TV Shows Exploring Immigrant Experiences Through Multiple Generations

Television now plays a key role in sharing stories that connect people from different cultures and shed light on what it’s like to be an immigrant. These shows, ranging from funny to serious, explore how immigrant families adjust to new lives over time. We see them trying to hold onto their traditions while also facing the challenges of fitting in and figuring out who they are. The programs below offer a deep look into the experiences of immigrants and their children.

‘Pachinko’ (2022–Present)

‘Pachinko’ is a multi-generational story following a Korean family who immigrates to Japan in the early 1900s. It begins with a young woman, Sunja, and shows how decisions made by her and other ancestors continue to affect their descendants. The story powerfully illustrates the lasting effects of colonialism and being forced to leave one’s home on a family’s sense of self.

‘Fresh Off the Boat’ (2015–2020)

‘Fresh Off the Boat’ is a 1990s sitcom about the Huang family moving from Washington D.C. to Orlando. The show follows Eddie Huang as he deals with middle school, while his father tries to achieve success by opening a steakhouse. Meanwhile, his mother works to preserve their Taiwanese traditions as the family adjusts to suburban life. The show uses comedy to explore the challenges faced by immigrant parents and their American-born children.

‘Jane the Virgin’ (2014–2019)

This heartwarming show, inspired by telenovelas, focuses on three generations of Villanueva women sharing a home. Jane, a young American writer, navigates life while honoring the traditions of her Venezuelan grandmother, Alba. Her mother, Xo, often finds herself connecting those traditions with a more modern, free-spirited lifestyle. The series beautifully explores how family secrets and cultural expectations impact the relationships between mothers and daughters.

‘Kim’s Convenience’ (2016–2021)

As a total film and TV buff, I recently discovered ‘Kim’s Convenience,’ and it’s really stuck with me. It centers around the Kim family, who run a little convenience store in Toronto, but it’s so much more than that. It beautifully portrays the challenges faced by immigrant parents trying to connect with their kids who were raised in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Kim are deeply rooted in their Korean traditions, and that sometimes leads to funny, but also poignant, clashes with how their children, Janet and Jung, see the world. At its heart, the show is about the sacrifices parents make for their kids and how humor can blossom from those differences in culture and perspective. It’s a really heartwarming and relatable watch.

‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)

This updated version of the beloved sitcom follows the Alvarez family, Cuban-Americans living in Los Angeles. Penelope, a former military member and single mom, is raising her two teenage children with the help of her very traditional mother, Lydia. The show honestly portrays challenges like immigration and mental health, looking at them through the experiences of different generations. ‘One Day at a Time’ highlights how important family support is for those balancing two cultures.

‘Ramy’ (2019–Present)

Ramy Hassan, an Egyptian-American whose parents immigrated to the US, is exploring his faith and place in the world. He lives in a New Jersey town where people have very different beliefs, and he feels pulled between the traditional values of his Muslim community and the more carefree attitudes of his millennial peers. The show looks at the difficulties immigrant parents face when they worry their children are losing touch with their religious roots. ‘Ramy’ thoughtfully explores the struggle of figuring out who you are and what you believe.

‘Master of None’ (2015–2021)

Dev Shah is a first-generation Indian-American growing up in New York City. The show delves into his parents’ story of immigrating to America and highlights the contrast between their hardships and the challenges Dev faces. Throughout the series, Dev comes to understand and value the sacrifices his parents made so he could have a better life.

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023)

‘Never Have I Ever’ follows Devi Vishwakumar, an Indian-American teenager navigating life after her father’s death. Her mom, Nalini, is trying her best to raise Devi while also holding onto their family’s culture in Southern California. The show explores the challenges that arise when a mother wants to preserve her traditions and a daughter just wants to be like everyone else. It’s a funny and relatable story about dealing with loss and the ups and downs of being a high schooler.

‘Ugly Betty’ (2006–2010)

Betty Suarez gets a job at a high-fashion magazine in Manhattan, even though she doesn’t fit the usual image of someone who works in that industry. She lives in Queens with her dad, sister, and nephew, and her family keeps her grounded as she deals with the often shallow world of fashion, where people frequently underestimate her. ‘Ugly Betty’ is a show that highlights the power and support found within a loving Mexican-American family.

‘Gentefied’ (2020–2021)

‘Gentefied’ follows three cousins who team up to keep their grandfather’s taco shop afloat in a changing Los Angeles neighborhood. As the area gentrifies, they struggle to balance their own dreams with the need to support their family and community. The show highlights the tension between progress and preserving culture, and explores what it truly means to achieve success while staying true to your roots.

