TV Series That Boosted Asian Representation Through Ensemble Casts

Over the past few decades, television has changed a lot, with a growing focus on genuine stories told from many different viewpoints. Asian characters are now much more than just supporting roles; they’re often the main characters in popular shows on both traditional networks and streaming services. These shows often feature diverse groups of characters and explore complex themes like family, cultural differences, and career goals. As a result, viewers can now enjoy a wide range of shows that showcase the diverse and vibrant experiences of Asian people around the world.

‘Fresh Off the Boat’ (2015–2020)

‘Fresh Off the Boat’ is a funny and heartwarming sitcom about the Huang family’s move from Washington D.C. to Orlando in the 1990s. It was a landmark show, being the first in two decades to center on an Asian-American family. Randall Park and Constance Wu star as parents navigating the challenges of raising kids who are becoming more American while trying to hold onto their own culture. The show skillfully combines humor with honest and touching moments about what it’s like to be an immigrant in the United States.

‘Kim’s Convenience’ (2016–2021)

‘Kim’s Convenience’ is a funny and touching Canadian sitcom that follows the Kim family as they run a convenience store in Toronto. The show became popular around the world because it realistically depicted the challenges faced by immigrant families and the differences between generations. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Jean Yoon give wonderful performances as the parents, who often struggle to understand their grown children. Ultimately, ‘Kim’s Convenience’ showed that stories about specific cultures can connect with everyone through relatable themes of family and loyalty.

‘Warrior’ (2019–2023)

Set in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the violent Tong Wars of the late 1800s, this dramatic series draws inspiration from the philosophy of Bruce Lee. ‘Warrior’ features a largely Asian cast and explores the intricate world of political maneuvering and ruthless gang battles. Led by Andrew Koji, the show breaks from traditional portrayals by presenting strong, independent characters. It offers a raw and powerful look at a little-known part of American history, seen through the exciting action of martial arts.

‘Shōgun’ (2024)

The new series ‘Shōgun’ is a historical drama based on James Clavell’s novel, but it offers a fresh take by focusing on the viewpoints of the Japanese characters during the feudal era. Hiroyuki Sanada leads a talented cast, with most of the dialogue spoken in Japanese. Critics have applauded the show’s accuracy and its decision to move away from telling the story solely through the eyes of a Western character. ‘Shōgun’ is being hailed as a benchmark for respectful and genuine portrayals of Asian history in Western productions.

‘Beef’ (2023)

This dark comedy follows two strangers whose lives become entangled after a simple road rage incident escalates into a full-blown feud. Featuring incredible performances from Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, the show delves into themes of hidden anger and the anxieties of being Asian-American. It also examines class and the challenges of achieving success today, all through the lens of realistically flawed characters who defy stereotypes.

‘Squid Game’ (2021– )

The South Korean series ‘Squid Game’ became a global hit by using a thrilling story about life-or-death games to comment on the problems with capitalism. The show follows a group of people from all walks of life, each struggling with difficult circumstances. Stars Lee Jung-jae and HoYeon Jung became internationally recognized for their powerful performances, exploring themes of survival and what it means to be human. ‘Squid Game’ proved that shows not originally made in English could become major international successes and spark global conversations.

‘Pachinko’ (2022– )

‘Pachinko’ is a multi-generational story following a Korean family who immigrates to a new country. The series beautifully portrays their hopes and struggles as it moves between Korea, Japan, and America, highlighting their strength in the face of historical challenges. Featuring both rising star Minha Kim and acclaimed actress Yuh-Jung Youn, the show boasts a powerful cast and is visually captivating, deeply exploring the lasting effects of colonization.

‘The Brothers Sun’ (2024)

‘The Brothers Sun’ is a funny and exciting show that blends intense gangster action with the everyday life of a family in Los Angeles. Michelle Yeoh plays a mother with a hidden past who must protect her unsuspecting son. The show is unique because it combines hard-hitting fight scenes with heartfelt family moments and comedy, offering a new perspective on gangster stories by focusing on the experiences of an immigrant family.

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023)

As a total movie and TV buff, I absolutely loved ‘Never Have I Ever’! It’s a coming-of-age comedy co-created by Mindy Kaling, and it really dives into the life of Devi Vishwakumar, a first-generation Indian-American teen. The show follows her through all the typical high school stuff – crushes, romance – but also deals with some heavier things like grief and the pressures of her culture. What I really appreciated was how specific and authentic it felt, especially with its portrayal of a modern South Asian family. It’s honestly one of the funniest and most relatable shows about being a teenager that I’ve seen in a long time.

