Fresh Off The Boat (2015)

Fresh off the Boat promotional poster (Source: ABC.com)

Fresh off the Boat (FOB) is an American sitcom, created by Nahnatchka Khan. It is one of the first American show starring an Asian – American family in the U.S.

The show takes us on the Huang’s family journey when they move from Washington to Orlando. The mother, Jessica Huang, struggles with the cultural differences between her Taiwanese upbringing and a Florida community that does not have a large Asian population. Eddie, the eldest son struggles with assimilating into his new school. While his wife and son struggle to adapt, Louis, the father embraces his “American Dream”.

Even if the show is really caricatural, it raises interesting questions.

Through the clichés and stereotypes, it highlights the problems Asians have to face but also problems Third Culture Kids face. Though a lot of people feel like “Fresh Off the Boat” is trying to achieve too much: trying to be funny, making a social commentary and finding heart warmings elements, the reviews are good, with a 92% score on rottentomatoes and 7,9 on IMBD.

The public’s reaction to this new drama was mixed.

While most asians were happy to see their community represented on television and also new doors opening for asian actors, a lot of people also thought that the script is often exaggerated and sometimes even a bit racist. The audience feels like this show is relatable to some extend, but it’s title is too “click bait” - the family is not a “Fresh Off The Boat family”.