Bill and I always love checking out new shows that come out. That is why when I traveled to LA last week, I was beyond excited to check out Fresh Off The Boat! Didn't watch the premiere last week? Here's what the show is about:
It’s 1995 and 11-year-old hip-hop loving Eddie Huang has just moved with his family from Chinatown in Washington D.C. to suburban Orlando. They quickly discover things are very different there. Orlando doesn’t even have a Chinatown . . . unless you count the Huang house.
“Fresh Off the Boat” stars Randall Park as Louis, Constance Wu as Jessica, Hudson Yang as Eddie, Forrest Wheeler as Emery and Ian Chen as Evan. Eddie Huang provides the voice-over narration. “Fresh Off the Boat” was written by Nahnatchka Khan, who also serves as executive producer. Kourtney Kang is a writer and Co-Executive Producer. Jake Kasdan and Melvin Mar are executive producers, and Eddie Huang is producer.
Now, that I've got all that out of the way – I know you want to know what I think. I actually got to watch the first two shows before I left. They were on ABC on Wednesday night (that was a special showing. It normally is on Tuesdays from 8 – 8:30.) We really like Fresh Off The Boat. Since the show takes place in the 90s, there are just so many references that I absolutely love. Yes, the family is Chinese, but the issues they go through are universal. I moved 7 times before I was in 2nd grade – I still remember trying to fit in every time I had to change schools. Even you don't move a ton, I think we can all relate to trying to find ourselves and our place in this crazy world. Plus, I love a show that makes me laugh, and this does just that.
As part of my trip to LA, I was able to actually meet and interview both Nahnatchka Khan and Kourtney Kang. One of the first questions we asked was where they went to for inspiration about growing up with immigrant parents. Nahnatchka had the best answer:
My Parents were both born in Iran, and my brother and I were born here. When you're from an immigrant family, you have to explain things. You have to be that bridge between your parents – the sort of Old School and the New School – explain things to them that I feel like other people's Parents just understand. I remember like when KFC was a big. My Mom didn't understand that you would pay for food that came in a bucket. She was like that's a cleaning item. If I'm paying for it, I want it on a platter or a plate.
That what's so fun about doing a show like this. It's like when you explain things, you sound a little bit crazy. Things that we sort of take for granted like in the Nascar run down (this occurs in one of the later shows you will see) where when you sort of really break it down, you sound a little crazy when you talk about it. This perspective allows us to shine the spotlight on some of the things that we take for granted.
We also asked about the characters and if they are based off real people. For those who don't know, Fresh Off The Boat is based off of the memoir Fresh Off The Boat written by Eddie Huang. Nahnatchka told us:
It was inspired by Eddie's book so that was the initial sort of inspiration. It was him, his two brothers, his mother, his father and his Grandmother. Once the show got greenlit, we put together a writing staff. Everybody started to contribute stuff from their lives. For me, it's really channeling my parents and my brothers and my experience. That's what is so great about television. It's a collective collaboration. For a show to succeed, you have to have a lot of people's stories and people have to be able to relate to it even if they don't have that exact same experience. If you're from any kind of immigrant experience or if you just felt like an outsider for whatever reason, this is a show that you can relate to.
Kourtney also commented:
It's such a relatable show. There's so many entry points, and it's all based in something so real that like everybody feels. Everybody feels like they don't fit in at some point for some reason. If this was a Writer's Room right now, I'm sure we could go around and everyone could tell 5 stories about something that happened to them and you could use any of those stories in this. I think that's what people latch onto.
I then got to ask about the show being in the 90s. It's one of my favorite parts of it, because really it just reminds me of that time. I mean – who doesn't want to go back 20 years?
The first question that always sort of comes up is why set it 20 years ago, like why not make it present day. You could still tell the same story. For me, it was really important to keep it 20 years ago because of the references but also because it was the last time before the Internet sort of exploded. You couldn't just get online and like find other people who thought like you or liked music like you. You had to make it work with where you were. You had to befriend kids at school or the neighborhood, and if not, then you were alone. That reinforced their feeling of isolation and feeling like we need to make this work.
We also asked about how many kids they had to audition to find the perfect ones.
