Although set in early 2000's, this show is nostalgic flashback that I can watch over and over again.... and have. Each character is loveable, but flawed in their own way, with every relationship unique and somewhat realist. Everyone in Australia knows a Kath, Kim, Kel and Sharon, as well as a Trude and Prue. 16 years later, it's only gotten better with age and I still pick up jokes that I never noticed before, and after all these years, it is still my go to comfort show.
51 Reviews
Rippa'
tatterwip12 June 2006
Kath & Kim appeared on UK TVscreensa few years ago now, and I was drawn in from the start. It's a great comedy in every way - Rounded characters, cracking scripts and some classic comedy surprises. The show surrounds Kath and her daughter Kim who, after a bust-up with her fiancé, moves back in with her mother who herself is on the brink on moving in her new man, Kel - wonder butcher and creator of some legendary sausage combos. Most of the time though all does not go well for the pair, who's personalities constantly grate on each other. No of which is helped by "friend" Sharon, a net-ball playing foil who is always burdened with some injury. At first I thought it would be the type of sit-com that would play hopelessly on the Aussie stereotypes, but it really doesn't. All the characters have a great depth to them (if thats not too grotesque a phrase to use!) At the time is was a beautifully fresh comedy for the BBC who had be hit by a slump of pretty poor-to-no-existent home grown comedy. For this I have to rate Kath & Kim high ... A first class comedy and well deserving of it's three series (lets hope we get all of them over here in the UK soon!)
An Australian comedy series with a faux-documentary vibe (or vice versa)
gee-1510 March 2022
First, the gorilla in the kitchen. Gina Riley is hilarious as the self-absorbed Kim and Jane Turner equally so as her perky mother, Kath, but they don't really look like mother and daughter (appearance-wise or age-wise) but this series is so funny that you soon stop focusing on that. The Australian suburbs provides the perfect setting for this series about two oblivious women living mediocre lives (the fact that the theme song for the series is "The Joker is Me" should tip you off to that fact). They are ably assisted by Magda Szubanski playing Kim's best friend (Sharon) to bathetic perfection, Peter Rowsthorn as Kim's on again/off again husband, and Glenn Robins as Kel, Kath's new boyfriend (who she marries later in the series). (Note: Glenn is NOT a butcher but a "purveyor of fine meats").
The series has the potential to morph into a dark, nasty comedy (it gets pretty close sometimes). But thankfully, it generally only gently skewers its characters and permits them (even the awful Kim) to retain some humanity. This allows us to laugh at the characters while NOT allowing us to forget their foolishness is often our own.
The series has the potential to morph into a dark, nasty comedy (it gets pretty close sometimes). But thankfully, it generally only gently skewers its characters and permits them (even the awful Kim) to retain some humanity. This allows us to laugh at the characters while NOT allowing us to forget their foolishness is often our own.
I've Got One Word to Say to You...
boyinflares13 July 2005
Well, more than one actually.
This series is without a doubt, one of the best sitcoms around. The incredibly talented Gina Riley and Jane Turner produce, write and star in this series which has been spun-out from their previous sketch shows (like the equally entertaining "Big Girls Blouse"). The show is a "Fly on the slice of life" take of their suburban lives, living the suburban dream - or perhaps, nightmare.
Ever since "Kath & Kim" debuted I have watched it religiously and now own all three seasons on DVD, all of which are watched over and over again. My family find it amusing how some of the things I say have come straight out of Kim's mouth and into mine ("Don't look at moie like that, I pacifically said my diet starts as of tomorrow", "It's the bain-marie of my life".
The five principal cast: Jane Turner (Kath); Gina Riley (Kim); Magda Szubansji (Sharon, Kim's second best friend); Glenn Robbins (Kel, Kath's complacent husband) and Peter Rowsthorn (Brett, Kim's long-suffering husband) are all perfect in their respective roles, and look like they are having so much fun. There are plenty of stories for everyone, while no character changes drastically as to alter the status-quo of the premise.
Riley and Turner maintain great continuity in their stories without alienating new viewers so that they wouldn't know what is going on. And the outfits that Kath and Kim wear are just too much. Not to mention Kath's frizzy-perm, which is her "clowning glory", and Kim's hornbag-style.
Check "Kath & Kim" out, you won't be disappointed. Rated 10/10.
