Kath & Kim

I'm completed addicted to this show and am only sorry it has ended its run here in the UK. I'm not Australian so maybe can't recognize all of the cultural points, but still find it amusing. It's not laugh out loud stuff, but I imagine that Australians can recognize the satirical observations more than anyone. I love the ever optimistic Kath and her dreadful wardrobe and the mind-bogglingly selfish Kim.

What I can't understand is, why are the Americans making their own version and not screening the original? Is it the accents? Are Americans not capable of understanding any accents other than their own? As Kath says, "look at May, Kim, look at May".

Kath and Kim is the latest definitive 'hit' from the pool of Melbourne comedic genius that had its origins in Fast Forward and originally The D-Generation.

Watching Kath and Kim I try to work out each time why I love it so much. Unlike other funny reality sitcoms - ie. Seinfeld - there arent continously funny setups and moments - though to be sure there are a number of gems. Still your not belly laughing the whole way through.

But what makes it addictive viewing is simply the stone-dead spot on performances from each of the cast and reality of the situations potraying modern life for your average aussie suburban just-middle class types.

Gina's "Kimmoi" is frighteningly accurate portrayal of the self-absorbed, helpess, hot-tempered but needy 'dawta'. Her relationship with Brett (wonderfully understated by Peter Rowsthorn) - Chewing him up one day and spitting him out the next is priceless in its accuracy!

Jane's 'Kath' is even more perfect as the tizzy born-again empty nester who now a 'woman of the world' with the fashion sense of Packenham Upper.

Magda's 'Sharon' - well is there any character Magda can't play? She is a comedic character genius of that theres no question. *Everyone* must know a Sharon out there - right down to the irony of being a hopelessly overweight sports playing fanatic!

Glenn Robbin's 'Kel Knight' is more parody than stretched reality but plays the character to cringe-worthy perfection.

For me there are two main reasons it works so well:

1. Yes it's situations and people we all know. Filming it at real suburban house and real shopping mall (did they tell anyone they were filming?! I dont think those background people are extras!) just add to the smiles of recognition.

2. This is a potrayal of your modern day lower-middle class suburbanites. Not your stereotype of old moccasin wearing uncultured bogans. These people appreciate the 'modern world' (Kath reading about Shah of Iran and into new-age things, Kim on the internet and trying speed dating) but still have the tragic common ways of your suburban yokels. The juxtaposition which is very much a reality in the modern burbs is beautiful to watch!

There are lots of special moments from season one so I wont go through them, but again a joy to see cameos from Tony Martin and Marg Downey.

I'll finish there... I'm off to Fountain Gate for a Cino and a bit of P & Q !

Bring on Season 2 !!

Fell in love with this hilarious show when it aired on Showcase in Canada. Does anyone know if it is available on DVD in North America? Or perhaps when it might become available. Great characters - reminds me of early French and Saunders. The comedy is also quite in tune with Canadian humour - making fun mostly of ourselves before taking a jab at others. The character of Sharon is perhaps one of the saddest, and at the same time, funniest characters ever written. Her constant search for love, or simply companionship is perfectly balanced with her "sporting prowess" and love of Irish dancing. "Look at me please, look at me, LOOK AT ME!" has become a popular chant around our office. Great show!

I love Kath and Kim. I only saw a few episodes of this show on a British Airways flight in 2003 and I hope and pray that it will come out on DVD or be shown in the New York City area. I think Britcom fans would get a kick out of this show. I know I did. I think the writing and acting both out of this world or just down under. I still think about the show and look for it on the internet. So please public stations, use those dollars to purchase the rights to bring this show to American audiences. I think they will get a kick out of it like I did. I think it's one of the best Australian shows around. The actresses who play Kath and Kim really remind me Absolutely Fabulous with a bit more sense to their rhythm. Kath and Kim are a mother and daughter. The daughter prefers to sleep (not around) and has no motivation while the mother has enough for her and everybody else around the house.

This show, has gotten me through both good times and very bad (where I watched it every day to cope with a few rough months) and been a go-to in my fully American home. I discovered it about 4 years ago and it only took a few episodes and I've been hooked ever since.

Jane and Gina are truly geniuses, but you can't forget Magda. How three Australian ladies could come up with the jokes, one-liners and hidden gems that they have is just priceless! Australian comedy is not as "in your face" as American in that you really have to listen to find double meanings and the humor that results from such creative writing. The recurring jokes throughout the series will keep you dying of laughter, and have you quoting it along with them. From the ever popular " Look at Moi" to the " I'll put on some footy franks and crack open the Tia Maria" and even to Sharon's chronic health issues, there's something everyone can cling to for laughs.

Glenn Robbins is absolutely hilarious as Kel Knight- NOT a butcher. And if you are American and like K&K, definitely check out "All Aussie Adventures" with Glenn, same kind of humor.

If you are perceptive and like to try out British and Australian sitcoms, you really will love this once you try it!

Added Bonus- not being Australian but having a love of other cultures and travel, it gives you a look around suburban Melbourne, which is "noice" " diffrunt" and "unyewsual"

:) Enjoy!!