It was tough. We had an open casting call all across the country. We found Forrest and Ian here locally and we found Hudson (who plays Eddie) because he put himself on tape. He lives in Brooklyn. We flew him out, and we worked with him. He'd never done anything before. He really had that sort of raw authenticity that we were looking for in young Eddie, and Forrest was so perfect as Emery, the Counterpart to Eddie, who everything comes easy for. Ian was so perfect as Evan where just he is the perfect Momma's little son, the youngest.
The most fun part of the night was interviewing Ian Chen (“Evan Huang”) and Forrest Wheeler (“Emery Huang”). These boys are 8 and 10, and totally reminded me of my kids (who are 7 and 11). They totally made us laugh.
We started our interview asking them what's the most exciting part about being on TV. Forrest told us:
I think it's just seeing yourself on TV and not believing that it's you. When I watch it, I ask is that really me or is that just some other person that they edited?
We then asked them what they did with their first paycheck. Both boys put their first paychecks in their college funds!
We then asked them if their characters were a lot like them in real life. Forrest told us:
Yes. The only difference between Emery and me is that I don't have girlfriends yet. Maybe in a couple of years.
Ian told us:
First of all, I do not tattletale. I don't really tell on anybody because, well, I'm the big brother.
My favorite answers had to be when we asked them what their friends think about them being on the show. Forrest told us that they think it's really cool. It was Ian's answer that I am still laughing over:
They think it's really cool, too. One of my friends actually gave me an Oreo. Like, two Oreos. And he goes I love your shows.
Having a son this age, I can totally see this conversation happening between 8 year olds! LOL
Having seen the first 4 shows, I can tell you that I really do like this series. It is something this white girl can relate to. Plus, after our interviews with these incredible people involved with the show, I have a new appreciation for it!
Will you be watching Fresh Off The Boat? Did you learn anything new about this series or the people involved with it?
I have to remember to set my DVR for this. It sounds funny!
This show is so cute. Like ‘the Fresh Prince of Belaire’ only Chinese. My sister-in-law is Chinese and I thought (oh no) she was going to rant about this, instead it’s her favorite show.
That is a great comparison!
This sounds like a really good show that I do not want to miss!
Sounds like a fun family show. Exciting to be able to interview!
What! For real? What a fun experience.I’d love to go to LA to check out brand new shows coming out. How’d you luck into that?! Serious question. Lol. I just moved here to California (from Canada).
Those kids are too cute! I can’t wait to check this out.
These show looks cute. I am very excited for a late night binge watch when it hits netflix!
This sounds like a great show. I’ll have to throw it in the DVR and see what’s up. =D
Looks like a really great show! I’ll definitely remember watching this! xx
I grew up in the 90’s! This show looks hilarious!
What a fun interview for you all. Love that the boys looked like they were having so much fun.
This is a funny show. Looks like you had a great interview with the two boys!
This show looks like something my kids would really like to watch with us.
It was SO great meeting you! I really enjoyed the two episodes of Fresh Off The Boat that we got to watch! And I loved interviewing Kourtney, Nahnatchka, Forrest, and Ian. 🙂
Can i give you an Oreo? ROFL
I keep hearing such good things about this show! I need to remember to check it out, because it sounds funny.
This sounds awesome! I want to watch this with my hubby after we put our son to sleep.
This is such a funny show. Though it has kids .. its kind of more of an Adult Type Comedy. I love all the Jokes and the cast
This sounds really great! Wish I had cable so I could tune in myself! Looks super funny
Its on ABC not cable! You can watch it 🙂
I’m really looking forward to checking out this show. It sounds like it’s going to be super cute and funny.
This sounds like a fun show to watch with son. Will have to remember to set DVR. You sound like it was a great time and had fun getting a sneak peek.
It is too funny that I just read another post about this show! I hear it’s really good and can’t wait to find the time to watch it!
I have to say that I have seen commercials for this show recently. I’m not sure this is my cup of tea though. I may give it a try but kind of doubt it.
This is super weird but I am watching Fresh Off The Boat as I type this! The cast has such great chemistry and the show is a hit in our house. What fun you must have had on your trip!
