Fresh Off the Boat
*Disclosure: I received an all expenses paid trip to Los Angeles for the coverage of several press events for Disney. All opinions are 100% my own.
While on my recent LA trip I was given the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look of this hilarious new comedy! We spent time with Nahnatchka Khan (Writer/Executive Producer) and Kourtney Kang (Co-Executive Producer) as well as the adorable boys Forrest Wheeler (“Emery”) and Ian Chen (“Evan”).
If you love the 90’s this new comedy is a great way to flash back of time gone by! But it has real life problems that most families as well as students deal with when they move to a new area. The Huang family moves to suburban Orlando from DC’s Chinatown with his parents, siblings and of course their grandma. Set back in the 90’s Eddie is a hip-hop loving 12 year old but things aren’t so great at the beginning. Set 20 years ago the references were true to the time period and before Internet truly exploded. This immigrant family is in culture shock while pursuing the American Dream because back then you had to find someone to be friends with or be alone.
Starring Randall Park, Constance Wu, Hudson Yang, Forrest Wheeler, and of course Ian Chen Fresh Off The Boat is a must watch show on ABC TV! I loved the comedy in the first two episodes, but I have to say the next couple of episodes were even better! The struggles the Huang family face are real life struggles not only for Asian-Americans but things as simple as fitting in where you already are. While in LA we had a chance to watch new episodes before we interviewed Nahnatchka Khan (Writer/Executive Producer) and Kourtney Kang (Co-Executive Producer) as well as the adorable boys Forrest Wheeler (“Emery”) and Ian Chen (“Evan”).
Shown: HUDSON YANG, LEAIRE GEORGE, FORREST WHEELER, ELOISE ESTEVEZ
It was a fun filled night that included a dinner inspired by Cattleman’s Ranch that included BBQ brisket, potato salad, green beans, cornbread and of course apple crisp. While we ate our meal we enjoyed the two episodes, then interviewed some of the amazing behind the scenes people of this new show. Nahnatchka Khan is the Writer/Executive Producer and Kourtney Kang is the Co-Executive Producer who also helps write some of the episodes. Nahnatchka read the book memoir of “Fresh Off the Boat” written by Celebrity Chef Eddie Huang and loved the 1995 setting, story line and pitched it to Melvin and Jake Kasden. They agreed it would make a great show, so they pitched it to multiple networks, but ABC got it because it fits their commitment to diversity.
Shown: CONSTANCE WU, RANDALL PARK
Neither of them had ever really worked with kids before, but told us it was really fun because they are so great on screen. They even say things in a different way and bring a new perspective to the show, allowing their true personalities to show through. They did both agree that the challenge to working with kids was the “Pumpkining” they do. Pumpkining is based on Cinderella but it’s a term when you’re shooting that the kids Pumpkin at a certain time. The younger the age, the sooner the pumpkin stage sets in so the directors have to be on their toes to keep track of time as well as being ready for the kids while shooting. But they agreed that the boys did a great job on screen as well as off and bring a lot to the stage.
The two boys Forrest Wheeler who plays Emery and Ian Chen who plays Evan were absolutely amazing young kids! Ian is only 8 years old whereas Forrest is 10, but they both are absolutely perfect for their respective parts. They both answered questions honestly and truly enjoyed being the center of attention the night we were there.
Forrest had this to say about being on screen:
I think it’s just seeing yourself on TV and really can’t believe that it’s you. Because when I watch it, is that really me or is that just some other person that they edited?
Ian likes working on the set as well, but he enjoys playing on the set after doing the work! Both boys put their first paychecks away for their college fund, which is a great way to plan ahead for their future!! The evening was absolutely fantastic and ABC has hit the nail on the head with the cast and crew of Fresh Off The Boat!
Be sure to tune in on February 10th, 8 pm/ 7 Central for this awesome new comedy! As well as follow them on Facebook and Twitter too!
*Disclosure: I received an all expenses paid trip to Los Angeles for the coverage of several press events for Disney. All opinions are 100% my own.
Chelsea says
This show looks so funny! Can’t wait to check it out! Great interview and pics!
Erin Branscom says
Wow! It looks like you had so much fun! This show looks like it’s going to be so cute!
Rachel Mouton says
This show is hilarious! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Jeni Bryant says
What a fun show! I love new shows, and will be watching for this! Thanks for sharing!
Stefanie says
The show is so funny and the interviews were so great. You have some great pictures too!