Six episodes ordered... without a pilot

A US remake of Australian comedy Kath & Kim has been given the green light – without being tested as a pilot episode first.

NBC has made the unusual decision to bypass the traditional pilot stage and go straight to ordering six episodes of the suburban sitcom.

Molly Shannon has been cast as mum Kath, with Selma Blair as her self-obsessed daughter.

The programme was originally was picked up as a pilot last year but was never made because of difficulties casting the leads.

Shooting on the new series is expected to begin six weeks after the resolution of the screenwriters' strike, which is expected soon.

NBC co-chairman Ben 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.’

Producer Teri Weinberg added: ‘The network's decision stems from the fact that "Kath" is based on a great series we'd been looking to adapt for five to six years. It's also falling in line with our new strategy.’

NBC president Jeff Zucker recently said the network would produce fewer expensive pilots and go straight to production whenever possible.

Gina Riley and Jane Turner, who created and starred in the Australian original – which has aired on BBC Two in Britain – will be executive producers.

Published: 6 Feb 2008