After the writers’ strike made it difficult for producers to create viable pilot episodes for proposed new network TV series (because screenplays were not available), the networks turned to concepts borrowed from successful shows in other countries for much of this fall’s new programming. Among the new shows for this season that are based on programs from other countries, are Life on Mars, Eleventh Hour, The Ex List, and Worst Week, with Knight Rider being based by a past U.S. TV series.

Kath and Kim is another of the series based on an overseas predecessor, from a sitcom that originally aired in Australia. The U.S. version stars Molly Shannon (Saturday Night Live) and Selma Blair (Hellboy) as mother and daughter.

In the premiere episode last Thursday, we find that Kim (Blair) is getting a divorce just after her mother (Kath) announces that she is getting remarried. Kim who just got married herself, is calling it quits because her husband has been asking her to "do stuff"—such as "microwaving dinner once in a while." She didn’t sign on for that sort of thing, she notes.

Both Kath and Kim are stunningly superficial and self-centered (although mother Teresa compared to Kim and does have a sense of morality, however, fitfully she displays it) American women, and the highly talented comic actresses Shannon and Blair portray them superbly. The actors who play their boyfriends also each do an excellent job.

The writing in the premiere episode included numerous funny dialogue lines and situations. What makes the show less than satisfying, however, is that Kath and Kim are in reasonably good financial shape and don’t face any important crises they couldn’t solve by being more reasonable and having a sensible perspective on life. Their goals are so narrow and self-centered that the show comes off as excessively trivial.

That hasn’t harmed shows such as Seinfeld and Friends in prior years, so it might do for Kath and Kim. Nonetheless, although the show is amusing, it seems it will be exceedingly easy to do without.