NBC gives 'Kath and Kim' a series order

By Nellie Andreeva

Feb 6, 2008, ET

NBC is delivering on its promise to do more straight-to-series orders with a six-episode pickup for comedy "Kath and Kim."

The project, from Reveille and Universal Media Studios, was originally picked up as a pilot last year but didn't get made because of difficulties casting the leads.

It was put on the fast track in June when Reveille's Ben Silverman and Teri Weinberg joined NBC as co-chairman and executive vp, respectively.

"Kath and Kim," which is based on the hit Australian series of the same name, focuses on the dysfunctional relationship between Kath (Molly Shannon) and her daughter Kim (Selma Blair).

Instead of filming a pilot, NBC opted to go straight to series with a six-episode order shortly after securing the two leads. This is in line with NBC Universal chief Jeff Zucker's recent comments that NBC will produce only a handful of pilots each year and go straight to series whenever possible.

"This hilarious new series exemplifies how we are changing the pilot process by ordering shows that we believe in and green-lighting them straight to series," Silverman said. "We are confident that this proven international hit will effortlessly translate to American audiences and we couldn't be more excited that Molly and Selma will be playing the leads."

Michelle Nader, who penned the most recent pilot script, is exec producing "Kath" with original series creators Gina Riley and Jane Turner as well as Rick McKenna.

Paul Feig, who is on board to direct the first episode, is also exec producing.

NBC gives 'Kath and Kim' a series order

By Nellie Andreeva

Feb 6, 2008, ET