Fresh Off the Boat, season 1 (13 episodes)

release year: 2015
genre: comedy/drama
viewing setting: home streaming 7/28-29/25)

synopsis: This series recreates the childhood of a boy whose Chinese family moves to Florida for a new start, causing all sorts of humorous balancing acts between their own heritage/behavior and that of the country they live and work in.

impressions: This was pretty damn funny and entertaining. It gives you some idea of the mindset of a different ethnic group (basically driven to save money and create successful children while keeping some measure of their own culture) and the different characters are unique and quirky. Plus - at ~25 minutes an episode - it's easy to watch this in just the right amounts when you need it.

acting: Constance Wu is the mother, who's obsessed with making things (and people) better and micromanaging everything. Randall Park is her husband, who brought his family south to open a steakhouse. Hudson Yang is the oldest boy, and the author of the book that led to this show; he leans heavily into rap music and lifestyle. Forrest Wheeler and Ian Chen are the younger boys, both of whom apply themselves a lot more than their brother. Lucille Soong is the grandmother, who speaks in Chinese and had a biting wit. Chelsey Criso and Ray Wise are the neighbors who befriend the family.

final word: Fun and easy to watch for doses of realistic humor.

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