"Fresh Off the Boat" is a show about a Taiwanese-American family who has moved from Washington, DC (where there are lots of Taiwanese- Americans) to Orlando, Florida (where there are none!). While this sounds a bit like "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" or the like, the show still is surprisingly original and worth seeing. There are several things I really appreciate about it: it DOES talk about race and stereotypes (something very rare on TV today) and writing is so good. The characters, as a result, are very likable. Overall, there's very little not to like about this one and I see it as actually being a lot like the wonderful show, "Brooklyn Bridge"--but with a greater emphasis on humor. Well worth seeing--whether you are Asian or not.
143 Reviews
turns into network sitcom
SnoopyStyle22 February 2020
It's the 1990's. Eddie Huang moves from Washington D.C. to Orlando, Florida with his Taiwanese family. His father (Randall Park) opens a western style steakhouse. His mother (Constance Wu) is the Asian tiger mom. Honey (Chelsey Crisp) and Marvin (Ray Wise) are their next door neighbor.
This starts with a potential for an edgy sitcom of an Asian family moving into an all-white neighborhood. In the end, it is a very standard network sitcom. This should be Eddie's story but the breakout star is Constance Wu. The kids are fine but more could have been done. Marvin's daughter Nicole could have been a great side character but she gets ghosted over time. The brothers don't get to expand their roles. The show is good network fare but it doesn't stand out other than having the Asian cast.
This starts with a potential for an edgy sitcom of an Asian family moving into an all-white neighborhood. In the end, it is a very standard network sitcom. This should be Eddie's story but the breakout star is Constance Wu. The kids are fine but more could have been done. Marvin's daughter Nicole could have been a great side character but she gets ghosted over time. The brothers don't get to expand their roles. The show is good network fare but it doesn't stand out other than having the Asian cast.
A good look at life and culture in the 90's from an Asian family!
blanbrn5 March 2015
Living in today's world we see more and more Asian people all in our communities I like living around them too, they are intelligent attractive and mostly friendly. This new ABC series set in 1990's Orlando about a Taiwanses family who moved from Washington D.C. to start a new life is a big winner! It centers around the young man and oldest child in the family named Eddie Huang(Hudson Yang)who is learning more and more American culture in the 90's from the style, music, TV, movies and one liners as this series captures the 90's culture well with it's slang and one liners! A real sugar and spice treat is the performance of the mom Jessica(Constance Wu)she's a sexy and sassy outspoken loving matriarch who guides the ship for the whole Huang clan as her husband(Randall Park)runs his steakhouse. Overall great show that learns us about Asian culture all the while being funny, educated and capturing 90's culture without taking things to serious! A thumbs up winner.
My life, finally projected on screen
gee_dog12310 March 2015
Some background. I came to the states without any knowledge of engish and neither did my parents. It was some midwestern state in the early 1990s. In the school, there were 3 asians, and 1 black kid. From the very first episode to episode 8. I felt like my life was shown. I had the same infatuation with hiphop. My first album was Straight Outta Compton. PE and Ice Cube and Ice T were my favorite groups. I felt exactly as the series describe, it's not that the white folks were disrespectful to me (in fact there where at the beginning), but they just don't know what to do with a person of different race and culture. I could never truly be in the "in crowd". I found commonality in people who are different and music that's different, and most hiphop at that time was portraying rebellion against the establishment. To me, the establishment was white with Christian morales. That's not what I am about. I had 3 Asian kids in school who are straight A and musicians. I ain't about that nonsense. All through school, my best friend was a black kid and he was the one that introduced me to straight outta compton.
So this show is a great authentic view of the Asian minority. Stereotypes of Asian parents are REAL and of the white folks are REAL. Exaggeration of course, but the gist of it is VERY VERY real. My parents HATED rap with a passion because they don't understand it. All they care about 100% of time is where is my grade, what am I doing wrt to studying. No basketball, nothing. I had to find solace in the things that are shown in this movie. I had to conform to pizza and sloppy joe where my parents served Chinese dishes. In the 90s, Chinese is not the in crowd, unlike now.
Overall, this is a VERY realistic view for ANY Asian's coming to a majority white area in the 80s, 90s. I felt my life was displayed on screen. It was hilarious at the same time nostalgic of my life.
I signed up just to say my support for this show. I know there are many Asians like me with the same background, living in the same white neighborhoods.
Every other sitcom I have seen before are either non relevant or non- relateable to person like me or Asian. I get all the jokes of Seinfeld and Friends, but those are non relatable to an Asian person. Supremely refreshing to finally get our voices heard. About time.
US needs more shows like this.
So this show is a great authentic view of the Asian minority. Stereotypes of Asian parents are REAL and of the white folks are REAL. Exaggeration of course, but the gist of it is VERY VERY real. My parents HATED rap with a passion because they don't understand it. All they care about 100% of time is where is my grade, what am I doing wrt to studying. No basketball, nothing. I had to find solace in the things that are shown in this movie. I had to conform to pizza and sloppy joe where my parents served Chinese dishes. In the 90s, Chinese is not the in crowd, unlike now.
