'Kath & Kim': Lost in translation

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alan pace Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 08:16 AM EST

Well they had to go & mess around with the original Kath & Kin, that is the Australian version of "Kath & Kim" . This is just the way they ruined the original British version of "The Office". Americans should know that Aussies delight in sending each other up, showing each other as "daggy" or uncultured or just plain stupid. All British Empire countries have this talent to a greater or lesser extent, that is the delight of "taking the p***s" out of lower middle class or any other class for that matter especially in the cities 'Down Under'. The British "get 'it' totally. They are the masters! Australians have a saying that "Americans have an irony bypass" and whilst I believe it of perhaps the vast majority, there are certainly some here in the states who 'get it' if this trail of comments is anything to go on.

laura Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 08:50 PM EST

Having been a huge fan of the original Kath & Kim, I am hugely disappointed that the US chose, once again, not to import a great sitcom, but to try to re-do it. This one is pretty much unbearable to watch. Half way thru the first show, I had to put on my dvd of the original & was actually shocked that much of the lines were the same, however the delivery was not even comparable. NBC cancel this disaster of a series & put the original on. It's not funny, it's completely pathetic & for once, consider that most Americans have not only the brain to comprehend the Aussi humour, but the ear to understand the accent! For that matter, just stop trying to recreate successful overseas comedies! Pay the money & import something good!

Janna Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 07:35 PM EST

Having never seen the Australian version, I must admit I find the US show amusing. It's not the greatest comedy out there by any means, but I find Molly Shannon and John Michael Higgins enjoyable.

Jim Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 06:09 PM EST

I first discovered the real Kath & Kim in 2005 while living in Auckland. When I heard that Hollywood was going to do their own butchering of a classic, I was horrified. I don't understand why we (Americans) can't get more programming from outside the US. God forbid that Hollwood will ever let that happen. I watched the NBC version and it was even worse than I expected. I hate Hollywood.

Elizabeth Pavlica Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 02:21 PM EST

HORRIBLE. Painfully horrible!

BD Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 10:28 PM EST

Selma Blair bad Kim. Megan Mullally would be good Kim.

d.hughes Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 08:16 PM EST

Why can't American networks just show the original. Why do american's have to Americanise every foreign show that comesinto america. We don't make an Australian version of friends! It would miss the point. One writere mentioned that American's don't like and would'nt take to Foreign shows because of the culture and accent. well get used to it. We watch sooo much american TV here in OZ that we are used to American Accents. Why can't american's get used to the rest of the world.

Kath and Kim works well because it is a reflection of Australian Culture. You have to be australian to really understand it. If American's can't handle that then leave it. I find some american comedy funny. SOME but that i because I my humour has eveolded to accenpt it. surely americans can do the same!!!!

G Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 01:16 PM EST

While Molly Shannon does herself justice, Selma Blair's Kim completely misses the target. Gina Riley's Kim was such an awful person, but in a way where you felt good just to laugh at her (its how "you're my second best friend, Sharron!" could stay funny for the entire series. Speaking of, where is her friend, who was apparently re-created as an overweight gay man?). Blair's Kim is, however, just plain unlikable. While the original made light out of the middle class and its obsession with all things hip and pop culture, this American import does nothing but offer Tabloid sound bites that are neither funny nor current (A lindsay lohan rehab joke? Seriously?)

Nicole Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 10:02 AM EST

Selma Blair doesnt play kim well. Done get me wrong, shes a great actress in other things, but in the original version, kim has a muffin-top, big fake nails, bad hair extensions, and bad clothes...but of course she has no idea and thinks she looks 'foxy' (that means 'hot') and that is the beauty of the original. It has a charm about it. Patrick...its meant to look like the characters are from the 80's...thats the whole point, we laugh at them because the characters have no idea, its supposed to be a fly on the wall sorta look, we know the lighting isnt flash, its meant to look that way!(and yes we DO have digital in australia- the original series started in Australia back in 2002! We have alot of shows produced in australia for our local market that are filmed and shown in High Definition on Digital.) The US version was ok in parts, but lacked that something that made the Australian version just that much better. Everyone who hasnt seen the original, do yourself a favour and youtube it

mawhi Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

I've seen the Aussie version and I liked last week's premiere. Not the funniest and not the best, but I'm willing to give it a chance for a few more episodes.

Jono Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 08:53 AM EST

According to the REAL Kath & Kim's website, US versions of the dvd will be available soon. so hopefully we can put this whole sad affair behind us, and the actually somewhat talented people involved can move on to entertaining, original projects of their own!

