TV Shows Exploring Immigrant Experiences Through Multiple Generations

Television has become a vital medium for storytelling that bridges cultural divides and highlights the complexities of the immigrant experience. These series traverse genres from comedy to drama while examining how families adapt to new environments across multiple generations. Viewers witness the struggle to preserve heritage while navigating the pressures of assimilation and identity. The following shows offer profound insights into the journeys of immigrants and their descendants.

‘Pachinko’ (2022–Present)

This sweeping saga chronicles the hopes and dreams of a Korean immigrant family across four generations. The story begins in the early 1900s with a young woman named Sunja who leaves her homeland for Japan. ‘Pachinko’ deftly navigates timelines to show how the choices of ancestors ripple through the lives of their grandchildren. The series portrays the enduring impact of colonization and displacement on personal identity.

‘Fresh Off the Boat’ (2015–2020)

Set in the 1990s, this sitcom follows the Huang family as they relocate from Washington D.C. to Orlando, Florida. Eddie Huang attempts to navigate middle school while his father chases the American Dream by opening a steakhouse. His mother struggles to maintain their Taiwanese heritage amidst a culture of suburban assimilation. ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ uses humor to address the friction between first-generation parents and their acculturated children.

‘Jane the Virgin’ (2014–2019)

The Villanueva women form the heart of this telenovela-inspired dramedy that centers on three distinct generations living under one roof. Jane balances her life as a young American writer with the traditional values of her Venezuelan grandmother Alba. Her mother Xo often acts as the bridge between old customs and modern spontaneity. ‘Jane the Virgin’ highlights how family secrets and cultural expectations shape the bond between mothers and daughters.

‘Kim’s Convenience’ (2016–2021)

The Kim family runs a convenience store in Toronto while dealing with the generational gap between the immigrant parents and their Canadian-born children. Mr. and Mrs. Kim hold tight to their Korean values and often clash with the modern lifestyles of Janet and Jung. The show explores the sacrifices parents make to provide a foundation for their offspring. ‘Kim’s Convenience’ finds comedy in the misunderstandings that arise from shifting cultural perspectives.

‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)

This reimagining of the classic sitcom focuses on the Cuban-American Alvarez family living in Los Angeles. Penelope is a veteran and single mother raising two teenagers with the help of her traditional mother Lydia. The show tackles serious issues such as immigration status and mental health through a multi-generational lens. ‘One Day at a Time’ emphasizes the importance of family support when navigating a bicultural existence.

‘Ramy’ (2019–Present)

Ramy Hassan is a first-generation Egyptian-American on a spiritual journey in his politically divided New Jersey neighborhood. He finds himself caught between a Muslim community that views life as a moral test and a millennial generation that believes life has no consequences. The series examines the specific challenges faced by immigrant parents who fear their children are drifting away from their faith. ‘Ramy’ offers a nuanced look at the internal conflict of defining one’s own identity.

‘Master of None’ (2015–2021)

Dev Shah navigates life in New York City as the son of Indian immigrants. The series dedicates significant time to exploring the backstory of his parents and their journey to America. ‘Master of None’ portrays the disconnect between the struggles of the immigrant generation and the privileged problems of their children. Dev learns to appreciate the silent sacrifices his parents made to give him his comfortable life.

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023)

Devi Vishwakumar is a modern Indian-American teenager dealing with the recent loss of her father. Her mother Nalini struggles to raise her alone while maintaining their cultural traditions in Southern California. The show captures the tension between a mother who clings to her roots and a daughter who desperately wants to fit in. ‘Never Have I Ever’ balances grief with the humorous chaos of high school assimilation.

‘Ugly Betty’ (2006–2010)

Betty Suarez lands a job at a prestigious fashion magazine in Manhattan despite not fitting the typical aesthetic. She lives in Queens with her father Ignacio, her sister Hilda, and her nephew Justin. The Suarez family provides a grounding force for Betty as she navigates a superficial industry that often dismisses her background. ‘Ugly Betty’ celebrates the strength of a close-knit Mexican-American family unit.

‘Gentefied’ (2020–2021)

Three cousins band together to save their grandfather’s taco shop in a rapidly gentrifying Los Angeles neighborhood. They must reconcile their personal ambitions with their desire to support their family and community. The show illustrates the conflict between economic progress and cultural preservation. ‘Gentefied’ asks difficult questions about what it means to succeed without leaving your heritage behind.

‘Vida’ (2018–2020)

Two estranged sisters return to their old neighborhood in East Los Angeles following the death of their mother. They are forced to confront their past and the truth about their mother’s identity while deciding the fate of the family bar. The series explores the concept of “chipsters” and the tension between those who leave and those who stay. ‘Vida’ delves into the complexities of Latinx identity and intergenerational trauma.

‘Little America’ (2020–Present)

This anthology series presents funny, romantic, and inspiring true stories of immigrants in America. Each episode focuses on a different character and their unique journey toward belonging. The show highlights the universal desire for connection and success regardless of origin. ‘Little America’ humanizes the statistics by focusing on intimate personal narratives.

‘Warrior’ (2019–2023)

Set during the Tong Wars in late 1800s San Francisco, this series follows a martial arts prodigy who emigrates from China. Ah Sahm becomes a hatchet man for one of Chinatown’s most powerful organized crime families. The show depicts the brutal systemic racism faced by Chinese immigrants and the internal politics of their enclosed community. ‘Warrior’ brings a historical perspective to the immigrant narrative with visceral action.

