Kath & Kim

Kath & Kim is an Australian television situation comedy. The programme was created by its stars Jane Turner and Gina Riley, who play the title characters of suburban mother Kath Day-Knight, a cheery middle-aged woman and her self-indulgent daughter Kim Craig. The other main characters are Kath's boyfriend and, later, husband, the metrosexual Kel Knight, Kim's husband Brett Craig, and her lonely "second-best friend" Sharon Strzelecki. The series is set in Fountain Lakes, a fictional suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. It is primarily filmed in Patterson Lakes.

For the 2008–09 U.S. version, see Kath & Kim (American TV series).

Kath & Kim
GenreComedy
Created byGina Riley
Jane Turner
Directed byTed Emery
StarringJane Turner
Gina Riley
Magda Szubanski
Peter Rowsthorn
Glenn Robbins
Opening theme"The Joker" vocals provided by Gina Riley
Country of originAustralia
Original language(s)English
No. of seasons4
No. of episodes32 + 1 telemovie + 1 theatrical film (list of episodes)
Production
Production location(s)Melbourne, Australia
Editor(s)Steven Robinson ASE
Running timeApprox. 22 minutes per episode
Production company(s)Riley Turner Productions
Release
Original networkABC TV (2002–2005)
Seven Network (2007)
Picture format576i (SDTV)
Audio formatStereo
Original release16 May 2002 –
14 October 2007
External links
Website

There were four 8-part seasons, a telemovie and a feature film. The series also spawned a short-lived American version.

History

The characters of Kath, Kim (created by Riley and Turner) and Sharon (created and played by Magda Szubanski[1]) first featured in their current forms during the mid 1990s as a weekly segment of the Australian comedy series Big Girl's Blouse (Seven, 1994–95),[2] having appeared in a more embryonic incarnation earlier in the decade on the sketch comedy show Fast Forward (Seven, 1989-92).[3] They also appeared in Something Stupid (Seven, 1998).[2]

The skits were developed by Riley and Turner into a full series. Big Girl's Blouse had been deemed a failure by the ABC who wanted to pull Kath and Kim. But it was championed by Robyn Kershaw the ABC Head of Drama so Kath and Kim had the distinction for a comedy show of being produced by the drama department, and was loved by the "suburban people" it supposedly attacked. And at the end of 2002 it won three Australian Film Institute awards in the drama category, plus a Best Supporting Actress award for Szubanski.[4]

The first season of Kath & Kim premiered on ABC TV on 16 May 2002, with three further seasons following, while a television movie, entitled Da Kath & Kim Code, was broadcast nationally on 25 November 2005. Kath & Kim won two Logie Awards for Outstanding Comedy Programme and an Australian Film Institute Award for Best Television Drama Series.

Fourth season

The fourth season of Kath & Kim began airing on the Seven Network on 19 August 2007, due to the contract expiring with ABC. The first episode of season four attracted an Australian audience of 2.521 million nationally,[5] the highest rating ever for a first episode in the history of Australian television,[5] until the series premiere of Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities in 2009 with 2.58 million viewers.[6]

American version

Due to the success that Kath & Kim has achieved internationally, it was remade for US audiences by NBC.[7][8][9] Riley and Turner served as executive producers on the US version. In this remake, actress Molly Shannon has taken the role of Kath Day,[10] and Selma Blair the role of Kim.[11] The character of Sharon does not appear at the insistence of Szubanski.

NBC chose Jason Ensler to direct. Michelle Nader developed the series for American television, which premiered in the United States as part of the Fall schedule of 2008. The series started to shoot in California in July 2008. NBC debuted the US adaptation on 9 October 2008, while Seven started screening it to Australian viewers on 12 October 2008. After airing only two episodes, Seven dropped the sitcom from their lineup due to poor ratings, only to bring it back several weeks later as a late-night schedule filler. In America, reviews were poor, but it averaged roughly around 5 to 7 million viewers per week, and was rewarded with a full season order in October 2008.[12][13] On 19 May 2009, NBC announced that there would not be a second season of Kath & Kim.

