Australian comedy is usually received in one of two ways by our cousins across the pond(s): either wholeheartedly (Dame Edna) or bemusedly before forward-thinking execs decide they can do better (Kath & Kim).

Hopefully the former will be the case when Chris Lilley's masterful Summer Heights High hits HBO as part of the uber-cable channel's 2008 comedy line-up.

Unsurprisingly, the ABC is thrilled to bits with the deal.

ABC TV's head of content creation Courtney Gibson said the broadcaster was over the moon.

"Mr G, Ja'mie and Jonah have been welcomed into the home of such immortals as Tony Soprano and Deadwood's Al Swearengen in the US, and the home of groundbreaking comedy in the UK," Ms Gibson said.

If, however, the latter option (bemused "we'll originate that joke tomorrow" adoption) turns out to be SHH's fate, shall we all place bets on who'll play who in the US adaptation?

We're going with Joey Fatone as Jonah, Hayden Panettiere as Ja'mie, and Steve Carrell as Mr. G.

 

Tags: abc | au | chris lilley | comedy | hbo | industry | summer heights high