There are a few funny moments, but predictably, as with so many previous minority-themed sitcoms, the unimaginative writers resort to stereotypes, both old (Asians good at math, perpetual foreigners with accents) and new (nazi-like Asian tiger moms, greedy tightwads, desperate need to be validated by "white people") for most of the humor, with the cast's Asian-ness (i.e. otherness) being the butt of the jokes.
In this case, ABC has hired Natchaka Khan (sp), a woman of Iranian descent, to write from the perspective of a Chinese-American family. Perhaps the dunderheads at ABC think all minority experiences are alike and that one person of color can write for all others. Ms. Khan has formerly written for shows like "Don't Trust the B in Apt. 23", which was hardly sensitive to minorities and regularly included offensive racial humor directed at Asians and other groups. If you're going to produce a minority-themed show, I think it's just common sense to include individuals from that particular minority among the chief writers, for more authenticity that will resonate with audiences. Perhaps Ms. Khan was hired partly because it'll allow the network to claim "hey the show was written by a minority" if the show comes under criticism.
On a positive note, the cast members are very good and as the characters are developing nicely with each new episode. Early ratings are respectable (though declining) and hopefully the show will be given a chance, unlike the recent "Selfie" (starring John Cho) which was pulled after just a few episodes. As long as the writers don't blow it by alienating Asian audiences (which I read was a main factor causing the last AA sitcom, "All American Girl" to flop 20 years ago), I think it stands a decent chance.
In this case, ABC has hired Natchaka Khan (sp), a woman of Iranian descent, to write from the perspective of a Chinese-American family. Perhaps the dunderheads at ABC think all minority experiences are alike and that one person of color can write for all others. Ms. Khan has formerly written for shows like "Don't Trust the B in Apt. 23", which was hardly sensitive to minorities and regularly included offensive racial humor directed at Asians and other groups. If you're going to produce a minority-themed show, I think it's just common sense to include individuals from that particular minority among the chief writers, for more authenticity that will resonate with audiences. Perhaps Ms. Khan was hired partly because it'll allow the network to claim "hey the show was written by a minority" if the show comes under criticism.
On a positive note, the cast members are very good and as the characters are developing nicely with each new episode. Early ratings are respectable (though declining) and hopefully the show will be given a chance, unlike the recent "Selfie" (starring John Cho) which was pulled after just a few episodes. As long as the writers don't blow it by alienating Asian audiences (which I read was a main factor causing the last AA sitcom, "All American Girl" to flop 20 years ago), I think it stands a decent chance.