What happens when the US gets its hands on an Aussie icon?
We’re about to find out when NBC premieres its own version of Kath and Kim in primetime on October 9.
America’s own foxy morons – the dysfunctional mother-daughter duo played by Molly Shannon (Kath) and Selma Blair (Kim) – will air alongside the hit comedies, The Office and My Name is Earl on the US network TV giant.
Channel Seven has the exclusive rights to bring the new US series to Aussie viewers and will do it toot-sweet.
“Just over 48 hours after the show airs in the US, Australians will get to see it for themselves and make up their own minds,” says Tim Worner, Channel Seven’s Director of Programming and Production.
For the US version, Fountain Lakes is sun-soaked suburban Tampa, Florida, Dipity Bix is replaced by Corn Dogs and Doritos become Cheetos.
But the heart, soul and irreverence of the Australian original will remain at the show’s core – it is sure to be noice, different and very un-ewesual!
The Americanised Kath and Kim will make its Aussie debut on Sunday, October 12, following Channel Seven’s coverage of the Bathurst 1000.
Kath & Kim Executive Producer Rick McKenna worked closely with the US producers to bring the new version to life.
“The US creative team were massive fans of the original series and have captured the Kath & Kim essence perfectly, albeit in an American voice,” McKenna says. “The new storylines are hilarious.”
The US version is produced by Ugly Betty and The Biggest Loser creators Shine Reveille Productions and NBC Universal Studios.
Creators and stars of the hit Australian original Jane Turner and Gina Riley, with executive producer Rick McKenna, are executive producers for the US version.