This series is without a doubt, one of the best sitcoms around. The incredibly talented Gina Riley and Jane Turner produce, write and star in this series which has been spun-out from their previous sketch shows (like the equally entertaining "Big Girls Blouse"). The show is a "Fly on the slice of life" take of their suburban lives, living the suburban dream - or perhaps, nightmare.
Ever since "Kath & Kim" debuted I have watched it religiously and now own all three seasons on DVD, all of which are watched over and over again. My family find it amusing how some of the things I say have come straight out of Kim's mouth and into mine ("Don't look at moie like that, I pacifically said my diet starts as of tomorrow", "It's the bain-marie of my life".
The five principal cast: Jane Turner (Kath); Gina Riley (Kim); Magda Szubansji (Sharon, Kim's second best friend); Glenn Robbins (Kel, Kath's complacent husband) and Peter Rowsthorn (Brett, Kim's long-suffering husband) are all perfect in their respective roles, and look like they are having so much fun. There are plenty of stories for everyone, while no character changes drastically as to alter the status-quo of the premise.
Riley and Turner maintain great continuity in their stories without alienating new viewers so that they wouldn't know what is going on. And the outfits that Kath and Kim wear are just too much. Not to mention Kath's frizzy-perm, which is her "clowning glory", and Kim's hornbag-style.
Check "Kath & Kim" out, you won't be disappointed. Rated 10/10.
"You go get the boomerang pillow, I'll put a wheatbag in the microwave"
klb45566 January 2015
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!!
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!!
Look at moiye! Ploise!
chuffnobbler23 August 2004
Warning: Spoilers
To British eyes, Kath & Kim is unique. It's like a cross between Ab Fab (back when it was funny, before it became self-indulgent) and The Royle Family. Spiky, sharp edged, satirical and screamingly funny, Kath & Kim is completely addictive, I have almost completely worn out my DVDs, and am hopeful that series three will arrive before too long. It will take the UK by storm, just as it has Australia.
Running gags, catchphrases (look at moiye!), daft stories, mad costumes and a genuinely high-energy, gag-per-moment atmosphere. Best bits? Kath's hen night. Kath's wedding. Sharon's boyfriend. Kath's poodle. Kel's wedding sausage. The Irish dancing sequence. Brett and his boss ("cardonay!"). The baby shower. Kath and Kim meeting "themselves" while shopping. Sandy Freckle. The 70s and 80s flashbacks in the last episode of series two. In fact, it's all so good, so funny and so surprising, I just can't praise it enough. "I'm not a housewife, I'm a hornbag!".
Running gags, catchphrases (look at moiye!), daft stories, mad costumes and a genuinely high-energy, gag-per-moment atmosphere. Best bits? Kath's hen night. Kath's wedding. Sharon's boyfriend. Kath's poodle. Kel's wedding sausage. The Irish dancing sequence. Brett and his boss ("cardonay!"). The baby shower. Kath and Kim meeting "themselves" while shopping. Sandy Freckle. The 70s and 80s flashbacks in the last episode of series two. In fact, it's all so good, so funny and so surprising, I just can't praise it enough. "I'm not a housewife, I'm a hornbag!".
They left an impression on me that I can't get rid of!
Sylviastel3 October 2005
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.
its nice its different its unusual
kayvee110221 September 2018
Bless you Netflix
karebabysittingtutoring9 September 2020
After praying for Netflix to drop something funny, Netflix delivered by adding Kath and Kim. How has Australia kept this hidden gem for so long? Easily one of my all time favorite comedies; every single episode has me in tears. The writing, the characters, their outfits, the "look at moiyyyyye" all KILL ME. I really wish there more episodes but really there can never be enough of Kath, Kim, Sharon, Kel, Brett, and Epponnae-Rae. What a brilliant show. It has me looking up other Australian comedies to see what else I'm missing out on.
Fun till Season 4
akoaytao12343 February 2023
A suburban comedy show about what I assume is your average Aussie mother and daughter, though with a style from the seventies. The first two seasons are masterfully done. It shows much of strength of the show: a band of crazy and wacky humor blended with a superbly jelled cast. Conceptually, it has that Married with Children vibe, a family stuck together just because of their family. I also love how they tackle very serious issues (ie Homophobia and Racism) in a way that is does not shy away from the characters being in the wrong BUT with an open heart for change (though mostly through Kim's).