Manny Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 12:46 AM EST

I was extremely disappointed with the first episode. I didn't laugh at all. I was actually rather annoyed. The episode dragged. Molly and Selma were so stiff and restrained. I'm gonna stick to the original, I'm guaranteed a laugh every time I watch it.

reverendike Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 05:58 PM EST

Gotta agree with Kaylie and many of the others - the Australian show is fabulous and it was a foregone conclusion that the US remake would fall short. As for Patrick, high production values are worthless if you don't have decent writing and actresses who really know how to create brilliant characters. Sundance ran Big Girl's Blouse recently - the predecessor to K&K in Australia - and it really showcased how talented the three lead actresses are and how clever the writing is. Very few US comedies (other than maybe Earl, Scrubs, Californication) are as creative and clever ...

Melissa Sat, Oct 11, 2008 at 02:58 PM EST

I had VERY low expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised. A few things made me laugh, like "Is Melanie Griffinith stupid?", a freakin' Curves, the dreamcatcher earrings and the glass door. Not hilarious, but not the least-promising premiere I have ever seen. I've never seen the original version.

Tanya Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 11:08 PM EST

I like Kath and Kim already! I can't wait to see the next episode.

MS Fan Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 05:14 PM EST

The show was ok. I didnt like how every time the mom and daughter started arguing one of them would suddenly make some snappy comment about something. Once is funny but every time is not. Also, the daughters character is overly whiney and immature. Its just overboard.

Richie Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 05:00 PM EST

The US version of Kath & Kim is DOA.

Gina, how could you let them do this to your great Ausie version? I'll bet it doesen't run any more than one season, if that!

Matt Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 04:53 PM EST

Patrick, get over yourself and your industry. The Aussie version's doesn't have low production quality, it's more a fly-on-the-wall, pseudo-reality type of show. Similar to The Office, but without breaking the fourth wall. Come to think of it, it's very much like Arrested Development.

True, American's limited exposure to Australian culture (Crocodile Dundee and Men at Work don't count) would limit the viability, but it could definitely work for a limited audience. Maybe they'd get the "yuma".

I missed the premiere last night, but casting Selma Blair ruins it for me. And John Michael Higgins in Kel Knight's role is just atrocious. These people are way to pretty for these roles, they should represent the seedy, politicially-incorrect underbelly of American suburbia if we're to take this as a faithful remake of the Aussie original. Molly Shannon is the only one that could work in her given role.

Raven_Moon Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

This show (the American version) is kind of awful. I'd rather watch super-sized versions of "My Name is Earl" or "The Office"...now that's an made-over import worth watching!

KathFan Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 04:42 PM EST

Look at me. Look at me. Look at meeeeee. I have one thing to say to you: This show sucked! Definitely NOT graysh.

peaches Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 04:40 PM EST

Never saw the Aussie version but the last nights debut was a hot mess. Love Molly Shannon. Love Selma Blair. Hated the show. The writing stunk.

jr Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 04:29 PM EST

It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, to be honest. Not that it was great, but I'll keep giving it a chance. I still don't get the Selma Blair casting. And where's Sharon Strzlecki when you need her?

Simon Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 04:26 PM EST

JD, I totally agree with you. I loved the original Australian version! Kath and Kim were so bad that they were awesome. I am not planning on watch the NBC version.

Michelle Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 04:26 PM EST

I couldn't believe how atrocious this was. There was not a single moment where I even faintly smiled, much less laughed. If U.S. writers lack originality and so keep "adapting" shows and this is what they do with even stolen material, we are in a lot of trouble.

JD Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 04:17 PM EST

The Australian version is daggy, low cost and low class and that's why it appeals to audiences.. It totally makes fun of suburbia and Australians love to laugh at themselves. The American version was too Brady Bunch feel, its too fake to be funny as noone is really like that.. I hope. Btw what's with Americans anyway, why can't you just watch the original version and try embrace another culture? It seems self centred to have to make ur own versions of hit shows.

Kate Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 03:26 PM EST

I have never seen the Aussie version, which I am sure is highly superior to this version. But Molly Shannon is reason enough to give it another try.

Matthew Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 03:11 PM EST

I agree with a lot of the views by ALL of the other commenters. As an Aussie who was a fan of the original show, and a follower of the original British Office, i'd have to say the show needs a bit of work. The translation would definitely be "wasted" on a good part of its demographic here, but as a whole, unless Americans wanted to embrace the sheer political incorrectness in a time when you can't sneeze without offending someone, bringing the original would never work stateside.
Oh, and if political incorrectness was ever seen as funny, i hope they bring Kim's fat friend in as a character.

T Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 03:06 PM EST

i thought it was really funny! better than expected. why is everyone giving selma blair such a hard time. she's playing a character! also i think it is believable for them to be mother/daughter since kath had kim at 16. anyways bottom line, i'm gonna watch next week because usually the 2nd episode is way better than the pilot.

Kaylie McCain Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

The original Australian version is the most brilliant show I have ever seen in my life. I own all seasond on DVD and have watched them a million times. The American version is an abomination. NBC should be ashamed of themselves.

Bethann Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 02:57 PM EST

Have yet to see the original, but I can honestly say that I didn't laugh once last night during the show. What made it more awkward was that I felt like there were specific moments where they were expecting me to laugh and almost paused the action to wait for it. Painful. I agree with just importing these shows as is from other coutries--they do it with our shows! I've LOVED shows like "Footballer$ Wive$" and "Extras" with no translation. I think others would as well.

junior Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 01:46 PM EST

Perhaps some other network will show the original given the launch of the US version. I saw it on Sundance about 2 years ago.

AJB Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 01:46 PM EST

I love the original Kath and Kim, but I think you would have to be Australian to completely understand the humor. The same way most people think many english sitcoms are stupid.

Junior Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

There were a couple of funny barbs, but I expected more. The Aussie show is fantastic. All of you who havent seen it go to youtube--you will split a gut. Selma Blair is too attractive to play Kim. And just why is it that American tv is too shy to address the cultural and class differences that make the original K&K so delightful?

typeogirl Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 01:22 PM EST

It wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. I will give it another week or two.

tony Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 01:17 PM EST

Wow was it awful. I mean awful. So completely unfunny that I just kep waiting for the first commercial so that I could watch something entertaining, and when it finally came I dicthed- unfortunately I returned too early for the Office and got stuck watching their final global warming scene. What an embarrassment.

Kai- Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

30 minutes of my life I will never get back. Even my two teenage daughters thought it sucked.

Nee Nee Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

I'll give it at least another week. I agree that Molly Shannon was great. I think it may be too early for me to determine, though, if it's Selma Blair's character that I don't like, or if it's her.

Aimee-Michelle Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

While I thought the American version was cute ("I didn't sign on to listen to how someones day was or to cook, I'm a trophy wife" LOL) I liked the Aussie version much better. Why do Hollywood studios think that they need to make changes to great shows. They always end up taking away from what made the original so great. Why not just put the Aussie version on US tv. (After Nine if they are concerned about children.) I also agree that taking away Kath and Kim's fat friend left alot to be desired by the US version.

Patrick Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

Good job JB!

JB Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST

I was very pessimistic based on early buzz, but I laughed a lot last night during the premiere episode. I thought it was a perfect lead-in for The Office and I loved Molly Shanon. And yes, I've seen the original Aussie version. I hope the show lives, I see a lot of potential.

Patrick Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:56 PM EST

Yeah, so just watched part of an episode of Kath & Kim the Australian version. I'm baffled you would think that the United States would tolerate the production quality of this show. The show looks like something right out of the 80's. The lighting is poor, the sound is reprehensible, it's not even digital. I am studying entertainment business in Los Angeles, and let me tell you that Kath & Kim the Australian version would be canceled in the United States in about 2 to 3 weeks. It doesn't appeal to the masses. It appeals to a small minority of people who think they are cultured because the watch shows created in europe and asia. Trust me when I say that directly imported foreign television is not a feasible commodity in the US.

Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

Bad. Just bad. I gave up on it less than halfway in.

Kel Knight Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:46 PM EST

No way, Josay. The original series is too clever to work in America. It is one of my favorite comedies, though, so I can only hope the US version lasts long enough to warrant putting the Australian series on DVD.

Patrick Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

Also, so it's understood. America doesn't import shows from other countries, because American's are not well traveled as a whole, and as a result are often lost on the dialect of other english speaking nations... That, and production quality from other countries is often times far poorer quality than that of America's... We have high standards. I watch BBC America, trust me when I say... Much lower quality!

Patrick Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:39 PM EST

I liked it... I saw it for what it was. I think it appeals to a younger audience, and rightly so. Younger demographics spend the highest percent of their income on the things they see advertised on TV, so why wouldn't a prime time comedy that leads into one of America's highest rated comedy's, the office(I know, a remake), display a youthful undertone? That's how networks make money... I think most of you, including the author of this blog, are to hung up on seeing this as a remake, and not a stand alone comedy. I grew up in southeast suburbia, and then moved to LA. I see people like Kath and Kim everyday, and a comedic dramatization just makes those people that much more entertaining. Leave the show be, let's let it blossom into it's own entity before we condemn it to death.

