Fancast’s Fall TV Preview: Selma Blair And Molly Shannon In Kath & Kim

By Tom Rose
Fancast.com

KATH & KIM
Comedy
Premieres Thursday, Oct. 9 at 8:30 p.m.
NBC

Stars: Molly Shannon (Saturday Night Live), Selma Blair (Coast To Coast), John Michael Higgins (Arrested Development ), Craig Baker (Reno 911), Mikey Day (Halfway Home)

What’s It All About: Based on the Australian hit series of the same name, Kathleen “Kath” Day (Shannon) is a foxy, 40-something divorcée who finally has time for herself and her search for a new love interest. Her daughter, Kimberly “Kim” Day-Fattibene, (Blair) is in her mid 20’s but dresses like a child, and is obsessed with celebrities. When Kim decides to move back home after separating from her husband, Kath reluctantly agrees. But to Kim’s surprise, Kath is not about to cater to her every whim the way she has in the past.

Quote: “A friend of mine years ago had sent me the Australian version, and I thought it was amazing and I loved it. And then, I heard that NBC was adapting it, and they brought Michelle Nader aboard and I loved the script. And I really love doing characters. I prefer that to playing close to myself. It just feels more fun to me and freeing. And, yeah, I was just excited about it. I could really relate to the dysfunctional family. I like that my character Kath is positive, strong. She’s spent her whole life raising her daughter and now she’s got her out of the house and she wants to move on. She wants to focus on herself and her dating life and her figure and her diet and she’s ready to go for it, but she keeps getting sucked back into the drama with her daughter. So on that level, I thought it was very relatable. And I love doing characters.” — Molly Shannon, when asked if she was a fan of the original Australian version, and what motivated her to take on the role.

Preview: Watch this NBC promo or take a look at these photos.

Why You Should Watch: The original series was considered very daring, even by Australian standards. The risqué subject matter (mother and daughter exploring the dating scene at the same time) is rife with possibilities relatively unexplored by American network television. It should be very intriguing to see if Shannon and Blair can step up to the challenges of the premise to blaze a new sitcom trail. Think “All in the Family” meets “I Love Lucy.”

Odds: (As predicted by Vegas Odds-Maker Johnny Avello, Executive Director of Race & Sports - Wynn Las Vegas)

It’ll Evaporate First This Season: 30 to 1

It’ll Live To See A Second Season: 8 to 1

It’ll Become A Mega-Hit: 25 to 1

Johnny’s Verdict: “Molly Shannon and a good time slot.”