Overall, this is a VERY realistic view for ANY Asian's coming to a majority white area in the 80s, 90s. I felt my life was displayed on screen. It was hilarious at the same time nostalgic of my life.
I signed up just to say my support for this show. I know there are many Asians like me with the same background, living in the same white neighborhoods.
Every other sitcom I have seen before are either non relevant or non- relateable to person like me or Asian. I get all the jokes of Seinfeld and Friends, but those are non relatable to an Asian person. Supremely refreshing to finally get our voices heard. About time.
US needs more shows like this.
Something Fresh On Television
lickermuchly6 February 2015
"Fresh Off The Boat" is so funny, so smart, and so charming that I enjoyed every minute of the first two episodes. I hope the creative team behind it, and the wonderful actors can maintain this high-level of quality.
Randall Park is terrific as Louis Huang the optimistic - perhaps a bit naive - patriarch of the family that has just moved to Orlando from Washington D.C. Park shows refreshing depth to his complex character by understanding certain realities while maintaining optimism; optimism that he hopes can carry him and his family through some rough adjustments.
Constance Wu is spectacular! She is the most beautiful woman on television. Her character - Jessica Huang - makes sure things get done. She makes changes at the family's restaurant, she makes sure the children study hard, and she makes an effort to get to know the neighbors; all of which is shown in smart and funny ways. As demanding as she can be, her mind is open and she shows great empathy and compassion when it makes sense. Jessica is a well-written character performed brilliantly by Constance Wu.
Their three boys in the show are funny, and smart which is quite refreshing compared to other kid characters on television. The grandmother character is like many grandmothers with a foreign background; she may be equal parts traditionalist and "ready for anything" - she seems to enjoy the oldest boy's taste in music more than anyone else does.
Sometimes a stranger, a newcomer, sees people more clearly than they are willing to see themselves...
Randall Park is terrific as Louis Huang the optimistic - perhaps a bit naive - patriarch of the family that has just moved to Orlando from Washington D.C. Park shows refreshing depth to his complex character by understanding certain realities while maintaining optimism; optimism that he hopes can carry him and his family through some rough adjustments.
Constance Wu is spectacular! She is the most beautiful woman on television. Her character - Jessica Huang - makes sure things get done. She makes changes at the family's restaurant, she makes sure the children study hard, and she makes an effort to get to know the neighbors; all of which is shown in smart and funny ways. As demanding as she can be, her mind is open and she shows great empathy and compassion when it makes sense. Jessica is a well-written character performed brilliantly by Constance Wu.
Their three boys in the show are funny, and smart which is quite refreshing compared to other kid characters on television. The grandmother character is like many grandmothers with a foreign background; she may be equal parts traditionalist and "ready for anything" - she seems to enjoy the oldest boy's taste in music more than anyone else does.
Sometimes a stranger, a newcomer, sees people more clearly than they are willing to see themselves...
Rough start, but gets way better
zhugeliang-wolong4 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The pilot came off a tad stilted as all the characters were trying to be developed beyond the color of their skin. However, regardless of how "bad" this makes white people seem...it's not untrue.
I grew up in an incredibly white city - and my parents owned a restaurant, too. It was both cathartic to see my life experiences on the screen, as well a tad traumatizing to remember it all again.
Throughout elementary and middle school, I threw away many of the lunches that my parents made for me because kids would make fun exactly in that way. The way that they handled the "chink" comment is a tad exaggerated, but I believe it is valid. For some reason, when it's the Asian kids being bullied, everyone expects the parents and the kids to just accept it. Standing up for yourself is...well overrated.
I absolutely loved the second episode as it portrays the tension of owning a family restaurant very well. As for the employees, well - I won't lie - my parents had the same idea that their white customers would be more comfortable with having white servers. My mom definitely struggled in managing them because she was 100% sure that they were trying to take advantage of us (and that they looked down on us because they weren't able to speak English well), while my dad was always the happy-go-lucky one, always striving to prove that we would be able to succeed. Totally remember after-school lessons with my mom too, and doing them at the restaurant.
I'm so happy that this show is being aired, even if it's rough at its edges. And heh, for those of you who think the show's portrayal of white folk is unfair - I would point you to all the unfair portrayals of Asians in other shows. We are not all kungfu masters or nerds. And how often do we see yellowface on the screen. And at the end of the day, I remember a lot of well-meaning white folks at home who constantly said offensive things...and my parents and I would just have to swallow, smile, and proceed...because we knew in our hearts that they meant well - but they come from a different culture.
This show has a lot of promise, and it may be uncomfortable for some to watch - but all in all, I think it's a great show - and a good day for some Asian kids to see their life experiences on the screen too.
I grew up in an incredibly white city - and my parents owned a restaurant, too. It was both cathartic to see my life experiences on the screen, as well a tad traumatizing to remember it all again.
Throughout elementary and middle school, I threw away many of the lunches that my parents made for me because kids would make fun exactly in that way. The way that they handled the "chink" comment is a tad exaggerated, but I believe it is valid. For some reason, when it's the Asian kids being bullied, everyone expects the parents and the kids to just accept it. Standing up for yourself is...well overrated.
