One of the best things aboutThe Big Sickis about howKumail Nanjianitells his immigrant story as an adult. He’s someone who has assimilated into America, but also has parents with a strong connection to their home country, and he’s a bit torn between the two. He, along with co-writer/wifeEmily V. Gordon, took that story and found a way to make it relatable to everyone, and now they’re turning their attention to the anthology series format.
THRreports that Nanjiani and Gordon have signed on to write an executive produce the half-hour anthology seriesLittle Americafor Apple’s upcoming streaming service. The Oscar-nominated screenwriters will be working alongsideLee Eisenberg(SMILF) andAlan Yang(Master of None). The series is described as “based on the true stories featured inEpic Magazine. It is described as a funny, romantic, heartfelt and inspiring look beyond the headlines at the lives of immigrants in America at a time when their stories are more relevant than ever.”
Although I still have plenty of questions about Apple’s upcoming streaming service, I love the idea behind this particular series. We’re in the middle of a serious discussion on immigration in this country, and art can transform opinions and views that have been entrenched by other narratives. Apple hasn’t picked up the show yet (if it moves forward, Eisenberg will be the showrunner), but I hope that the project moves forward.
Little Americajoins a slate of prestigious programs at Apple including an untitled drama fromLa La LandfilmmakerDamien Chazelle, an untitled comedy fromKristen Wiig,Are You SleepingstarringOctavia Spencer, a morning show drama starringJennifer AnistonandReese Witherspoon, a space drama fromBattlestar Galacticaco-creatorRon Moore, andSteven Knight’sSee. Again, there are lots of questions in how Apple will distribute their shows and the pricing involved, but hopefully we’ll at least get to seeLittle Americamake it through development.