2012 film

On 9 March 2011, Turner and Riley announced plans for a movie, in which, Kath, Kim, Kel, Brett, Sharon and Epponn'knee would head overseas on holiday. Contracts were written to finance the film's production under the working title of The Kath & Kim Filum, with the word 'film' deliberately misspelt with the letter 'u' in typical Kath and Kim humour.[14] However, the title Kath & Kimderella was ultimately used, and the film was released in Australia on 6 September 2012.[15] It was directed by Ted Emery (director of the television series) and produced by Rick McKenna. The holiday scenes were shot in Positano, Italy and filming took a total of two weeks.[16]

The film was released in Australian cinemas on 6 September 2012.[15] It grossed in excess of $2.1 million in its first weekend on Australian movie screens.[17]

Re-runs

In 2017, the rights to the series were acquired by the Nine Network which began airing repeats of the series from 1 August 2017 until 21 November 2017.[18]

In 2018, the series was released on Netflix in several regions, as well as the films and TV specials.[19] In July 2019, the series was launched onto Netflix in Australia as well as the Kountdown Specials and Souvenir Editions.

Premise

The Day "townhouse" in Fountain Lakes, suburban Victoria (taken outside of filming)

Kath & Kim follows the day-to-day Australian suburban life of Kath Day-Knight (Jane Turner), her only child Kimberly (Kim) Diane Craig née Poole (Gina Riley), Kim's husband and Computa City salesman, Brett Craig (Peter Rowsthorn), Kath's love interest and eventual husband who works as a "purveyor of fine meats", Kel Knight (Glenn Robbins), and long-time family friend Sharon Strzelecki (Magda Szubanski).

The main setting is Kath's townhouse in Fountain Lakes. It is taped in a house in the waterfront street of Lagoon Place, Patterson Lakes, Victoria. The house's exact location is 4 Lagoon Place, Patterson Lakes, Victoria.

The storyline of the first series follows Kath's engagement and plans for her wedding to Kel. Kim frequently stays in her mother's house owing to her rocky relationship with Brett (most of which is due to her own childish, spoilt, and rude behaviour towards Brett). Sharon's always around with a helping hand and her own relationship problems. Her history with Brett is also explored.

The second series follows Kim's pregnancy and her rekindled relationship with Brett. Kath and Kel's relationship goes through some teething troubles. Kim and Brett have a baby in the final episode of the second series whom they name Epponnee Raelene Kathleen Darlene Charlene Craig, shortened to Epponnee Rae. Several episodes of the third series focus on Epponnee Rae. The third-season finale features an adult Epponnee Rae, played by Kylie Minogue.

Storylines follow the characters' day-to-day lives, and document their personal struggles and the banality of their achievements and aspirations. Kath & Kim satirises the mother-daughter relationship and the habits and values of modern suburban Australians, and emphasises the kitsch and superficial elements of contemporary society, particularly the traditional working class which has progressed to a level of affluence (or "effluence" as quoted by Kath) which previous generations had been unable to achieve. Despite this affluence, good taste and a sense of cultural sophistication still eludes the titular characters.

They visit places such as the Westfield Fountain Gate (some parts filmed at Westfield Southland), the local IKEA, Target and various local restaurants.

It also occasionally mocks Australian and international mass popular culture, such as popular reality television shows Big Brother and Australian Idol. It sometimes makes statements about Australian politics. The crass and embarrassing behaviour of the characters, and their gaudy, out-dated fashion sense are popular features of the show. Processed and widely recognised Australian foods, such as Jatz crackers, Tim Tams and Fruche yoghurt are frequently referenced in the series.

During the credits, most episodes end with Kath and Kim sitting in Kath's back yard, chatting about issues related to the episode. Sometimes these chats help to complete the story which was told during the episode.

Catch phrases

The alternative vocabulary including the mixed metaphors, hypercorrection, malapropisms, eggcorns (like "ravishing" instead of "ravenous"), and mis-pronunciations of the regular characters are much repeated by the show's fans. These include: "Look at moy" (look at me)—used by Kath to command attention during arguments, and "It's noice, different and unusual"—used by Kath, Kim and Sharon to express approval or agreement.