‘American Born Chinese’ (2023)

This series, inspired by a graphic novel, tells the story of a typical teenager whose life crosses paths with characters from Chinese legends. Starring Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, the show reimagines these iconic figures in a contemporary world. It blends exciting action with a deeper look at what it means to find your identity and belong. ‘American Born Chinese’ is both a thrilling adventure and a powerful exploration of being Asian-American.

‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)

This funny and thought-provoking show boasts a talented cast, with especially memorable performances from Manny Jacinto and Jameela Jamil. Jacinto shines as Jason Mendoza, a charmingly clueless DJ from Florida who defies typical stereotypes. Jamil is hilarious as Tahani Al-Jamil, poking fun at the superficiality and pressure of high society. What’s great is that the show explores complex ethical questions while letting these characters develop beyond just their backgrounds.

‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022)

Sandra Oh stars in the thrilling series ‘Killing Eve’ as Eve Polastri, an intelligence officer who becomes fascinated with a highly-skilled female assassin. Critics praised Oh for bringing depth and humor to a genre often led by men. The show delves into the intricate and compelling psychological battle between these two women, and is credited with breathing new life into the spy thriller, while also establishing Oh as a leading dramatic actress.

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

The TV show ‘Lost’ was groundbreaking for its diverse cast, notably featuring Daniel Dae Kim and Yunjin Kim in prominent roles. Their characters, Jin and Sun, underwent a powerful transformation, moving from a distant, unhappy couple to deeply devoted partners. The show authentically portrayed their Korean heritage through significant amounts of Korean dialogue, presented with subtitles. ‘Lost’ helped open doors for other shows to confidently use subtitles and feature complex, well-developed Asian characters.

‘Hawaii Five-0’ (2010–2020)

I always loved watching ‘Hawaii Five-0’ because it felt so fresh and real. What really stood out to me was how it consistently featured strong Asian-American actors – Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park were fantastic as key members of the team, and they had such compelling personal stories alongside all the action. The show did a beautiful job of showcasing Hawaii’s unique culture, and it was amazing to see Asian actors regularly represented on network television. It wasn’t just about explosions and chases, though; the writers really built up the characters and often wove in elements of Hawaiian history and traditions, which I found really enriching.

‘Into the Badlands’ (2015–2019)

Daniel Wu stars in and helps create ‘Into the Badlands,’ a visually striking martial arts series set in a dangerous, post-apocalyptic world inspired by the classic story ‘Journey to the West.’ The show stands out for its diverse cast and its unique way of presenting action, bringing a cinematic feel to television. Wu plays a skilled warrior on a quest for inner peace in a harsh and violent land. ‘Into the Badlands’ was groundbreaking for its high-quality fight choreography and for putting an Asian actor in the leading role.

‘Dr. Ken’ (2015–2017)

I was so excited when Ken Jeong brought ‘Dr. Ken’ to TV! It’s hilarious because it’s based on his own life – he really was a doctor before becoming a comedian. The show follows a doctor who’s a bit of a mess, but he has a good heart, and it’s all about him juggling work and family. What I loved most is that it was a really funny show, but it also felt important because it showed an Asian-American family in a way we don’t often see on TV. It was a big step forward, and I really appreciated it.

‘The Mindy Project’ (2012–2017)

Mindy Kaling plays an OB/GYN who loves romantic comedies and pop culture in this show. It was notable for having a South Asian woman as the main character – someone who was both flawed, confident, and successful in love and her career. Kaling intentionally wrote the character to be imperfect and self-assured, breaking stereotypes about who typically gets to be the star of a romantic story.

‘Master of None’ (2015–2021)

As a total movie and TV fan, I really loved ‘Master of None’. Aziz Ansari co-created it, and it follows a struggling actor trying to make it in New York. What I thought was really cool was how it dealt with some important stuff – like being a person of color in Hollywood and the challenges of having immigrant parents – but with a really smart and funny approach. He even cast his actual parents in the show, which made it feel super genuine. Honestly, it’s one of the most cinematic and insightful shows I’ve seen about being a millennial Asian-American.

‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’ (2020– )

This comedy series, ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens,’ is inspired by Awkwafina’s own experiences growing up in Flushing, Queens. Awkwafina plays a fictionalized version of herself, and the show also stars BD Wong as her father and Lori Tan Chinn as her grandmother, creating a funny look at family life across different generations. The show is both unique to its New York setting and relatable in its portrayal of the challenges of being young. It’s a bright and funny example of Asian-American comedy.

‘Silicon Valley’ (2014–2019)

Kumail Nanjiani and Jimmy O. Yang were central to the humor in ‘Silicon Valley,’ a comedy that satirized the tech industry. Their characters, Dinesh and Jian-Yang, often clashed and concocted plans, creating some of the show’s funniest scenes. Importantly, the series gave them substantial roles that felt authentic to the tech world, rather than just making them minor characters. ‘Silicon Valley’ used its entire cast to playfully highlight the often ridiculous nature of startups.

‘Community’ (2009–2015)

The hilarious show ‘Community’ starred Ken Jeong as the eccentric Spanish teacher Señor Chang and Danny Pudi as Abed Nadir, a character known for his love of pop culture. Pudi’s portrayal of Abed was especially well-received, as he created a truly original character who broke social conventions and surprisingly became the emotional center of the study group. Jeong brought a wild, unpredictable energy that often moved the story in unexpected ways. The show’s success relied heavily on the strong connection between its diverse cast and their talent for clever, self-aware humor.

‘Superstore’ (2015–2021)

Nico Santos played Mateo Liwanag on ‘Superstore,’ a competitive and stylish employee at a large retail store. The show explored the important topic of undocumented immigration through Mateo’s story, handling it with both humor and thoughtfulness. Santos’s clever performance made Mateo a popular character with viewers. ‘Superstore’ was successful in portraying a realistic view of American workplaces and the diverse people who work there.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

As a huge ‘Glee’ fan, I always loved seeing Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Ushkowitz as Mike and Tina. They started as supporting characters, but their storylines really blossomed, especially when it came to exploring their passions for dance, song, and navigating relationships. It was amazing to watch them shine and perform for such a huge audience! Honestly, ‘Glee’ did so much to introduce a really diverse group of young performers to the world and get them the recognition they deserved.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020– )

I was completely captivated by the second season of Bridgerton, especially how it focused on the Sharma sisters, played by Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran. It was amazing to see Regency London reimagined with such diversity – finally, South Asian women got a chance to be the most sought-after ladies! Simone Ashley was fantastic as Kate Sharma; the chemistry between her and the main character was electric, and I loved how strong-willed she was. Honestly, Bridgerton really showed everyone that period dramas can be so much more exciting and relevant when they embrace inclusive casting.

‘Ms. Marvel’ (2022)

Okay, so I just finished watching ‘Ms. Marvel,’ and it was fantastic! Iman Vellani is incredible as Kamala Khan – a Pakistani-American teen who suddenly gets superpowers. But it’s way more than just a typical superhero story. It’s really grounded in the vibrant culture of Jersey City, and they even delve into the history of the Partition of India, which was super interesting. What I really loved was how realistically and warmly they portrayed the Khan family; it felt so authentic and I can see why it’s connecting with so many immigrant communities. Honestly, it brought a really fresh, youthful vibe to the whole superhero thing, and it was awesome to see South Asian heritage celebrated so beautifully.

‘Quantico’ (2015–2018)

Priyanka Chopra Jonas gained significant recognition for being the first South Asian actress to lead a major American TV drama. In ‘Quantico,’ she starred as Alex Parrish, a talented FBI trainee wrongly suspected of being involved in a terrorist plot. The show featured a group of diverse recruits, each with hidden pasts and personal goals. ‘Quantico’ proved Chopra Jonas’s talent for leading an exciting, action-packed thriller.

‘Elementary’ (2012–2019)

In the updated Sherlock Holmes series, ‘Elementary,’ Lucy Liu played Dr. Joan Watson, a smart and capable partner to Holmes, not just an assistant. The show, set in New York City, gave Watson her own career and personal life, allowing her to grow independently of the detective. By casting an Asian-American actress in the traditionally male role of Watson, ‘Elementary’ offered a fresh and modern take on the classic story.

‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ (2015–2019)

In the musical comedy ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,’ Vincent Rodriguez III played Josh Chan, the main character’s love interest. This was a significant step forward, as it was unusual at the time to see an Asian-American man cast as a leading romantic figure. The show also stood out for its large Filipino-American family, which realistically portrayed their traditions and celebrations. ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ cleverly challenged typical romantic comedy storylines while also increasing Filipino representation on television.

‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)

Jessie Mei Li plays Alina Starkov, a mapmaker who unexpectedly finds she has a powerful ability that could help her country, which is struggling with war. Choosing an actress of mixed race brought extra meaning to Alina’s feelings of being different. Amita Suman is also excellent as Inej Ghafa, a talented spy who always tries to do what’s right. The show ‘Shadow and Bone’ seamlessly included diverse actors as part of its fantastical world.

‘3 Body Problem’ (2024– )

‘3 Body Problem’ is a large-scale science fiction story about humanity’s first encounter with aliens. The show features an international cast – including Benedict Wong, Jess Hong, and Zine Tseng – and draws heavily from the history of China’s Cultural Revolution and its impact on science. The actors give compelling performances as they portray characters across multiple time periods and dimensions. This adaptation brings a celebrated work of Asian science fiction to a wider Western audience with impressive visuals and production quality.

‘The Sympathizer’ (2024)

Hoa Xuande plays the lead role of the Captain, a spy who is both French and Vietnamese and works for the communist side during the last part of the Vietnam War. The show is a funny and exciting take on what it means to have a split identity and the world of spying, told from a viewpoint that’s uncommon in Western movies and TV. With a cast made up mostly of Vietnamese actors, ‘The Sympathizer’ tells the story of the war and what happened afterward from their perspective. It’s a thought-provoking and visually striking show that explores the idea of having two sides to everything.

‘Kung Fu’ (2021–2023)

Olivia Liang stars in this new take on ‘Kung Fu’ as Nicky Shen, a skilled martial artist dedicated to protecting her neighborhood. The show centers around the Shen family – their relationships, and their experiences as Chinese-Americans. It’s a mix of action, crime-solving, family life, and supernatural events. ‘Kung Fu’ features a diverse cast of Asian actors telling a story about fighting for what’s right and building a strong community.

‘PEN15’ (2019–2021)

Maya Erskine created and stars in ‘PEN15,’ a funny and often uncomfortable comedy series. She plays a thirteen-year-old version of herself, and the show realistically depicts the challenges of middle school, especially as a mixed-race Japanese-American teenager. Erskine’s performance is both bold and relatable, and the show has been praised for its original idea and honest depiction of female friendships and growing up.

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ (2022– )

Lola Tung plays Belly in this sweet and romantic series about a summer love triangle and a blended family. What makes the show special is how it portrays Belly’s Asian-American identity as just a normal part of who she is, not something that drives the story. Many viewers have praised it for giving Asian teens the kind of dreamy romance usually seen with white characters. ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ is a popular show that’s helping to make young adult romance more diverse and inclusive.

‘XO, Kitty’ (2023– )

‘XO, Kitty’ is a spin-off of the popular ‘To All the Boys’ movies, following the youngest Covey sister as she goes to boarding school in Seoul, Korea. Starring Anna Cathcart alongside Korean actors, the show blends American and Korean teen drama styles. It centers on her journey to learn about her mother’s Korean heritage and is a sweet example of how stories are becoming more global for young viewers.

‘Ghosts’ (2021– )

Utkarsh Ambudkar stars as Jay, a regular guy who moves into a haunted house with his wife, who can see ghosts. Jay is a kind, slightly geeky character who enthusiastically supports his wife even though he can’t see the ghosts himself. The show avoids typical tropes by portraying him as a genuinely caring and passionate person. His perspective as someone unaware of the supernatural is a key source of humor throughout the series.

‘Sense8’ (2015–2018)

This science fiction series centers on eight people from different countries who develop a powerful mental and emotional connection with each other. The show stars Doona Bae as a Korean businesswoman and fighter, and Tina Desai as a scientist based in Mumbai. Filmed on location in both Korea and India, ‘Sense8’ was praised for authentically portraying different cultures. At its heart, the series celebrates global diversity and the idea that we’re all connected.

‘Heroes’ (2006–2010)

Masi Oka gained widespread recognition playing Hiro Nakamura, a cheerful and heroic office worker from Japan who unexpectedly develops the power to control time. His story, which included significant Japanese dialogue and followed his move from Tokyo to the United States, was a fan favorite. ‘Heroes’ was notable for its diverse cast and international scope, making it a pioneering example of a global superhero team.

