Breaking News for comedy lovers! There is a new sitcom that might just tickle your fancy.
First Gen is a new family play written by comedian Yvonne Orji who also starred in the program. The sitcom centers on the main character, Joanna- a first generation Nigerian-American- who trades in a stable career in medicine, for the uncertainties of stand-up comedy. The story gets both hilarious and complicated when her traditional immigrant parents discover her plans.
“First Gen” is a sit-com in development, which, judging from the trailer below, could have the potential to be a real hit. The creation of three first generation women Nigerian-Americans, the show aims to give a satirical view of the complicated joys of being someone of their background.
As the protagonist of the show, Yvonne, who plays the role of Joanna, takes us through her journey of self-discovery as she abandons her medical career to pursue her real passion: stand-up comedy. After getting her college degree in sociology and a Master’s in Public Health with the intention of heading for medical school, Ms. Orji decided to do what she really wanted to do, and moved to New York to pursue a career as an actress and a stand-up comic.
Chika Chukudebelu, who is a creative executive at BET, will be the executive producer while Kay Oyegun, is the producer. The show aims not only to satirize the dynamics of a black immigrant family in the U.S., but also to shatter told stereotypes and images.
According to the show’s organizers: “An interesting shift is occurring where kids of immigrant parents are growing up and discovering America for themselves; not solely through the lens of their parents. This opens up a whole new world of opportunities. Until First Gen, we haven’t seen Africans portrayed in mainstream media as regular, everyday people. They’re usually warlords, cab drivers or fleeing genocide. The African immigrant story in America is so much richer than that. The success of entertainers like Lupita Nyong’o David Oyelowo, and Uzo Aduba suggests that mainstream America is ready to tune into a series like ‘First Gen’.”
They also note that the show is aimed for audiences who have made shows such as “Black-ish,” “Jane the Virgin” and “Fresh off the Boat,” hit shows, and will be “relatable to a wide audience. On camera, you will see a Nigerian-American family, but the themes of self-discovery and taking leaps of faith, are all universal. Nigerians make up the largest percentage of African Immigrants in America, so most Americans know a Nigerian or know someone who knows a Nigerian.
You can watch the trailer HERE
