Shannon was cast as Kath and Selma Blair as Kim; Shannon is seven years older than Blair, born September 16, 1964, while Blair was born June 23, 1972. Several character names were changed: Kim is known as Kim Day (with middle name Crystal replacing Diane), Craig Baker replaces Brett Craig, and Phil Knight replaces Kel Knight. The character Sharon is absent because Magda Szubanski objected to the casting. Maya Rudolph guest-starred as Athena Scooberman in episode 8, "Sacrifice," and Pamela Anderson appeared in episode 9, "Friends."
Reception
The show received negative criticism from viewers and television critics, particularly regarding casting, tone, and costume design. Selma Blair responded to claims that the adaptation ruined the original's creativity. The San Francisco Chronicle called the pilot "a contender for worst remake ever." Despite poor reviews, the series debut drew 7.5 million viewers, finishing third overall and second in the 18–49 demographic. By the third episode, viewership dropped to 4.99 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Kath & Kim (American TV series)?
Kath & Kim was created by Michelle Nader.
Who stars in Kath & Kim (American TV series)?
Kath & Kim stars Molly Shannon, Selma Blair, John Michael Higgins and Mikey Day.
How many episodes of Kath & Kim (American TV series) are there?
Kath & Kim has 17 episodes across 1 season.
When did Kath & Kim (American TV series) end?
Kath & Kim last aired on 12 March 2009.
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