Costuming

Second-hand shops were used for Kath's clothing, whereas Kim was dressed in current trends.[20]

Cast and characters

Main cast

Rowsthorn and Robbins had previously worked together on The Comedy Company.

Recurring cast
  • Zara Harrington, Emma Le Boeuf and Makayla Berkers as Epponnee-Rae Craig – Kim's baby (series 2, episode 8 and onwards)
  • Jane Turner and Gina Riley as Prue and Trude, two snobby women who work in a homewares store (8 episodes + TV movie)
  • Marg Downey as Marion, a new-age marriage celebrant and counsellor (6 episodes)
  • Mick Molloy as Gary Poole, Kim's father (2 episodes)
  • William McInnes (credited as Rock Hampton) as Sandy Freckle, long-time friend of Kel (2 episodes)
  • Tony Martin as Mark, romantic interest of Sharon (4 episodes)
  • Peta Brady as Kelly, Brett's supervisor at work (4 episodes + TV movie)
  • Mark Trevorrow as Daryl Lee, a camp man who works in a menswear shop (3 episodes + TV movie)
  • Luke Lennox as Brodie (1 episode + TV movie)
  • Matt Lucas as Karen, Sharon's maternal half-sister (2 episodes)

Guest cast

Several guest stars are well-known Australian comedy performers, some of whom previously worked with Turner or Riley. Bublé and Lucas were fans of the show and asked to appear in it. Humphries declared himself a fan of the series before taking part.

Episodes
Main article: List of Kath & Kim episodes

The title sequence shows the main five regular characters over a white background. In season 3, it was amended to include Epponnee-Rae and Cujo. The five regular cast members are then credited over aerial shots of suburban houses. Szubanski is credited as "Special Guest Star," despite appearing in every episode. The theme song is "The Joker," performed by Gina Riley. A re-recording of it debuted in the telemovie opening sequence and has continued into season 4.

Twenty-four episodes lasting approximately twenty-five minutes each across three seasons aired on ABC TV from 2002 to 2004. The series debuted on 15 May 2002 on the ABC Network with "Sex" and became one of the highest-rated shows for ABC. A replacement of a full series occurred in 2005 with the telemovie Da Kath & Kim Code. The fourth season of Kath & Kim premiered on 19 August 2007 at 7:30 pm on the Seven Network with a total of eight episodes.

In late 2009, they announced that writing had begun on season 5,[21] but by May 2010, Turner said: "We sort of felt like it was the end two years ago. We thought, 'We've done enough and the well is dry and we can't think of any more ideas' ... We think we might just leave it for now."[22]

A film adaptation was released in 2012.

Season Episodes Originally aired DVD release
Season premiere Season finale Region 2 Region 4
1 8 16 May 2002 4 July 2002 20 June 2005 8 October 2002
2 8 18 September 2003 6 November 2003 27 November 2006 24 November 2003
3 8 7 October 2004 25 November 2004 TBA 30 November 2004
Telemovie 27 November 2005 TBA 1 December 2005
4 8 19 August 2007 14 October 2007 TBA 17 October 2007
Movie from 6 September 2012 in cinemas 23 May 2013

Reception

The first season of Kath & Kim attracted criticism that the creators were making fun of the lower class in Australian society.[23]

Ratings

Kath & Kim premiered on 16 May 2002 and became one of ABC's highest-rated shows. When the show premiered on the Seven Network, it became the highest-rating episode in Australian television history, until the record was broken by Nine Network's Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities on 9 February 2009. The fourth season of Kath & Kim debuted with a record breaking 2.511 million viewers peaking at 2.731 million. In its second and third episodes viewers fell to 1.994 & 1.817 million, respectively; however, viewers then rebounded for its fourth and fifth episodes with ratings of 2.047 and 2.157 million, respectively. Strong ratings continued with viewers of 2.049 and 2.066 million for the sixth and seventh episodes. The eighth episode and show's finale rated 2.338 million giving the fourth season an average viewership of 2.122 million, making it the highest-rating TV season in Australia for 2007 and the highest-rating of all four seasons of the show.