Sexy Beast Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:32 PM EST

P.S. The best line was Molly talking about a jumpsuit she wanted to buy that "had a zipper all the way down to your petunia!"

Sexy Beast Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:31 PM EST

I loved the show!! Molly Shannon forever!

Lynn in AZ Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:31 PM EST

Oh. My. Gawd. Yawn...NOT Superstahhhhh....please cancel this & let's get on with our lives...

Delon Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:17 PM EST

I had no idea that this was an American version of an Aussie show until i read this blog, but i have to say that watching the show you could tell that this was a dialed down import. After the Parker Posey/Lauren Ambrose fiasco i was dreading the worst and compared to that show this was a total triumph. I can totally see how this could be a lesser version of a better show, but as a stand alone this wasn't bad. I was really fearful about the pairing of Selma Blair with Molly Shannon, because she is no match to her(DON'T YOU GUYS ALL think a show with Parker Posey&Molly Shannon would be the best?), but in this episode i thought she was passable/bearable. There's a promise of a great show if they decide to go there.

Babs Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 12:06 PM EST

Yeah, I don't get it - why don't US networks ever just import a show whole? I mean, zero production costs, yo. They're not interested in saving money? Or they assume Murkins don't want to hear any of that high-falutin' Brit talk?

sam Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST

It's sad when a sitcom like kath and kim gets a primo time slot while the best sitcom on the air -- CBS's the adventures of old christine(wed at 8) could be a huge hit in this time slot.

jake Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 11:48 AM EST

I thought it was awful and I like molly shannon. If this is the type of comedies that NBC is developing, they will never again see the heights of must see tv. I think the best new sitcom now is CBS's worst week on mondays and gary unmarried is not bad -- but wait a minute, i think those are the only new sitcoms still on the air. do not disturb was awful.

Yaussie Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 11:11 AM EST

No where near as funny as the original. I don't think it will last here. sigh
www.australiandreams.blogspot.com

Anjeliki Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 11:01 AM EST

Bad, bad, bad. I had high hopes, after hearing such great things about the Aussie version, but I don't see how they can fix this - there was nothing funny or redeeming about that show.

jj11 Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

I really want this show to work. I think it could be something.

Deb Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:53 AM EST

Loved the show.
Having a daughter of simular age who aspires to be Paris Hiton's BFF, I thought it was histerical. The writer's have nailed both generations characters. I want more!

Christa Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:40 AM EST

I giggled a lot. But I, too, was under the influence of cold meds. Their clothes kept me laughing more than anything.

Dennis N. Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:38 AM EST

I'm glad I'm not alone! I also thought of another winner. During the global warming discussion, when Kim doesn't understand why it's bad, and Kath knowledgably replies, "Well for one the Polar Bears are burning up." I took NyQuil last night right before watching, but I laughed at that line.

David Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:32 AM EST

If this thing lasts longer than Do Not Disturbed, I'll be surprised. I love Selma Blair and Molly Shannon. But please cancel Kath & Kim and never speak of it again (sort of like Coupling).

Justin Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:32 AM EST

I thought it was great! I have never seen the Australian version to compare it to but I thought it was funny and has the potential to be even better. I adore Molly Shannon and would watch her in anything, though. I will definitely keep watching, Sexy Beasts!

arahsae Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:29 AM EST

Dennis - I too have never seen the original, so I wonder if that's why, as you said, I'm so forgiving for it. I got the same feeling from it I did in the early Office days; when it was almost too uncomfortable. But they finally found their groove, and I think this show could too.

Dennis N. Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:26 AM EST

I've never seen the Australian version, so I'm sure that my forgiving spirit is due to not having seen what sounds like a far superior version. I'm holding out hope that the American version will hit its stride, but I agree that it feels inauthentic and overacted. However, small things like "what the Bedazzle?!" and the dramatic zoom-in on Kath's lover in the mall were funny enough.

Devon Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

My 11 year-old liked it. I was counting the 22 minutes of my life I was never going to get back. Not funny, not dry, not even cute. I call cancelled in 2 more eps.

Sarah Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 10:17 AM EST

LOVED the Aussie version. Like you I was hoping to like this one, and I also love Molly Shannon, but Slema Blair? Um, NO. She's not even CLOSE. And it's not the same without Kim's fat friend!!