‘Vida’ (2018–2020)

Following their mother’s death, two sisters who have grown apart return to their childhood home in East Los Angeles. As they sort through her belongings and decide what to do with the family bar, they’re forced to face painful truths about their mother and their own history. The show, ‘Vida,’ explores the lives of ‘chipsters’ – people with both Latinx heritage and hipster culture – and the conflicts that arise between those who leave their communities and those who remain. It also examines the lasting impact of trauma across generations and the nuances of Latinx identity.

‘Little America’ (2020–Present)

‘Little America’ is a series of heartwarming and humorous true stories about immigrants and their experiences in America. Each episode tells a different person’s journey to find their place and achieve their dreams, showing that the need for connection and success is something we all share, no matter where we come from. The show puts a personal face on the often-abstract topic of immigration by sharing intimate and relatable stories.

‘Warrior’ (2019–2023)

Set in San Francisco during the violent Tong Wars of the late 1800s, ‘Warrior’ tells the story of Ah Sahm, a highly skilled martial artist who comes to America from China. He ends up working as an enforcer for a powerful criminal family in Chinatown. The series vividly portrays both the harsh racism faced by Chinese immigrants at the time and the complex power struggles within their own community. ‘Warrior’ combines historical detail with intense action to offer a fresh take on the immigrant experience.

‘Ms. Marvel’ (2022)

Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teen living in Jersey City, unexpectedly gains superpowers. Her story is closely tied to her family’s past and the painful history of the Partition of India. The show uses the superhero format to examine family secrets passed down through generations and the universal desire to find where you belong. ‘Ms. Marvel’ highlights cultural background as something to be proud of and draw strength from, rather than a weight to carry.

‘Gordita Chronicles’ (2022)

‘Gordita Chronicles’ tells the story of a reporter reflecting on her family’s move from the Dominican Republic to Miami in the 1980s. It follows young Cucu Castelli as she navigates a new school and life in America, while her father chases his dreams. The series beautifully portrays the lively culture of Miami and the unique struggles faced by Caribbean immigrants, offering a heartwarming and nostalgic look at the strength it takes to rebuild a life in a new country.

‘American Born Chinese’ (2023)

Jin Wang is a typical high schooler trying to balance friends, family, and everyday life. But things get complicated when he meets a new student and finds himself caught up in a conflict between ancient Chinese gods. The story uses fantastical elements to explore the experience of feeling torn between two cultures, and specifically tackles the challenges of accepting who you are while facing prejudice and stereotypes in ‘American Born Chinese’.

‘Beef’ (2023)

“Beef” tells the story of a simple road rage encounter that spirals out of control, deeply impacting the lives of two strangers. Danny Cho is a contractor facing hardship and family pressure, and Amy Lau is a successful businesswoman. The series delves into the unique stresses and hidden frustrations experienced by Asian Americans, and how the expectations of previous generations can lead to damaging patterns of behavior in adulthood.

‘Mo’ (2022–Present)

Mo Najjar navigates life as a Palestinian refugee in Houston, blending two cultures and speaking three languages. While seeking asylum and U.S. citizenship, he works to financially support his mother and brother. The series ‘Mo’ uses both humor and honesty to portray the difficulties of the American immigration system, offering a unique look at what it means to be stateless in the country.

‘The Sympathizer’ (2024)

‘The Sympathizer’ tells the story of a double agent—born to a French mother and Vietnamese father—who is caught between sides during and after the Vietnam War. Following the war’s end, he’s forced into exile and finds himself among a Vietnamese refugee community in Los Angeles. This darkly funny and thrilling series explores themes of identity, loyalty, and what it means to adapt to a new culture, offering a nuanced portrayal of the war’s impact on those who were forced to leave their homes.

‘Small Axe’ (2020)

Steve McQueen’s ‘Small Axe’ is a series of films that share the stories of West Indian immigrants living in London between the 1960s and 1980s. Each film focuses on a different way the community overcame racism and celebrates their culture, including their music, food, and political activism. The series serves as an important record of the Caribbean immigrant experience in Britain.

‘We Are Lady Parts’ (2021–Present)

A London-based all-female Muslim punk band takes on stereotypes by combining music and comedy. They unexpectedly enlist a shy Ph.D. student as their guitarist. The show follows each band member as they balance their artistic passions with family and cultural expectations. ‘We Are Lady Parts’ is a fun and spirited story about finding your voice and being true to yourself.