I have been seeing a lot about this show, and the trip. I am looking forward to watching the show!
Sounds like you had a great experience! I will have to tell my husband about this show – sounds good!
I would love to watch it. Sounds like it’s going to be very interesting. Definitely looks like a show that I would love to watch.
I saw this show for the first time tonight after hearing so much about it. It’s quite a show, I am glad that so many people are enjoying it and it’s great to know so many people enjoy it.
how cool is it that you got to meet them?? I watched this show and really liked it. I’m just happy to see an Asian family in the spotlight. This like…never happens so yay for diversity on television!
Those kids are so cute! What great interviews. I haven’t seen any previews for this yet, but I’ll have to look for them because it looks like a great show.
I really have been meaning to watch this show! It sounds like you had a lot of fun and enjoyed the experience.
This is awesome. What a great interview
I have seen the first two episodes of this and it’s pretty funny. That oldest kid is a trip!
This show looks pretty cute. I will have to check it out.
This show looks crazy funny! It looks like you all had a great time.
This looks like a really funny show. I want to check it out!
This sounds like a great show to watch with my friends kids. I t looks like a funny show.
This show sounds super interesting. I forgot to set my DVD to record. Hopefully, it will be released so I can catch up.
It was great reading this and it makes me want to start watching the show!
I haven’t heard of this one yet- sounds like a great show! Thanks for sharing!
How cool of ABC to start a new show like this! Looking forward to it! Thanks for sharing!
Haven’t heard about this new show. It must have been really fun to interview the actors in the show.
I haven’t heard of it and I doubt its in my country yet but it definitely sounds like a great show to watch! Great post.
this show is definitely on my list of shows to start watching. It really looks funny!! Thanks for the share!
I haven’t watche da series in such a long time! Firstly, I don’t have time and secondly I don’t know which one to watch! lol!
The boys are so cute! Must have been super fun doing the interview and chatting with the actors. 🙂
Wr don’t get to see a lot of shiws starring actors who are Chinese so this is a nice treat.
My husband just heard about this show for the first time the other day! He caught an episode yesterday, and I’m afraid its not our cup of tea. The concept is great, but the execution and style of humor isn’t something we really enjoy. It’ll be interesting to observe how this show does and how long it runs for anyway though!
This show looks so cute! I have to watch it!
This looks like such a cute show. I will have to watch it with my friends little girls. I am sure they will love it.
Our neighbors in Florida were from Mexico but the granddaughter was born in the US. The granddaughter was always the one to explain things to her grandma or to us from her grandma when we would visit. 🙂 This interview sounds fun!
I watched one episode of this show and I was hooked. It is so funny and they did a great job of showing what it was like to be a kid in the 90’s.
I hadn’t heard of this show but it sounds like something I would watch! What an awesome experience this must’ve been and how cute are Ian Chen and Forrest Wheeler?!
I love shows that make me laugh, too! Even if it’s silly/stupid humor, laughter is good for you. Bring it on!
I have seen promos for this show. It looks like it will be cute and the little kids are just so adorable.
I don’t know where I have been, I haven’t heard of this show yet. But it has my attention now
I absolutely must see this show some way, some how–tomorrow. It seems like a show that I would absolutely love.
WE have not watched this yet but we have it on the DVR> looks great!
wo aah! those kids are looks very cute. I haven’t watched it, but look really nice.
This sounds so good. I will have to watch it.
This looks like a really great show. I’m definitely going to try and catch up with it soon.
How cute are those kids. I really need to set my DVR to catch this show. I have been reading great things.
I have heard a lot about this show. It must be really good. I am going to have to give it a look.
I love that show. I have it recording the entire series on my dvr. How cool that you got to interview the cast!
Sounds like a fun event and meeting … I love your humorous approach to sharing it too. 🙂
What a fantastic interview!!!! Sounds like a pretty great show!!!
I am seeing so many rave reviews about this show. Why am I in England?! You guys always get the best shows!
I love that is based in the 90’s. My era, sounds like a great story too!
I still haven’t checked out this show, but it looks good! Looks like you had an amazing trip!