Just over a week ago, producers of the Canadian family sitcom Kim’s Convenience announced that the currently airing fifth season of the show would be the last. I’ve watched all episodes to date since its premier in 2016 and have been a fan ever since. Judging from the online response from other fans, I’m not the only one who’s upset to hear about the show getting cancelled.
Kim’s Convenience is about a Korean immigrant couple who runs a convenience store in Toronto with their two Canadian-born kids. The show often highlights how the parents find ways to navigate generational differences between them and their children. It’s a classic, feel-good and lighthearted sitcom that was great in many ways. Mainly, it was a hallmark series that highlighted the Asian immigrant storyline full of struggles and accomplishments. Fans love the comedy series because it aimed to showcase Canada’s multiculturalism and portrayed a typical Asian immigrant family that lived down the street.
Not to mention, Kim’s Convenience was the first Canadian TV show that featured an all-Asian lead cast – a high achievement and one that not only Asian fans appreciated and supported. And unlike many other mainstream shows, Kim’s Convenience featured a regular group of other BIPOC characters who recurringly made appearances as the convenience store’s customers. Amongst these customers featured characters from many underrepresented groups within media, including religious groups and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The show doesn’t shy away from discussing uncomfortable topics, and screenwriters do a commendable job of turning a situation into a learning experience for the characters while still keeping the narrative lighthearted and comedic.
As with any show with a loyal fanbase, cancellations are always upsetting. But most of the time, TV shows are cancelled by the network and not by the producers themselves. Kim’s Convenience was renewed and scheduled to air for the sixth season, but the producers decided to end the series abruptly and move on to other projects. Actors, including Simu Liu, went on social media to express their disappointment with the producers’ decision and the lack of a formal ending that he felt the fans deserved.
Even though fans are upset about the cancellation, there are still many exciting and upcoming projects featuring our favourite cast members. Most notably, Simu Liu, who portrays Jung Kim in the series, will soon become the first Asian actor to lead a Marvel Studios film as the superhero Shang-Chi. I know I’m not the only one waiting to see the other cast members featured in another project.
Kim’s Convenience was an accurate and lighthearted depiction of multiculturalism within Canada, the Asian-Canadian immigrant experience and the generational differences within families. Not only was this a win for underrepresented groups, but also what the fans will miss the most when the show ends. Since its premiere in 2016, Kim’s Convenience has shown us that it’s possible to represent different groups without making it feel as if a BIPOC character was included just for the sake of having diversity. I hope Kim’s Convenience will pave the way for future media to be inclusive but for now, okay, see you!