‘Citizen Khan’ (2012–2016)

Mr. Khan, a man who sees himself as a leader in Birmingham’s Sparkhill neighborhood, is always looking for ways to boost his own importance. The show follows his life with his patient wife and two daughters, and playfully explores themes common in British Pakistani communities, like the differences between generations. ‘Citizen Khan’ is a funny look at the universal desire to be seen as respectable.

‘George Lopez’ (2002–2007)

This comedy series stars George Lopez playing a fictionalized version of himself, who runs a factory that makes airplane parts. The show focuses on his life with his somewhat irresponsible mother, Benny, and his efforts to be a good father to his two children – aiming to do a better job than he had growing up. ‘George Lopez’ realistically portrays the everyday experiences of a working-class Mexican-American family living in Los Angeles, and uses humor to explore serious themes like the effects of being abandoned and the impact of trauma passed down through generations.

‘Cristela’ (2014–2015)

Cristela is a Mexican-American law student navigating life while living with her sister and brother-in-law. The show follows her as she balances her career goals with her family’s more traditional expectations about work and relationships. It explores the challenges of moving from a working-class background to pursuing a professional career, and the pressures of being the first in her family to go to college.

‘Lopez vs Lopez’ (2022–Present)

‘Lopez vs Lopez’ follows a working-class father who moves in with his Gen Z daughter, leading to honest conversations about their history and how they relate to each other. Inspired by the real relationship between George Lopez and his daughter Mayan, the show explores their different approaches to parenting and expressing feelings. At its heart, ‘Lopez vs Lopez’ is about a Latino family working to overcome unhealthy patterns from the past.

‘Mixed-ish’ (2019–2021)

‘Mixed-ish’ tells the story of Rainbow Johnson’s childhood in the 1980s. The show follows her family as they transition from a free-spirited commune to a more conventional suburban life. As Rainbow and her siblings navigate school and try to find their place, the series highlights the unique experiences and difficulties of growing up biracial in a time when people were very focused on fitting into categories. It explores what it was like to be different and find your identity when society wasn’t always accepting.

‘The Family Law’ (2016–2019)

I absolutely loved this series! It’s based on Benjamin Law’s own life story, and it really drew me in. It’s set in Queensland during a scorching summer and follows a Chinese-Australian family. You see everything through the eyes of young Benjamin, who’s fourteen and dreaming big, but also dealing with his parents’ marriage falling apart. What struck me most was how honestly it portrayed both the cringey parts of being a teenager and the unique, funny, and sometimes challenging experiences of growing up in an immigrant family. It’s a genuinely funny and touching comedy about divorce and finding your way.

‘Party of Five’ (2020)

After their parents are unexpectedly deported to Mexico, the Acosta children are left to fend for themselves. Emilio, the oldest brother, puts his dreams of a music career on hold to become the legal guardian of his younger siblings. This new version of ‘Party of Five’ focuses on the immediate impact of immigration policies, offering a moving portrayal of family separation and the strength it takes to overcome it.

‘Unorthodox’ (2020)

Esty Shapiro escapes a planned marriage and the strict religious community she grew up in, leaving Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for a fresh start in Berlin. As she discovers a more open and independent life, she worries about her past being revealed. The series highlights the differences between the close-knit traditions of her upbringing and the freedoms and challenges of modern life, showing Esty’s powerful journey of both physical and emotional change.

‘1899’ (2022)

Passengers on a ship lost at sea face a terrifying mystery. These immigrants, traveling from Europe to America, come from many different backgrounds and speak different languages, but they all share a dream of a better life. The series, framed as a science fiction mystery, delves into the anxieties and aspirations of those who choose to migrate, particularly highlighting the challenges of communication when people from diverse cultures come together. ‘1899’ powerfully illustrates these communication hurdles.

‘Lupin’ (2021–Present)

Assane Diop uses the character of Arsène Lupin as inspiration to get revenge for his father’s wrongful imprisonment. Through flashbacks, we learn about his father’s life as an immigrant from Senegal, working for a rich French family. The series blends exciting heist elements with important observations about class and racial inequality, particularly how those who serve the wealthy are often overlooked and ignored.

‘Dr. Ken’ (2015–2017)

Dr. Ken is a funny sitcom about a skilled doctor who struggles to juggle his successful career with the everyday craziness of family life. He often clashes with his wife, who is a therapist, and his kids, who are more adapted to American culture. Adding to the mix are Ken’s parents, who bring their own old-fashioned ideas and a lot of humor. The show focuses on the funny conflicts that arise when work and family collide.