Channel Seven have since started showing repeats of the show from season one onwards which had previously only aired on the ABC network. The repeats have proved quite successful, rating 1.465 and 1.530 so far, winning in a very competitive timeslot and being amongst the highest-rating shows of the week.[24] Channel 9 began playing double episodes, beginning from the first season, in August 2018. On 30 July 2019, Netflix released all four seasons and both movies on their streaming service.

Season Episodes Originally aired Network Viewers (millions) Rank
Season premiere Season finale
1 8 16 May 2002 4 July 2002 ABC 1.254[25] #15
2 8 18 September 2003 6 November 2003 1.755[25] #1
3 8 7 October 2004 25 November 2004 1.829[26] #1
4 8 19 August 2007 14 October 2007 Seven Network 2.127[26] #1

Merchandise

The enduring public interest and popularity of Kath and Kim has led to a merchandising industry. The title family and supporting characters appear on everything from T-shirts to posters. The Kath & Kim series have been released on VHS (although titles are now discontinued in the VHS format) and DVD, in box sets and separate series editions in both region 4 (Australia, New Zealand, Latin America) as well as region 2 (Europe). The series has also had a CD release, featuring songs from the series and recordings from Kath and Kim. In addition, there has been clothing (such as aprons, T-shirts and oven mitts). Merchandise is available to purchase online, from the Kath & Kim official website.

CD releases
Album info
Kath & Kim's Party Tape
  • Release date: 2 May 2004
  • Chart positions: #17 (Australian Albums Chart)
  • Accreditation: Gold (50,000+ units sold)

In 2004, Kath & Kim's Party Tape was released in Australia under the Universal record label. It features 21 tracks including the full length version of the show's title theme, "The Joker" (as sung by Gina Riley) as well as Diana Ross and Lionel Richie's "Endless Love" and Donna Summer's "MacArthur Park".

Track listing
  1. Gina Riley – "The Joker"
  2. Kath & Kim (Jane Turner and Gina Riley) – "Wine Time #1"
  3. The Tubes – "Don't Touch Me There"
  4. Bobby Hebb – "Sunny"
  5. Kath & Kim – "Wine Time #2"
  6. Diana Ross and Lionel Richie – "Endless Love"
  7. Status Quo – "Roll Over Lay Down"
  8. Kath & Kim – "Wine Time #3"
  9. The Supremes – "Rhythm of Life"
  10. Van McCoy – "The Hustle"
  11. Yvonne Elliman – "If I Can't Have You"
  12. Donna Summer – "MacArthur Park"
  13. Kath & Kim – "Wine Time #4"
  14. The Commodores – "Three Times a Lady"
  15. Sérgio Mendes and Brasil '66 – "Day Tripper"
  16. Kath & Kim – "Wine Time #5"
  17. Yvonne Fair – "It Should Have Been Me"
  18. Stephanie Mills – "Never Knew Love Like This Before"
  19. Kath & Kim – "Wine Time #6"
  20. Captain & Tennille – "Love Will Keep Us Together"
  21. Kath & Kim – "Lady Bump"

DVD releases

Single seasons
SeasonEpisodesDiscsDVD release date
Region 2Region 4
1 8 2 United Kingdom: 20 June 2005 Australia: 8 October 2002
This release of the complete first season has a total running time of 202 minutes and contains all 8 episodes. Special features include features entitled "Being Stewpid", "Wine Time Philosophy" and "Scenes that are different, un-ewes-yewl" as well as re-living Brett And Kim's Connubials!
SeasonEpisodesDiscsDVD release date
Region 2Region 4
2 8 2 United Kingdom: 27 November 2006 Australia: 24 November 2003
This release of the complete second season has a total running time of 215 minutes and contains all 8 episodes. Special features include features entitled "A bit of huffy puffy with Kath and Kel", "More Yumor", "More Wine Time philosophy" and "Scenes that are different, un-ewes-yewl".
SeasonEpisodesDiscsDVD release date
Region 4
3 8 2 Australia: 30 November 2004
This release of the complete third season has a total running time of 248 minutes and contains all 8 episodes. Special features includes a feature entitled "'In the Raw' with Kath & Kim" as well as goof reels, deleted scenes, a performance of "Lady Bump" at the Logies, interviews with Kath & Kim, bonus "Wine Time" material as well as Prue and Trued telling it how it is.
SeasonEpisodesDiscsDVD release date
Region 4
4 8 2 Australia: 17 October 2007

