Two Zany Figures Under One Roof

"Kath & Kim": Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC

Basic story: Kath (Molly Shannon) thinks she finally has it all -- a boyfriend on the verge of proposing, a great physique and the freedom of an empty house after seeing her daughter, Kim, off to marriage. That is, until said offspring (Selma Blair) comes whining back home, pronouncing that her marriage is over, "o-v-u-r!" Kim mopes and pouts while alternately missing and throwing invective at her husband, Craig (Mikey Day). At the same time, Kath tries to keep hurricane Kim from destroying her newfound happiness. It's all based on an Australian series of the same name.

What it faces: "Kath & Kim" joins NBC's Thursday night comedy block and faces "Ugly Betty" on ABC, "Survivor: Gabon" on CBS, "Smallville" on CW and a variety of programming, including postseason baseball, on Fox.

What you'll love: Shannon exudes the same magnetism that made her so popular on "Saturday Night Live," and her chemistry with Blair makes the mother-daughter relationship believable despite the mere eight-year age difference that separates the two actors. The banter between Kath and Kim shows signs of some clever writing.

What you won't: Sometimes the show tries too hard to be zany. You'll wonder why Shannon and Blair's wardrobes look like they were pulled straight out of the '80s, contrary to what everyone else is wearing. And while Blair skillfully plays up the self-centered Kim for laughs, viewers might like to see a bit more redeeming pathos.

Bottom line: It'll be interesting to see how long the odd-couple shtick holds up. But in the meantime enjoy the ride.

-- Becky Krystal