Ethnic twist gives 'Kumars' show its idiosyncratic appeal.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Nestor U. Torre

THERE are all sorts of talk shows on television, but "The Kumars at No. 42" on Star World is truly one of a kind. For one thing, it isn't purely a talk show, since its family of hosts, the Kumars, is played by actors.

However, it is technically a talk show, because the Kumars do interview real celebrity guests, who just love having their legs pulled by the show's madcap hosts.

Another unique element of the show is the fact that the Kumars are characterized as an Indian family that's put down roots in London. The ethnic twist gives the show its idiosyncratic charm, and also makes it particularly appealing to minority TV audiences, while the program's celebrity guest list attracts mainstream televiewers.

The Kumar family is made up of the main host, his parents, and his ditzy grandmother. While they're all delightfully droll, its Grandma who gets the most laughs with her feistily funny ways. She may be the oldest member of the family, but she hasn't lost her spice and spunk, that's for sure.

While viewers sense that the program is partly scripted, and some of its punchlines aren't all that spontaneous, it's still a fun-filled viewing experience, not the least of whose treats is the guilty pleasure of seeing the Kumars' celebrity guests blushing fiercely as the family puts them through the comic wringer.