I absolutely loved the second episode as it portrays the tension of owning a family restaurant very well. As for the employees, well - I won't lie - my parents had the same idea that their white customers would be more comfortable with having white servers. My mom definitely struggled in managing them because she was 100% sure that they were trying to take advantage of us (and that they looked down on us because they weren't able to speak English well), while my dad was always the happy-go-lucky one, always striving to prove that we would be able to succeed. Totally remember after-school lessons with my mom too, and doing them at the restaurant.
I'm so happy that this show is being aired, even if it's rough at its edges. And heh, for those of you who think the show's portrayal of white folk is unfair - I would point you to all the unfair portrayals of Asians in other shows. We are not all kungfu masters or nerds. And how often do we see yellowface on the screen. And at the end of the day, I remember a lot of well-meaning white folks at home who constantly said offensive things...and my parents and I would just have to swallow, smile, and proceed...because we knew in our hearts that they meant well - but they come from a different culture.
This show has a lot of promise, and it may be uncomfortable for some to watch - but all in all, I think it's a great show - and a good day for some Asian kids to see their life experiences on the screen too.
The Malcolm in the Middle for the Next Generation
hddu10-819-3745817 February 2015
As the title says, not since Malcolm in the Middle have I seen such a hilarious family dynamic. Yes, the family is Chinese (Taiwanese) but this is just a side-story...they could be Polish (like in Malcolm in the Middle) or any other ethnicity making them unique. This is NOT about Asian stereotypes, this is about kids vs parents who are trying to keep up appearances/with the Jones'...and what could be more American than that? Superb acting by ALL the actors (even the Grandmother who only speaks Mandarin gets the funniest lines with subtitles). Add to this the nostalgia factor of the "hip-hop" 90's and I sincerely hope this is a formula for success. PLEASE keep this show on the air; it's got humor, good timing, good writing and it's something the whole family can watch and laugh at together. We are laughing WITH a family that happens to be Chinese, not AT a Chinese family.
FOB-ulous!
Rizzleness9 February 2015
I came into Fresh Off the Boat with low expectations, as there are seemingly endless ways to make a bad network show, especially by making it dull and mediocre by dumbing down the characters and their experiences. Add in the topic of race and immigration, where I'm certain network producers are terrified of offending anyone, and you're almost certain to brew up a giant batch of watered-down, "family friendly" weak tea.
But, amazingly, the show is good. And funny. Maybe most importantly, all of the characters are human, and they are full people while simultaneously showing different sides of the immigrant experience. I have a feeling you're not going to know who are the "good guys" and who are the "bad guys," and this really won't be a show about Eddie but about a family. As the first few episodes show, each family member has different, and even contradictory, skills for managing their lives together, and they complement each other. I also bet people outside of the family will soon be part of this equation.
Speaking of which, it's ironic that some reviewers are saying the show is anti-white, as a big critique of white people is how they tend to dominate any experience (like, for instance, a show about an Asian American immigrant family) and make it all about them.
But, amazingly, the show is good. And funny. Maybe most importantly, all of the characters are human, and they are full people while simultaneously showing different sides of the immigrant experience. I have a feeling you're not going to know who are the "good guys" and who are the "bad guys," and this really won't be a show about Eddie but about a family. As the first few episodes show, each family member has different, and even contradictory, skills for managing their lives together, and they complement each other. I also bet people outside of the family will soon be part of this equation.
Speaking of which, it's ironic that some reviewers are saying the show is anti-white, as a big critique of white people is how they tend to dominate any experience (like, for instance, a show about an Asian American immigrant family) and make it all about them.
I really like this show, but...
vincentlynch-moonoi21 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I really like this show. I hope it survives.
But, I'm not really into unlikable characters, which is exactly what the mother is here. I know where they're going with this character; I had quite a few Asian kids in the school where I was principal, and there certainly is a tendency for some ethnic parents to have difficulty developing a balance between cultures. But really, this character is a...well, you fill in the blank. I'm not saying Constance Wu is not a good actress, but the character truly grates on me.
On the other hand, Randall Park is great as the dad. He's the kind of fresh new actor you want to see more of. He's funny, somewhat athletic when needed, and balances out the attitude of the mother.
I'm undecided about Hudson Yang, the central character of the children and the story. Maybe. Just not sure yet. The other two boys -- Forrest Wheeler and Ian Chen -- are top notch child actors.
The situations are often genuinely funny as the Chinese family (although isn't Randall Park Korean?...ah well, all Asians look alike...that seems to be the thinking here?) attempts to adjust to American life.
The story is loosely based on the life of Eddie Huang, a t.v. personality. Apparently he doesn't like the series at all. Tough luck. It's the audience that counts.
But, I'm not really into unlikable characters, which is exactly what the mother is here. I know where they're going with this character; I had quite a few Asian kids in the school where I was principal, and there certainly is a tendency for some ethnic parents to have difficulty developing a balance between cultures. But really, this character is a...well, you fill in the blank. I'm not saying Constance Wu is not a good actress, but the character truly grates on me.
On the other hand, Randall Park is great as the dad. He's the kind of fresh new actor you want to see more of. He's funny, somewhat athletic when needed, and balances out the attitude of the mother.