By the third and ultimately the third season, I am personally turned off by the nastiness towards Sharon AND repugnant behavior of Kath. Wished they at least made it sensical I suppose. Sharon was literally a punching bag towards the end AND Kath is misery and narcissism defined. There was a very hard stretch towards the fourth season that I almost wanted to quit.
Overall, a fine show but fell quite flat towards the end.
By the third and ultimately the third season, I am personally turned off by the nastiness towards Sharon AND repugnant behavior of Kath. Wished they at least made it sensical I suppose. Sharon was literally a punching bag towards the end AND Kath is misery and narcissism defined. There was a very hard stretch towards the fourth season that I almost wanted to quit.
Overall, a fine show but fell quite flat towards the end.
Ahead of their time
chasemannonwalters22 December 2020
Cringe worthy yes L O L funny no, but I couldn't stop watching
awvknj16 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It was kind of like I was mesmerized with horror and although I understood intellectually the sarcasm and humor that was going on and did find that irony appealing the delivery was just so over the top. It was horrific and yet I couldn't stop watching it. I was really disappointed toward the end because it was just a lot of rehashing of what it already been done and nothing new, and it became really Really unpalatable the second time through. Props, though to the two lead actresses in their ability to create persona and characters, script, wise, I think they could've used a little help to really take this to another level that would've been evolved beyond caricature.
Cringeworthy rubbish.
bellab19723 October 2023
I have tried so many times to get through and entire episode but just can't because I don't find Kath and Kim funny at all. What I gather from my attempts to watch the show is the people on the show are uneducated, naive, never experienced anything and speak with the worst possible exaggerated accents that I have never heard before in real life. The so called jokes are basically the characters being ridiculous and incredibly dumb. My dislike for the show must be my personal sense of humour. I don't understand how anyone could like this show and I have been with groups of people when it's been on and nobody laughed or even smiled when it was on.. so it can't just be me who doesn't like it.
Genius show
squad6824 January 2004
This show has to be one of the funniest that I have ever seen.
All the characters are truly fantastic, especially Kath and Kim - I think this show will become a cult classic.
Look at moeeeie, look at moeeeie - I have one word to say about this show - Genius!!!
All the characters are truly fantastic, especially Kath and Kim - I think this show will become a cult classic.
Look at moeeeie, look at moeeeie - I have one word to say about this show - Genius!!!
Hysterical !!
jennfinn15 October 2021
I'm American and I'd never heard of this show until now (2021) and initially I thought it was British. I'm so glad I watched it ! I binged the whole series at once and then I watched the movie. Kath (Jane Turner) is one of the funniest actresses I've ever seen, when she dances it's hysterical. Kim (Gina Riley) is also funny but her character was a little too much at times. There were a few words I had to Google as I don't know much Australian slang but I learned a few things.
Revolting Mom please
elsiejanecorena19 March 2021
Watched it all 5 times!
minidriver-1854025 August 2020
When it was first on TV, loved it and watching for the 5th time for something to cheer me up and forget reality it was still perfect! Has not lost its edge even though it's quite old. Funny, clever and the characters and actors all so talented. Ok, not all episodes 10 out of 10 but not far off. So well written and observed and full of classic one liners. Not much is really funny these days, this was and still is. Absolute classic. What more to say, LOVE IT, and will watch again.
Kath and kim masterpiece!!!!!!!!!
thazlewood29 August 2018
Absolutely fabulous!!!!!!!
this Australian masterpiece falls inot line with the greats, ab fab, black books, royal family let's just say the best sitcoms of all time!!!!!
I would totally recommend this wacky Australian sitcom. It's so heart warming and uplifting ( most of the time).
I love it!!!!
What does that "pacifically" mean, Kim?
skmcg_man9 October 2004
Warning: Spoilers
KATH & KIM starring Jane Turner, Gina Riley, Glenn Robbins, Peter Rowsthorn, Magda Szubanski
MOST PROBABLY CONTAINS *SPOILERS*
The Australian sitcom. Ah, a very rare creature whose species was thought to have become extinct. Until recently, recorded sightings were sporadic ("Kingswood Country" and "Mother & Son") or downright false ("Hey Dad..!" and "Us and Them").
