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Molly Shannon to play foxymoron in U.S. “Kath and Kim”

Earlier this year, I was mindlessly channel surfing when I happened on what I thought was a British comedy on the Sundance Channel. After my Southern ears adjusted to the accents, I realized two things. First, the show was Australian, not British. And second, it was very, very funny. But word of a U.S. remake of that show, Kath and Kim, by NBC brings mixed feelings. First, the good news: One of my favorite funny ladies will costar.

Molly Shannon will play Kath Day-Knight, whose relationship with her adult daughter Kim is the heart of the show. As Kath would say, “Noice.”

I’m less enthusiastic to learn that Michelle Nader wrote the latest script for Kath and Kim instead of Nancy Pimental, who penned the original adaptation. Why? Pimental used to write for South Park; Nader for King of Queens. Not a good sign. Especially given the challenge of translating such a distinctively Australian show for U.S. viewers.

Kath and Kim is based on characters created by Jane Turner and Gina Riley, who write and star in the hit show. The episodes I watched ranged in tone from sharp satire to potty humor — and I’m sure I missed quite a few of the cultural and political references. Adapting a series like this for an American audience requires rethinking everything about it — like taking Seinfeld to London. It can be done, but only sharp writing can make it successful.

Here’s a taste of the Kath and Kim brand of humor:

Have you seen Kath and Kim? Who would make a good Kim to star with Shannon? Readers from Oz, how much do you love this show? Do you think a U.S. remake can work?

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