I'm undecided about Hudson Yang, the central character of the children and the story. Maybe. Just not sure yet. The other two boys -- Forrest Wheeler and Ian Chen -- are top notch child actors.
The situations are often genuinely funny as the Chinese family (although isn't Randall Park Korean?...ah well, all Asians look alike...that seems to be the thinking here?) attempts to adjust to American life.
The story is loosely based on the life of Eddie Huang, a t.v. personality. Apparently he doesn't like the series at all. Tough luck. It's the audience that counts.
Funniest show I have seen in a while
markgreenberg444 February 2015
I don't watch a lot of television series due to my need to like a TV show from the first episode (a problem I feel many people have)... maybe it has something to do with my profession as a Cardiothoracic surgeon and me having not much time for a build up of slow starting sitcom.
This show was great best show I have watched since the first few seasons of Modern Family it gives of a great everybody hates Chris vibe.
Would recommend to anyone who watches TV and wants to enjoy a light hearted comedy.
This show was great best show I have watched since the first few seasons of Modern Family it gives of a great everybody hates Chris vibe.
Would recommend to anyone who watches TV and wants to enjoy a light hearted comedy.
Not what I thought it would be
Reviewer512 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I was pretty excited to hear about a Asian show since there aren't any programs on TV with an Asian cast as the leads. I think it is pretty cool to promote diversity and ABC taking the risk by allowing Asians to finally have their own show plus Asian comedic characters these days are pretty one dimensional and lack the deep personality (compared to non Asian comedic characters). That being said, when I watched Fresh Off the Boat this week, the characters I feel seem too simple, shallow, and once again you have one dimensional characters with not much of a likable personality. I guess I'm too much of a realist but we have seen these stereotypical characters before on other shows and mainstream movies. The story being centered around the little kid who is portly and acts like a wannabe gangster rapper, the mother who is stereotyped like a Tiger mom, the father sounding obsessed trying to please white people with his business and the non Asians coming across as being rather racists etc etc are all about something to do race and they're all negative for some reason. The title itself is pretty offensive and I can't believe they went with that title (and yes I know it's based on the real life of celebrity chef Eddie Huang's book). I think also too that this show seems to be only a hit to be made fun of because they're Asian like William Hung. Such a shame, I was really hoping for a positive, inspiring show with interesting characters but the negative stereotypical humor and characters just seems really distracting and not really all that funny. And you know, the mother's stereotypical Asian accent gets to be bothersome after a while.
This is a must see show i love it
johnnyqong6 February 2015
OMG This was the most hilarious show ever. So many of the concepts are so true ha ha. This is a must see show, no matter what race, or culture your from. I love it. If i were to have an Asian American TV show this would be it. The cast is hilarious, and is on par with black-ish. Not to mention this is based on a real life autobiography just like the Goldbergs TV show. I really look forward to the upcoming episodes and hope they can keep the quality of the episodes the same and keep jokes coming, because adding this to my repertoire of TV shows i think this is a real step towards the the Asian American culture being on TV, i hope that everyone gives this show a chance, as i did. Because i think you will love this show
Another wasted opportunity?
mlvr887 February 2015
There are a few funny moments, but predictably, as with so many previous minority-themed sitcoms, the unimaginative writers resort to stereotypes, both old (Asians good at math, perpetual foreigners with accents) and new (nazi-like Asian tiger moms, greedy tightwads, desperate need to be validated by "white people") for most of the humor, with the cast's Asian-ness (i.e. otherness) being the butt of the jokes.
In this case, ABC has hired Natchaka Khan (sp), a woman of Iranian descent, to write from the perspective of a Chinese-American family. Perhaps the dunderheads at ABC think all minority experiences are alike and that one person of color can write for all others. Ms. Khan has formerly written for shows like "Don't Trust the B in Apt. 23", which was hardly sensitive to minorities and regularly included offensive racial humor directed at Asians and other groups. If you're going to produce a minority-themed show, I think it's just common sense to include individuals from that particular minority among the chief writers, for more authenticity that will resonate with audiences. Perhaps Ms. Khan was hired partly because it'll allow the network to claim "hey the show was written by a minority" if the show comes under criticism.
On a positive note, the cast members are very good and as the characters are developing nicely with each new episode. Early ratings are respectable (though declining) and hopefully the show will be given a chance, unlike the recent "Selfie" (starring John Cho) which was pulled after just a few episodes. As long as the writers don't blow it by alienating Asian audiences (which I read was a main factor causing the last AA sitcom, "All American Girl" to flop 20 years ago), I think it stands a decent chance.
In this case, ABC has hired Natchaka Khan (sp), a woman of Iranian descent, to write from the perspective of a Chinese-American family. Perhaps the dunderheads at ABC think all minority experiences are alike and that one person of color can write for all others. Ms. Khan has formerly written for shows like "Don't Trust the B in Apt. 23", which was hardly sensitive to minorities and regularly included offensive racial humor directed at Asians and other groups. If you're going to produce a minority-themed show, I think it's just common sense to include individuals from that particular minority among the chief writers, for more authenticity that will resonate with audiences. Perhaps Ms. Khan was hired partly because it'll allow the network to claim "hey the show was written by a minority" if the show comes under criticism.