Box sets
SeasonsEpisodesDiscsDVD release date
Region 2Region 4
1 & 2 16 4 United Kingdom: 27 November 2006 Australia: 8 April 2004
This box set of the first and second seasons has a total running time of 431 minutes. It contains the same special features as the single-season releases.
SeasonsEpisodesDiscsDVD release date
Region 4
1–3 24 6 Australia: 7 April 2005
This box set of the first, second and third seasons has a total running time of 686 minutes. It contains the same special features as the single-season releases.
SeasonsEpisodesDiscsDVD release date
Region 4
1–4 32 8 Australia: 6 November 2008
Special box set featuring all four seasons. Called The Hornbag Collection.
SeasonsEpisodesDiscsDVD release date
Region 4
1 & 2 16 4 Australia: 2 July 2009
Called Kath & Kim: Series 1 & 2. Total running time 417 minutes. Contains the same special features as single-season releases. Released through Roadshow Entertainment. Cover artwork states that it is PAL region 4 but the discs have 'all regions' printed.
SeasonsEpisodesDiscsDVD release date
Region 4
1 & 2 16 4 Australia: 2 July 2009
Called Kath & Kim: Series 1 & 2. Total running time 417 minutes. Contains the same special features as single-season releases. Released through Roadshow Entertainment. Cover artwork states that it is PAL region 4 but the discs have 'all regions' printed.
SeasonsEpisodesDiscsDVD release date
Region 4
3 & 4 16 4 Australia: 2 July 2009
Called Kath & Kim: Series 3 & 4. Total running time 513 minutes. Contains the same special features as single-season releases. Released through Roadshow Entertainment. Cover artwork states that it is PAL region 4 but the discs have 'all regions' printed.
SeasonsEpisodesDiscsDVD release date
Region 4
1–4 32 8 Australia: 1 April 2010
Called Kath & Kim Kollection Series 1–4.
Seasons Episodes Discs DVD release date
Region 4
1–4 32 10 Australia: 8 November 2017
Called Kath & Kim's Yuuuge Pack Komplete Kollection.

Other DVDs
Da Kath & Kim Code
DiscsDVD release date
Region 4
2 Australia: 1 December 2005
Da Kath & Kim Code repackage
DiscsDVD release date
Region 4
2 Australia: 1 April 2010
This release of Da Kath & Kim Code features two discs with a total running time of 164 minutes. It contains the telemovie as well as special features including an exended ending for the telemovie, behind the scenes, goofs, a feature entitled "Barry Humphries at 'The Buckingham'", deleted scenes as well as a feature entitled "Kath & Kim & Bert". The release also includes "Live in London" content which includes Kath & Kim live at the Toast Festival, wine tasting, talking to the BBC as well as having "A Current Affair".

Awards and nominations

The show itself, and the cast, have been nominated several television awards in the past, including AFI Awards and Logies. In addition, Kath and Kim and Da Kath & Kim Code have won four major awards for the show itself.

