One of the funniest sitcoms I've ever watched is a hidden Aussie gem streaming on Netflix

The cast of "Kath & Kim" — (Image credit: Netflix)

If it's great comedy you're looking for, Netflix is pretty much a depository of laughs. The streaming service is host to a wide variety of hilarious sitcoms, from TV classics like "Seinfeld" to animated favorites like "Big Mouth" and BoJack Horseman" to more recent gems like "Derry Girls."

But that sheer choice means that sometimes you miss a true comedic treasure, especially taking into account the streaming's extensive international library, and Australia's beloved "Kath & Kim" is one such title that deserves way more love stateside. The Down Under sitcom, which aired for four seasons on Australia's ABC network from 2002 to 2005 and the Seven Network in 2007, stars Jane Turner and Gina Riley as our eponymous duo: middle-aged suburban mom Kath Day-Knight and her narcissistic only child Kim Craig.

Over the course of 32 episodes, the mother-daughter pair get into plenty of ridiculous shenanigans and if you haven't tuned into the women's hijinks these last two decades, now's the time. Need more convincing? Here's why you should stream "Kath & Kim" on Netflix.

What is 'Kath & Kim' about?

Created by and starring Jane Turner and Gina Riley, "Kath & Kim" digs mockumentary-style into the dysfunctional family life, romantic drama and absurd social aspirations of Melbourne-based mother-daughter duo Kath (Turner) and Kim (Riley).

The campy comedy kicks off with the fortysomething mother excited to enjoy time with her sausage-making fiancé Kel (Glenn Robbins) in her newly empty-nested home, but that privacy and independence are short-lived when daughter Kim — newly separated from her henpecked hubby Brett Craig (Peter Rowsthorn) — bounces back from that romantic estrangement.

Having both women under the same roof again dredges up hilarious tension and rivalry between the two, especially with Kath planning her upcoming (and ever-so-tacky) nuptials.

Why 'Kath and Kim' is worth a binge-watch on Netflix

The cast of "Kath &amp; Kim" — (Image credit: Netflix)

If you're a fan of female-duo comedies like England's "Absolutely Fabulous" or America's "Broad City," then you'll adore "Kath & Kim." The brilliantly funny series is powered by visceral cringe humor, spot-on cultural references and, most important of all, the zany chemistry of its two leads, along with Magda Szubanski as Kim's sports-loving but accident-prone best friend Sharon Strzelecki.

Even with a relatively short run time, over the years it's become one of Australia's most iconic TV comedies and its wacky universe of lingerie parties, bad perms, netball games and backyard chats deserves to be up there with other internationally renowned sitcoms. In the immortal words of Kim herself, "It's noice, it's different, it's unusual,” and certainly worthy of your next Netflix binge.

Stream "Kath & Kim" on Netflix now

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Christina Izzo is a writer-editor covering culture, food and drink, travel and general lifestyle in New York City. She was previously the Deputy Editor at My Imperfect Life, the Features Editor at Rachael Ray In Season and Reveal, as well as the Food & Drink Editor and chief restaurant critic at Time Out New York.