On a positive note, the cast members are very good and as the characters are developing nicely with each new episode. Early ratings are respectable (though declining) and hopefully the show will be given a chance, unlike the recent "Selfie" (starring John Cho) which was pulled after just a few episodes. As long as the writers don't blow it by alienating Asian audiences (which I read was a main factor causing the last AA sitcom, "All American Girl" to flop 20 years ago), I think it stands a decent chance.
Great fun comedy series!
freddy_at_home13 November 2020
I've been watching this every week since it started in 2015. Great funny show. Just sit back and laugh and don't think too much. Easy going with a good cast. It just works. It has a final ending and not just stop airing without a closure. Have fun with this little fun comedy show!
9/10
9/10
Love this show and what this show stands for
californication6196 February 2015
I would first like to say that after watching the first two episodes, this show is fantastic. Not only because it is paving the way for more diversity in the industry, but also because it is a hilarious and charming show. I found myself laughing out loud a various points throughout the episodes and throughly enjoyed getting to know these characters. Regarding to the reviews consisting of complaints about the show's racism toward white people (groan), these viewers are missing the point of the show. This show is portraying what is was like, and still is like for that matter, for Asian families being the minority and the racism THEY face. Yes, the show takes some jabs at Caucasians, but that's hardly racism. It is actually impossible to be racist toward white people, as racism only applies when institutional power or privilege is involved. Since White people have the most privilege in this country, it's impossible to be racist against a white person, or rather nearly impossible. Yes, you can be prejudice toward white, people, but this show is definitely not prejudice. So please don;t write this show off because it's "being racist toward white people." I would like to end this review by saying that I am thoroughly pleased that there is finally a show with multiple Asian actors as its main characters. Although one day, I hope there can be shows not specifically about AN Asian American FAMILY, but rather a family that just happens to be Asian. Because yes, there's a difference. Race aside, this show is a refreshing comedy and is definitely unique. It should appeal to all audiences, as long as they keep an open mind. I would be very sad if this show were to get canceled.
Worth every second of watch time
anieferreirawork24 October 2022
This was a show that my dad and I used to watch when I was a teenager. Every time I watch it I feel like I'm home with my dad. We are not Asian, but my dad is "fresh off the boat" and the general fish out of water through line rang true for him and as the daughter of a proud immigrant I related to Eddie, Emery, and Evan.
Now that that is out of the way, I want to talk about this show.
To start off, I just want to say that everything about this show works, the script, the cast, the on screen chemistry, every single thing is done so well. From the relate-ability that i have to the kids, to the way that they approach serious topics in regards to love, race, culture, micro and macro aggressions, and life in general.
I laugh at least once every episode. This show is so funny, and the cast is so talented. Casting actual children can be so risky, for me a lot of the time child actors will make or break the show/ movie and I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that the children are just as talented as the adults. I believe every relationship/friendship in this show.
If you are looking for something that will make you smile, cheer you up, keep you thinking, and also keep your attention because of it's unique perspective and fantastic jokes, then PLEASE watch this show.
Now that that is out of the way, I want to talk about this show.
To start off, I just want to say that everything about this show works, the script, the cast, the on screen chemistry, every single thing is done so well. From the relate-ability that i have to the kids, to the way that they approach serious topics in regards to love, race, culture, micro and macro aggressions, and life in general.
I laugh at least once every episode. This show is so funny, and the cast is so talented. Casting actual children can be so risky, for me a lot of the time child actors will make or break the show/ movie and I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that the children are just as talented as the adults. I believe every relationship/friendship in this show.
If you are looking for something that will make you smile, cheer you up, keep you thinking, and also keep your attention because of it's unique perspective and fantastic jokes, then PLEASE watch this show.
Life During Simpler Times
byson51866 October 2015
Fresh Off The Boat is a great TV show that is definitely worth watching on Tuesdays, on A.B.C. Nowadays, a T.V. show seems lucky if it can get passed 1 Season. TV shows that aired a couple of years ago: Trophy Wife and Back In The Game were good, but did not get passed Season 1. This show started earlier this year, and has made it to a second season. I also feel like this show is more worth watching than other TV shows on A.B.C. I also watch Modern Family, The Middle, and The Goldbergs. I feel like this T.V. show is more funny, and more original than those other shows.
