Kath and Kim go Stateside

Gina Riley and Jane Turner in the Australian version of Kath and Kim

An American version of the hit Australian sitcom Kath & Kim is close to receiving a pilot order from the NBC network, which already broadcasts an American version of The Office and is developing a version of another BBC show, I'm With Stupid.

The original Kath & Kim has aired in the US on the Sundance Channel.

NBC has a mixed record with imported shows.

The Office won this year's best comedy Emmy and has solid ratings, but past network efforts Coupling and Men Behaving Badly were not too well received.