‘Tokyo Vice’ (2022–2024)

‘Tokyo Vice’ is a crime drama that follows an American journalist as he explores the dark, vibrant side of Tokyo. Featuring strong performances from Ken Watanabe and Rinko Kikuchi, the show delves into the intricate world of the yakuza and the media. Filmed entirely in Tokyo, the city isn’t just a backdrop – it’s a key part of the story, adding to the show’s realistic and immersive portrayal of Japanese crime.

‘Alice in Borderland’ (2020– )

‘Alice in Borderland’ is a thrilling Japanese series starring Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya. It follows a group of people stranded in a deserted Tokyo who must compete in deadly games to survive. The show quickly became popular worldwide on streaming services thanks to its intense suspense and intricate mind games. It’s a great example of the quality and creativity coming from Japanese entertainment, and demonstrates that exciting, imaginative sci-fi stories can appeal to audiences everywhere.

‘Kingdom’ (2019– )

Kingdom is a South Korean show that uniquely combines a historical political drama with the thrilling horror of a zombie outbreak. Starring Ju Ji-hoon and Bae Doona, the story follows a crown prince as he battles a strange disease that’s spreading across the kingdom. The series is famous for its stunning visuals and exciting, action-packed scenes with zombies. It’s been praised for bringing a fresh take to the zombie genre by adding historical elements and martial arts action.

‘The Cleaning Lady’ (2022– )

Élodie Yung plays Thony De La Rosa, a doctor from Cambodia and the Philippines who starts cleaning for criminals to get the money her sick son needs. The show highlights the struggles of undocumented immigrants and how far a mother will go to protect her child. It also features a diverse group of actors representing the often-overlooked workers in America. ‘The Cleaning Lady’ blends the excitement of a crime thriller with thoughtful observations about society.

‘One Piece’ (2023– )

The new live-action series, based on the popular manga, stars Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, the skilled swordsman from the Straw Hat Pirates. He perfectly embodies the character’s calm and cool personality from the anime, and his physical performance is outstanding. The show does a great job of bringing the fun and unique world of the original story to a wider audience. With its engaging and memorable characters, ‘One Piece’ has raised the standard for live-action anime adaptations.

‘House of Ninjas’ (2024)

‘House of Ninjas’ is a Japanese series about the Tawara family, one of the last remaining ninja clans. They’re forced to reconnect with their ninja heritage when a new danger arises. The show combines the excitement of classic ninja action with the relatable struggles of a modern family, exploring themes of tradition versus the desire for an ordinary life. It’s a fresh, stylish reimagining of ninja stories.

‘Marco Polo’ (2014–2016)

Benedict Wong shines as Kublai Khan in this historical drama, which tells the story of Marco Polo’s adventures in the Mongol Empire. The show was known for its lavish sets and costumes, bringing the 13th-century royal court to life. Notably, ‘Marco Polo’ offered significant roles to Asian actors in a large-scale Western production, and is especially remembered for Wong’s strong performance and its beautiful depiction of Eastern culture.

‘Sullivan & Son’ (2012–2014)

In the sitcom ‘Sullivan & Son,’ Steve Byrne plays a lawyer who leaves his corporate job to run the bar his parents owned in Pittsburgh. The show centers around a biracial main character and the complexities of a Korean-Irish family. Jodi Long shines as the witty and outspoken mother, frequently delivering hilarious and direct lines. ‘Sullivan & Son’ provided a relatable look at what it’s like to be Asian-American and come from a working-class background.

‘All-American Girl’ (1994–1995)

Margaret Cho’s sitcom ‘All-American Girl’ told the story of a spirited Korean-American young woman and her family. Though it only lasted one season, the show was groundbreaking as the first primetime sitcom to focus on an Asian-American family. It helped open doors for more diverse stories and authentic representation on television and remains an important moment in the history of television diversity.

‘Mo’ (2022– )

This series, created by and starring comedian Mo Amer, follows a Palestinian refugee trying to build a life in Houston. The show realistically portrays the challenges of seeking asylum and the everyday struggles of living without citizenship. It offers a fresh and important look at the experiences of West Asian and Arab-American communities, blending both funny and emotional moments to tell a very personal story about being displaced from home.

Let us know which series from this list are your favorites, and feel free to mention any other great shows we haven’t included in the comments below!

2026-01-23 14:21