So, we can ask what makes this T.V. show good. Well, to start like how The Goldbergs is not done today, but takes place in an unspecified year in the '80s, this T.V. show takes place in the '90s, and so far 1995. I wonder if this T.V. show will ever move to the 2000s? But, I feel like it makes a T.V. show somewhat more entertaining by taking place in the past. Not like the ancient past hundreds of years ago, but recent history. Man, 1995 was already 20-years ago. I feel like they do a great job in bringing the '90s back to life. A lot of people even consider the '90s like the greatest time. Let's think about what was good back then. Well, my Millennial Generation was kids back then. We also grew up with a lot of kids shows that even kids from today seem to prefer what we grew up with, than what they are growing up with. Our parents, from the Baby Booming generation who still seem to remain the dominant generation were more in their prime age, or approaching middle age with kids in school. Now, they're becoming senior citizens. The stock market during the second half of the '90s was like the biggest Bull Market ever in history. Also, sometimes all this digital technology can be a little annoying to how much we rely on it. Sometimes, we wish we could go back to the older methods. This show will show life before the internet was an everyday thing. I again feel like this show will take us back to the '90s, be reminiscent. Like an example, today's episode showed a cereal, or a cereal similar to one we had back then but no longer have, Alpha Bits. Another episode showed a boys pump shoes. I haven't seen those shoes in a long time, like since the '90s. They also show C.D.s and I think one episode talked about a Super Nintendo game. I think it was N.B.A. Jam. So, for adults watching my age watching this show today, it will take us back to when we were kids.
Besides the '90s, what else is good about this show? Well, the main characters of this T.V. show are an Asian family. That seems new, as a lot of families on prime time T.V. are either Caucasian or black. Also, most movies we watch the main characters will not be Asian characters. This T.V. show involves an Asian family moving to Florida in a culture where there aren't many Asian people. Living their lives down there, including Eddie and his middle school life. How he also hangs around his brothers Evan and Emery. Also, showing the life of his Asian parents trying to make a living in the U.S. We have Randall, the Dad and his wife Constance. Constance is definitely a character you'll get to know, as I would definitely consider her the funniest character in the show. She is so cheap, that she'll do anything she can do to get her way and deceive people into getting something at a lower price. She won't spend money on something she doesn't feel like she has to. Randall is a soft-voiced man, hard working, who easily puts up with his wife, and never seems to get mad. This show also has references to Asian culture.
When this T.V. show started to air, at first I didn't think so much about it. It's this way for some T.V. shows. Like I didn't really care for the earlier episodes of Goldbergs. At first it seemed like a T.V. show that was trying to come up with a new idea involving an Asian family on prime-time and trying to be funny, but not really working or nothing new, and just an annoying mother. However, the last few episodes I've seen were great. I've enjoyed the last episodes and today's episodes considering it the most original new show on T.V. and definitely something worth seeing. To summarize what I've written, it will be a great comedy showing an Asian family and Asian culture. It will also pleasantly take us back to the '90s. I think some episodes took place in 1997, but the ones I've seen take place in 1995. It's a show that is a must see.
Oh, and one other thing I want to say that makes this show good. Some T.V. shows like Everybody Loves Raymond and Home Improvement took place in a house or places we were familiar with, like Tim Taylors Tool Time show. We'd only see one side of the house as it was built on a set, and frequently see the characters interacting in those locations. Those shows often times had minimal characters besides the main characters. This show is also good because we get to know more characters, and it seems to be filmed in actual locations, not a set they built for the show. This show also has guest stars, like today's episode had Shaquille O'Neal which was totally cool!! So, this is a show that deserves a 10 and is a must see.
So, we can ask what makes this T.V. show good. Well, to start like how The Goldbergs is not done today, but takes place in an unspecified year in the '80s, this T.V. show takes place in the '90s, and so far 1995. I wonder if this T.V. show will ever move to the 2000s? But, I feel like it makes a T.V. show somewhat more entertaining by taking place in the past. Not like the ancient past hundreds of years ago, but recent history. Man, 1995 was already 20-years ago. I feel like they do a great job in bringing the '90s back to life. A lot of people even consider the '90s like the greatest time. Let's think about what was good back then. Well, my Millennial Generation was kids back then. We also grew up with a lot of kids shows that even kids from today seem to prefer what we grew up with, than what they are growing up with. Our parents, from the Baby Booming generation who still seem to remain the dominant generation were more in their prime age, or approaching middle age with kids in school. Now, they're becoming senior citizens. The stock market during the second half of the '90s was like the biggest Bull Market ever in history. Also, sometimes all this digital technology can be a little annoying to how much we rely on it. Sometimes, we wish we could go back to the older methods. This show will show life before the internet was an everyday thing. I again feel like this show will take us back to the '90s, be reminiscent. Like an example, today's episode showed a cereal, or a cereal similar to one we had back then but no longer have, Alpha Bits. Another episode showed a boys pump shoes. I haven't seen those shoes in a long time, like since the '90s. They also show C.D.s and I think one episode talked about a Super Nintendo game. I think it was N.B.A. Jam. So, for adults watching my age watching this show today, it will take us back to when we were kids.
Besides the '90s, what else is good about this show? Well, the main characters of this T.V. show are an Asian family. That seems new, as a lot of families on prime time T.V. are either Caucasian or black. Also, most movies we watch the main characters will not be Asian characters. This T.V. show involves an Asian family moving to Florida in a culture where there aren't many Asian people. Living their lives down there, including Eddie and his middle school life. How he also hangs around his brothers Evan and Emery. Also, showing the life of his Asian parents trying to make a living in the U.S. We have Randall, the Dad and his wife Constance. Constance is definitely a character you'll get to know, as I would definitely consider her the funniest character in the show. She is so cheap, that she'll do anything she can do to get her way and deceive people into getting something at a lower price. She won't spend money on something she doesn't feel like she has to. Randall is a soft-voiced man, hard working, who easily puts up with his wife, and never seems to get mad. This show also has references to Asian culture.
