The multi-talented Awkwafina goes back to her roots on her new show “Awkwafina is Nora From Queens” - a semi-autobiographical comedy.
The rapper, comedian and actress plays a semi-fictionalised version of herself growing up in New York when she was still plain old Nora Lum.
Airing every Saturday at 10.30pm on Comedy Central, the half hour show is a coming of age story that unpacks the life of the Queens native and is based on real-life experiences that Awkwafina had as a child and as an adult.
Raised by her dad, (played by BD Wong) and grandmother, (played by Lori Tan Chinn), alongside her cousin Edmund, (played by Bowen Yang), Nora leans on her family as she navigates life as a perpetually jobless 27-year-old who lives at home.
The Golden Globe award winner is well known for her roles in “Oceans 8” and “Crazy Rich Asians”.
Awkwafina writes, produces, and stars in the 10 episode scripted comedy. The show is also directed by predominantly female and diverse directors.
The show breaks ground as one of the few shows with a strong Asian cast but shies away from depicting the usual Asian stereotypes.
The series zeroes in on cultural issues faced by Asian Americans and steps away from the stereotypical Asian American household by depicting a supporting and loving family.
Viewers can watch Nora gaining her financial independence, impulsively dying her hair after a fight with her dad, taking a trip with her grandmother to Atlantic City and moving to China and then back to Queens.
Catch “Awkwafina is Nora From Queens” every Saturday on Comedy Central at 10.30pm.