Year Award Category Recipients and nominees Result
2002 AFI Awards Best Actress in a Supporting or Guest Role in a Television Drama Magda Szubanski Won
2002 AFI Awards Best Screenplay in a Television Drama Won
2002 AFI Awards Best Television Drama Series Won
2003 Logies Most Outstanding Comedy Program Won
2004 Logies Most Outstanding Comedy Program (tied with CNNNN) Won
2004 Logies Most Popular Light Entertainment or Comedy Program Won

Nominated
  • 2002: Best Screenplay in a Television Drama at the AFI Awards
  • 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008: Most Popular Light Entertainment / Comedy Program at the Logies
  • 2003, 2004: Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Television Drama or Comedy (Glenn Robbins) at the AFI Awards
  • 2003, 2004: Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama or Comedy (Jane Turner) at the AFI Awards
  • 2003, 2004: Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Television Drama or Comedy (Gina Riley) at the AFI Awards
  • 2003, 2004: Best Comedy Series – Sitcom or Sketch
  • 2004, 2005, 2006: Most Popular Actor (Glenn Robbins) at the Logies ('04 & '05 for Kath and Kim; '06 for Da Kath and Kim Code)
  • 2004: Best Actress in a Supporting or Guest Role in a Television Drama or Comedy (Magda Szubanski) at the AFI Awards
  • 2004: Best Screenplay in Television
  • 2005: Most Popular Actress (Gina Riley) at the Logies
  • 2005: Most Popular Actress (Magda Szubanski) at the Logies
  • 2005: Most Outstanding Comedy Program at the Logies
  • 2006: Most Outstanding Miniseries / Telemovie at the Logies (for Da Kath and Kim Code)
  • 2008: Most Popular Actor (Glenn Robbins) at the Logies
  • 2008: Most Popular Actress (Magda Szubanski) at the Logies
  • 2008: Most Outstanding Comedy Program at the Logies
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See also

References
  1. The secret life of Sharon, The Age, September 29, 2004
  2. "Kath & Kim". onlymelbourne.com.au.
  3. Jane Turner - Caitlin's 21st (Fast Forward), retrieved 13 June 2020
  4. Szubanski, Magda (2015). Reckoning. Melbourne: Text Publishing. pp. 307–310. ISBN 978-1-9253554-1-3.
  5. Seven Network (20 August 2007). "Seven – Daily Ratings Report". ebroadcast.com.au. Archived from the original on 20 May 2009. Retrieved 20 August 2007.
  6. "2.58m: Underbelly sets new record". TV Tonight.
  7. Look at moi, America: Kath and Kim Archived 28 January 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  8. Kalina, Paul (22 September 2006). "Our favourite hornbags may get US makeover". The Age. Melbourne: Fairfax. Retrieved 30 March 2008.
  9. "Kath and Kim go American". Courier Mail. News Limited. 13 November 2007. Retrieved 30 March 2008.
  10. Molly Shannon signs for US version of Kath And Kim – The Daily Telegraph, 4 Oct 2007
  11. Selma Blair Completes 'Kath and Kim' – Zap2it, 22 Jan 2008
  12. "'Kath & Kim' gets full-season pickup" From Hollywood Reporter (31 October 2008) which was later retracted and the series ended its first year with a total of 17 episodes produced
  13. Schneider, Michael (31 October 2008). "NBC gives 'Kath & Kim' full season". Variety.
  14. Wilson, Ashleigh (9 March 2011). "Kath & Kim in 'filum' debut". The Australian.
  15. AAP (22 February 2012). "Opening date for Kath and Kim film". ABC. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
  16. "Kath and Kim wrap up shoot". Seven News. Archived from the original (video) on 15 June 2012.
  17. Hardie, Giles (11 September 2011). "Kath & Kim come out on top ... despite our best efforts". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  18. Knox, David (24 July 2017). "New Kath & Kim? Not exactly…". TV Tonight. Retrieved 24 July 2017.
  19. https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/kath-kim-is-now-on-netflix-here-are-the-shows-best-moments/#gs.CtjDr=c
  20. "Clothes that crack a smile - TV & Radio - Entertainment - theage.com.au". www.theage.com.au. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  21. "'Kath and Kim' back for fifth series". Digital Spy.
  22. "London News, UK News, Bizarre News, Events in London, Opinion from TNT Magazine - TNT Magazine". tntmagazine.com.
  23. "The Magda carta - www.theage.com.au". www.theage.com.au. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  24. Seven – Daily Ratings Report Archived 30 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  25. http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/research/statistics/archwftvtopseries.aspx
  26. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 16 March 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2016.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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