When this T.V. show started to air, at first I didn't think so much about it. It's this way for some T.V. shows. Like I didn't really care for the earlier episodes of Goldbergs. At first it seemed like a T.V. show that was trying to come up with a new idea involving an Asian family on prime-time and trying to be funny, but not really working or nothing new, and just an annoying mother. However, the last few episodes I've seen were great. I've enjoyed the last episodes and today's episodes considering it the most original new show on T.V. and definitely something worth seeing. To summarize what I've written, it will be a great comedy showing an Asian family and Asian culture. It will also pleasantly take us back to the '90s. I think some episodes took place in 1997, but the ones I've seen take place in 1995. It's a show that is a must see.
Oh, and one other thing I want to say that makes this show good. Some T.V. shows like Everybody Loves Raymond and Home Improvement took place in a house or places we were familiar with, like Tim Taylors Tool Time show. We'd only see one side of the house as it was built on a set, and frequently see the characters interacting in those locations. Those shows often times had minimal characters besides the main characters. This show is also good because we get to know more characters, and it seems to be filmed in actual locations, not a set they built for the show. This show also has guest stars, like today's episode had Shaquille O'Neal which was totally cool!! So, this is a show that deserves a 10 and is a must see.
A Once Great Show That's Jumped the shark but that's expected
MrMovieReviewer12 February 2020
There's no denying this was a brilliant show the first 2/3 seasons but since then it's lost its appeal..and is getting axed
Here's why....
The show in the first few seasons could get away with stuff that it can't get away with now....
First Eddie's attitude worked in the first few seasons because he was a kid now at 16/17 yrs old he comes across as smug and a drop kick...
The mothers constant putting down of her husband worked at first but after six years it's now old and repetitively annoying...
The racist jokes and stereotypes about white people are getting old after six years...They were funny the first few seasons
The once funny jokes are repetitive...
The facts are the show hasn't changed in six years it's repetitive and as a result it's lost its appeal...
In truth it should of ended after 3 seasons why its still an enjoyable show.it best years are long gone.
The show in the first few seasons could get away with stuff that it can't get away with now....
First Eddie's attitude worked in the first few seasons because he was a kid now at 16/17 yrs old he comes across as smug and a drop kick...
The mothers constant putting down of her husband worked at first but after six years it's now old and repetitively annoying...
The racist jokes and stereotypes about white people are getting old after six years...They were funny the first few seasons
The once funny jokes are repetitive...
The facts are the show hasn't changed in six years it's repetitive and as a result it's lost its appeal...
In truth it should of ended after 3 seasons why its still an enjoyable show.it best years are long gone.
Humor is kind of bland, but OK other than that.
dragonfivehundred14 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I feel that some people find Fresh Off the Boat humorous due to the stereotypes. The mother with her heavy Asian accent sort of reminds me of a Mad TV or Saturday Night Live sketch. She sounds fake and over does it while her husband seems to have very little accent which I find kind of odd. The two younger brothers reminds me of Rod and Todd on the Simpsons with their innocent, brainiac personality while the older brother Eddie wants to be more rebellious sort of like Bart. The grandmother seems to be the stereotypical quiet Asian grandma with unpredictable humor. Overall, I think all the actors are fine except for the mother because of her heavy, fake, Asian accent which I find very annoying and kind of kills the show. Fresh off the Boat could've been a total success if they didn't have to talk about racial issues all the time. A lot of people aren't really comfortable with that. I read someones review that they actually toned it down from the original source material. I think because of the stereotypes, Fresh off the Boat seems unnecessarily provocative and the humor rather bland. This isn't that bad, it could've been better though.
Props for casting and balance
gign241513 February 2015
Wow, a feel good family show that has substance behind it. The trials and joy of an Asian American family has finally made it to the mainstream media. I was pleasantly surprised how the show strikes a good balance of humor and a piece on the cultural evolution in contemporary America. The show is centered around the Asian American experience; however people of any background can appreciate and enjoy the dynamics of a middle class family settling into a new life. Randall Park brings a terrific lightheartedness to the show with his matter-of-fact humor, while Constance Wu grounds the show with her excellent portrayal of a classic high expectation mother. I can't wait to see how the show evolves. Well done and keep up the good work.
over rated
talllwoood1316 October 2015
This show having an 8.1 before I left a review astonishes me. The pilot episode had promise even though the trailer just like any comedy today spoils all the jokes in the episode to the point the only people laughing will be the people you tell about this show. The show really feels like the 1990s, era correct shirts. Albums and making fun of a lot of stuff from that era like dial up internet being really awful compared to what it is now. There is even some somewhat famous actors in it from other big series such as C.S. Lee - Vince in the series Dexter, the guy who does Ari's assistant in Entourage the gay Asian guy and Stevie from eastbound and down. On one hand this show can be a breath of fresh air as there is way too many cop, castle and zombie shows on right now. What is good about this is they can get away with a lot of stuff other shows cannot because the trend is to be politically correct. The grocery store "If you get lost go with a white family, You'll be safe" or whatever else comes to mind. They picked a good time to get the series up off the air no shows are like it and story wise moving right to Orlando is a good start to it. However I'd be more interested if they were legitimately off the boat in Washington DC and just change up Eddies age. But I'm sure some show will rip it off and do it eventually.