‘Primo’ (2023–Present)

‘Primo’ follows Rafa, a San Antonio teen, as he navigates his dreams for the future while dealing with the strong opinions of his five uncles. His mom, Drea, does her best to support him and manage her lively brothers. The show is a heartwarming and funny coming-of-age story that highlights the unique experience of being raised by a big, loving Latino family, and it finds comedy in the often-conflicting advice Rafa receives.

‘Neon’ (2023)

‘Neon’ follows three friends who leave their small Florida town for Miami, chasing their dreams of becoming reggaeton stars. The series shows the challenges they face in the competitive music industry while staying connected to their heritage. It’s a vibrant story about ambition, hard work, and the dedication it takes to succeed in a genre with strong cultural roots.

‘On My Block’ (2018–2021)

‘On My Block’ follows a close-knit group of clever and resourceful friends growing up in the tough neighborhood of Freeridge. The show realistically portrays the challenges of gang violence and the fear of deportation, all while exploring the everyday issues of teenage love and drama. These characters lean on their unique backgrounds and strong bonds to get through life. The series combines humor and heartbreak to offer a genuine look at life in an inner-city community.

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

The Sopranos follows Tony Soprano as he juggles the pressures of leading a criminal organization with his responsibilities as a father and husband. The show offers a detailed look at the lives of Italian-Americans, and how traditional ways of life are fading away. Tony’s kids, Meadow and AJ, represent a new generation who are disconnected from the hardships faced by their immigrant grandparents. Ultimately, the series presents a critical and often bleak perspective on the idea of the American Dream.

‘Superstore’ (2015–2021)

The TV show ‘Superstore’ follows the everyday lives of employees at a large retail store in St. Louis. One character, Mateo Liwanag, faces the serious challenge of being an undocumented immigrant, and the show realistically portrays his fear of deportation and the difficulties of navigating the legal system. Through Mateo, ‘Superstore’ brings a human side to the often-overlooked experiences of undocumented individuals.

‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)

The series follows the lives of a diverse group of women in prison, many with immigrant backgrounds. As the show progresses, it increasingly focuses on the unfair practices within immigration detention centers and the difficulties of deportation. It powerfully shares the emotional stories of families torn apart by the legal system, exposing the often-hidden realities of immigration enforcement.

‘Acapulco’ (2021–Present)

‘Acapulco’ tells the story of a now-successful man looking back on his youth. As a young man in the 1980s, Maximo worked hard at a lively resort in Acapulco, Mexico, hoping to help his mother and win over the girl he loved. The show playfully contrasts his current life in America with the vibrant culture of his past, exploring themes of ambition and staying true to your roots. It’s a funny and heartwarming comedy told in both English and Spanish.

‘This Fool’ (2022–2023)

‘This Fool’ follows Julio Lopez, a 30-year-old who lives with his family and works to help people leave gang life. His life gets complicated when his cousin, Luis, a former gang member just out of prison, comes to live with them. The show is a funny and visually engaging look at how family members navigate different choices and try to rebuild their lives in South Central Los Angeles, while also touching on issues of class and recovery.

‘Sort Of’ (2021–2023)

Sabi Mehboob is a young, gender-fluid person navigating life as a bartender, caretaker, and child of Pakistani immigrants. The show follows Sabi’s relationship with their mother, who has a hard time understanding their identity, leading to both conflict and heartfelt connection. ‘Sort Of’ delves into the complexities of being queer and having a strong cultural background, and it questions the labels we use for ourselves and those others put on us.

‘Run the Burbs’ (2022–Present)

‘Run the Burbs’ follows the Pham family – a vibrant, young Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family – as they embrace a lively and unconventional lifestyle in the suburbs. They bring a lot of energy and personality to their neighborhood, challenging typical suburban norms. The show highlights what it’s like for a modern immigrant family that’s successfully built a life while still proudly maintaining its cultural identity, and celebrates the evolving landscape of suburban communities.

‘All-American Girl’ (1994–1995)

‘All-American Girl’ centers around Margaret Kim, a college student who frequently butts heads with her traditionally-minded Korean mother. The sitcom was groundbreaking for having an entirely Asian American cast, and it realistically portrays the challenges of navigating American life while upholding family expectations and cultural heritage. It broke new ground and inspired other shows to explore similar stories.

‘The Mindy Project’ (2012–2017)

Mindy Lahiri is a talented doctor who loves romantic comedies and is fascinated by pop culture. The show, mostly a funny look at her work life and love interests, also explores her family relationships as a first-generation American. Throughout the series, Mindy balances her career with the expectations to find a long-term partner. ‘The Mindy Project’ features a character who is both successful and realistically flawed.

Tell us which series resonated most with your personal family history in the comments.

2026-01-26 04:24