Then along came Kath & Kim. Mmm. Kath & Kim. This curious creature was discovered a decade ago, and was seen intermittently through the Nineties on "Big Girl's Blouse" and "Something Stupid". Atypically worldly in nature, and very aware of its surroundings, Kath & Kim of the Noughties has adapted well to its suburban sprawl surroundings. The good news is that it has spread to other parts of Australia, and other foreign environments.
In all seriousness, Kath & Kim has done for Aussie comedy what pathetic Aussie 'comedy' "Hey Dad..!" failed to ever do: provide heaps and heaps of 'laughta'. Though the premise for Kath & Kim is not exactly groundbreaking, its fly-on-the-wall, hand-held-camera-in-a-real-house (a la reality TV), its jumbled sayings, proverbs and mispronounced and incorrect words (eg, "What does that PACIFICALLY entail?"), and its satirical flavour are all winning ingredients.
NOW, A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE BEGINNING
Relieved empty nester 40-something Kath (Turner) is shocked to her very core when her selfish, self-absorbed, immature 20-something daughter Kim (Riley) returns to the nest. Kimmy is equally shocked to discover that her once Care Bear-infested bedroom has been turned into a pump and Pilates room by exercise-mad Kath - and so soon after her marriage to Brett (Rowsthorn). What ensues is a struggle for space, with the latter reclaiming her place in the family home. Kath's equipment ends up in the 'good room' AKA the living room.
Long live Kath & Kim......
A must-see!
MOST PROBABLY CONTAINS *SPOILERS*
The Australian sitcom. Ah, a very rare creature whose species was thought to have become extinct. Until recently, recorded sightings were sporadic ("Kingswood Country" and "Mother & Son") or downright false ("Hey Dad..!" and "Us and Them").
Then along came Kath & Kim. Mmm. Kath & Kim. This curious creature was discovered a decade ago, and was seen intermittently through the Nineties on "Big Girl's Blouse" and "Something Stupid". Atypically worldly in nature, and very aware of its surroundings, Kath & Kim of the Noughties has adapted well to its suburban sprawl surroundings. The good news is that it has spread to other parts of Australia, and other foreign environments.
In all seriousness, Kath & Kim has done for Aussie comedy what pathetic Aussie 'comedy' "Hey Dad..!" failed to ever do: provide heaps and heaps of 'laughta'. Though the premise for Kath & Kim is not exactly groundbreaking, its fly-on-the-wall, hand-held-camera-in-a-real-house (a la reality TV), its jumbled sayings, proverbs and mispronounced and incorrect words (eg, "What does that PACIFICALLY entail?"), and its satirical flavour are all winning ingredients.
NOW, A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE BEGINNING
Relieved empty nester 40-something Kath (Turner) is shocked to her very core when her selfish, self-absorbed, immature 20-something daughter Kim (Riley) returns to the nest. Kimmy is equally shocked to discover that her once Care Bear-infested bedroom has been turned into a pump and Pilates room by exercise-mad Kath - and so soon after her marriage to Brett (Rowsthorn). What ensues is a struggle for space, with the latter reclaiming her place in the family home. Kath's equipment ends up in the 'good room' AKA the living room.
Long live Kath & Kim......
A must-see!
Good
coles_notes9 January 2023
Created by and starring Gina Riley and Jane Turner, we follow the titular Kath (Turner) and Kim (Gina), and Australian mother-daughter duo in the suburbs of Melborne. Kim is a self-obsessed, often revolting mess of a daughter, on and off with her recent husband Brett, and Kath her bright and cheery counterpart. All the lead actors' performances really make the series, I let out multiple heavy gut laughs, and Glenn Robbins as Kath's new boyfriend Kel Knight was an absolute treat. With four solid seasons and a few more spin-off / extra seasons / films there's plenty of Kath & Kim to go around, skipping of course the single season American remake. For someone who wants a fun sitcom they can just flip on and smile, would highly recommend. It's nice, its nice, its unusual, different, but its nice.
Great Fun
muzattwell25 October 2020
Almost the same as UK sitcoms, that daft sense of humour, but written in a superb way. Plenty of laughs, I haven't laughed so much at a sitcom in a while, but this had me rolling around with laughter. Fantastic cast, who get you laughing with their quotes, and delivered just at the right time.
If you live in the UK and have a great and daft sense of humour, then watch this gem.
Not bad if you like women screaming nonstop
xhidden9925 August 2018
The Big Girls hit the nail on the head - toute suite !
speckled104 November 2002
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 !!
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 !!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