The cast like the episodes are hit and miss. Perhaps that is what Eddies family was really like but the father I wouldn't have hired Randall Park. I cannot take him seriously. Either he's a really good actor trying to be that goofy dad role or he's just terrible. The next character I don't like is Eddie. Yeah the series revolves around him. He can have his moments absolutely but the walking into the room with a "boom box" his grandmother plays and a bunch of stuff just make you want to hate him. He's like a chubby bitchy watered down fusion of Bart Simpson or Malcolm in the middle who likes Biggie and other popular rappers at the time. The only reason a lot of people probably watch this show is to see the mom. She doesn't take crap from anyone and is definitely the comic relief of the show as Eddie makes it so you can't watch more than one episode without turning it off. The stories and all were very tame, after episode one the show went down hill and was very hit and miss. The little brothers bring nothing to the story but just add banter to stretch out episodes. All in all it's like a slightly edgier sitcom that if it was any weaker in terms of what they do it would be on the Disney network. Mrs Browns boys is 10x funnier I found and expected way more out of this show, the only reason I'm checking out season 2 is I kind of hope it got better from the nobody who made this series. All the people who are Asian offended by this show need to get their heads out of their "bums" and learn to laugh at jokes. That chicken can only cross so many roads and we laugh at certain things because they are true, I can laugh at other white people so you can laugh at other Asians as stereotypes exist for a reason. If I did the script it would never have made it to a family friendly network.
The cast like the episodes are hit and miss. Perhaps that is what Eddies family was really like but the father I wouldn't have hired Randall Park. I cannot take him seriously. Either he's a really good actor trying to be that goofy dad role or he's just terrible. The next character I don't like is Eddie. Yeah the series revolves around him. He can have his moments absolutely but the walking into the room with a "boom box" his grandmother plays and a bunch of stuff just make you want to hate him. He's like a chubby bitchy watered down fusion of Bart Simpson or Malcolm in the middle who likes Biggie and other popular rappers at the time. The only reason a lot of people probably watch this show is to see the mom. She doesn't take crap from anyone and is definitely the comic relief of the show as Eddie makes it so you can't watch more than one episode without turning it off. The stories and all were very tame, after episode one the show went down hill and was very hit and miss. The little brothers bring nothing to the story but just add banter to stretch out episodes. All in all it's like a slightly edgier sitcom that if it was any weaker in terms of what they do it would be on the Disney network. Mrs Browns boys is 10x funnier I found and expected way more out of this show, the only reason I'm checking out season 2 is I kind of hope it got better from the nobody who made this series. All the people who are Asian offended by this show need to get their heads out of their "bums" and learn to laugh at jokes. That chicken can only cross so many roads and we laugh at certain things because they are true, I can laugh at other white people so you can laugh at other Asians as stereotypes exist for a reason. If I did the script it would never have made it to a family friendly network.
Ended too soon
atdmv12 June 2021
Tired of watching them
gabfitz22 April 2022
In every episode, Jessica fully shows her Asian-Tiger-Mother paranoid, making a complete mess, but in the end she will "realise" the importance of family, friendship or something bla bla, with the help of Louis or Honey. But in the next episode, things repeat again, she will not to learn from the past. I rarely see her change during the four seasons (I watch 4 seasons in 2 weeks), it is such a pity to make Jessica an unchanging figure. I had thought I would endure her character flaws. I didn't give up until epi 15 s4, just like an eruption of all my anger towards her.
Why sell a show about Taïwanese characters and not knowing anything about Taïwan?
feantir28 March 2020
The show is not that bad : it's funny - sometimes at least.
It clearly should get some fresh jokes, because it's quite repetitive, but it's ok.
But how can you portray some Taïwanese characters and knowing nothing about Taïwan? The show keep presenting people talking about themselves as "chinese". Really? Are swe still living in a world where people mistake Taïwan for China?
Except for the few first seasons, when Eddie Huang was still participating, it's all wrong. They don't speak like taiwanese, they don't think like taiwanese, they don't eat like taïwanese (and if you know Taïwan, you know how that part is important).
it's like the show became a lie about Eddie Huang's life. A pure denial. The show is supposed to be about taiwanese people in USA, right? Well, it clearly is not.. :\
But how can you portray some Taïwanese characters and knowing nothing about Taïwan? The show keep presenting people talking about themselves as "chinese". Really? Are swe still living in a world where people mistake Taïwan for China?
Except for the few first seasons, when Eddie Huang was still participating, it's all wrong. They don't speak like taiwanese, they don't think like taiwanese, they don't eat like taïwanese (and if you know Taïwan, you know how that part is important).
it's like the show became a lie about Eddie Huang's life. A pure denial. The show is supposed to be about taiwanese people in USA, right? Well, it clearly is not.. :\
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