‘Listen up ploise!’: Iconic staple ‘Kath and Kim’ returns to Aussie screens

The much-anticipated return of the iconic TV show Kath & Kim aired on Sunday 20, November, to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a two-part special, delighting fans of the dysfunctional duo.

The classic Aussie special Kath & Kim: Our EEffluent Life was teased by actress Magda Szubanski when she shared an image of three very recognizable wigs.

We’re baaaa-aaaack! Sunday November and Monday November 21, 7pm @Channel7

I’ve missed us!

????❤️????❤️????❤️????❤️????❤️ pic.twitter.com/5iz1RKtefR

— Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) November 16, 2022

After more than a decade of Australian TV missing the loveable characters, Channel 7’s decision to mix old reels with new was met with mixed reactions from fans who anticipated a look into the current life of the mother and daughter.

Some fans were ecstatic just to see the iconic characters back on their screens again.

“Bloody hell it was so great to see them all again. Australian comedy at its hilarious best. Loved seeing all the funniest snippets from the original series. I had forgotten how many celebrities had talked their way into cameo roles. I’d definitely watch it if they brought it bac,” one person wrote on Facebook.

The Kath and Kim reunion is brilliant. The new scenes are hilarious, killing myself laughing. It’s really time for a new series..come on! I love comedy that is just all about being silly and goofy and I’m forever a fan of Kath, Kim, Kel, Sharon and Brett. pic.twitter.com/MxH5PMq7FG

— D A V I D (@SpecialDewi) November 20, 2022

“Just watched this & it was great- just what I needed a good laugh !!,” commented another.

While others were left saddened by the lack of new clips in the reunion episodes.

“So disappointed….It was just mostly clips of old eps that ive seen numerous times as a big fan!. I thought tonight’s special was going to be a new ep of kath & kim living in 2022!!?,” someone said.

Me reacting to the fact the Our Effluent Life is a cheap clip show with a small amount of new material #KathandKim #oureffluentlife pic.twitter.com/0KRvBMrmfX

— so tired (Taylor’s Version) (@pjk27779) November 20, 2022

“Watched the new release tonight….didn’t get it, most of it was old stuff with very few new bits. Disappointed, was expecting a new episode altogether with them now summarising their ‘effluent’ life,” said another.

Despite the mixed bag of reactions from fans, Kath & Kim fast become of the highest-rating shows on Australian TV during its run from 2002 to 2007, being so popular the series spawned two feature films.