‘Ms. Marvel’ (2022)

Kamala Khan is a Pakistani-American teenager from Jersey City who discovers she has super powers. Her journey is deeply connected to her family history and the trauma of the Partition of India. The show uses the superhero genre to explore intergenerational secrets and the search for belonging. ‘Ms. Marvel’ celebrates cultural heritage as a source of strength rather than a burden.

‘Gordita Chronicles’ (2022)

A reporter looks back on her childhood as her family emigrates from the Dominican Republic to Miami in the 1980s. Cucu Castelli tries to fit into her new American school while her father pursues the American Dream. The series captures the vibrant culture of Miami and the specific challenges of Caribbean immigrants. ‘Gordita Chronicles’ is a nostalgic look at the resilience required to start over in a new country.

‘American Born Chinese’ (2023)

Jin Wang is an average teenager juggling his high school social life with his home life. When he meets a new foreign student, he becomes entangled in a battle between mythological Chinese gods. The series uses fantasy metaphors to discuss the feeling of being caught between two worlds. ‘American Born Chinese’ addresses the struggle to embrace one’s heritage in the face of stereotypes.

‘Beef’ (2023)

A road rage incident between two strangers escalates into a feud that unravels their lives. Danny Cho is a struggling contractor dealing with the pressure of his Korean parents, while Amy Lau is a self-made entrepreneur. The show explores the specific anxieties and repressed anger found within the Asian-American experience. ‘Beef’ examines how generational expectations can manifest as toxic behavior in adulthood.

‘Mo’ (2022–Present)

Mo Najjar straddles the line between two cultures and three languages as a Palestinian refugee living in Houston. He seeks asylum and citizenship while working under the table to support his mother and brother. The series balances humor with the harsh realities of a flawed immigration system. ‘Mo’ provides a rare perspective on the stateless experience in America.

‘The Sympathizer’ (2024)

A half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy struggles during the final days of the Vietnam War and his subsequent exile in the United States. The protagonist navigates his dual identity while living among a refugee community in Los Angeles. The show is a satirical espionage thriller that questions political loyalties and cultural assimilation. ‘The Sympathizer’ offers a complex look at the aftermath of war on displaced populations.

‘Small Axe’ (2020)

Steve McQueen’s anthology series tells distinct stories about the lives of West Indian immigrants in London from the 1960s to the 1980s. Each film highlights a different aspect of the community’s resilience against institutional racism. The collection celebrates the music, food, and activism that defined a generation. ‘Small Axe’ is a vital historical record of the Caribbean experience in Britain.

‘We Are Lady Parts’ (2021–Present)

An all-female Muslim punk band in London recruits a geeky Ph.D. student to be their lead guitarist. The show challenges monolithic stereotypes about Muslim women through music and comedy. Each band member navigates different family dynamics and cultural expectations regarding their art. ‘We Are Lady Parts’ is a rebellious and joyful exploration of identity and self-expression.

‘Citizen Khan’ (2012–2016)

Mr. Khan is a self-appointed community leader in the Sparkhill area of Birmingham. He constantly schemes to increase his status while dealing with his long-suffering wife and two daughters. The sitcom plays with the tropes of the British Pakistani community and generational clashes. ‘Citizen Khan’ offers a broad comedic take on the desire for respectability.

‘George Lopez’ (2002–2007)

This sitcom follows a fictionalized version of comedian George Lopez as he manages an airplane parts factory. He deals with his negligent mother Benny and tries to raise his two children with better parenting than he received. The show explores the specific dynamics of a working-class Mexican-American family in Los Angeles. ‘George Lopez’ addresses issues of abandonment and generational trauma with humor.

‘Cristela’ (2014–2015)

Cristela is a Mexican-American law student living rent-free with her sister and brother-in-law. She clashes with her family’s traditional views on work and marriage while pursuing her professional dreams. The show highlights the friction between blue-collar roots and white-collar aspirations. ‘Cristela’ showcases the pressure to succeed as the first in the family to attend college.

‘Lopez vs Lopez’ (2022–Present)

A working-class father moves in with his Gen Z daughter, forcing them to confront their complicated past. The show is based on the real-life dynamic between George Lopez and his daughter Mayan. They navigate their differences in parenting styles and emotional expression. ‘Lopez vs Lopez’ focuses on breaking cycles of dysfunction within a Latino family.

‘Mixed-ish’ (2019–2021)

This prequel to ‘Black-ish’ recounts the childhood of Rainbow Johnson as she grows up in a mixed-race family in the 1980s. The family moves from a hippie commune to the suburbs and must adjust to a world obsessed with labels. Rainbow and her siblings struggle to figure out where they fit in at school. ‘Mixed-ish’ explores the specific challenges of biracial identity during a less inclusive era.

‘The Family Law’ (2016–2019)

Based on the memoir by Benjamin Law, this series follows a Chinese-Australian family during a long, hot summer in Queensland. 14-year-old Benjamin dreams of stardom while his parents’ marriage begins to unravel. The show captures the awkwardness of adolescence alongside the quirks of immigrant family life. ‘The Family Law’ is a heartfelt comedy about divorce and growing up.

‘Party of Five’ (2020)

The Acosta children must navigate daily life on their own after their parents are suddenly deported to Mexico. The eldest brother Emilio sacrifices his music career to become the legal guardian of his siblings. The series updates the original premise to focus on the immediate consequences of immigration policy. ‘Party of Five’ is a poignant look at family separation and resilience.

‘Unorthodox’ (2020)

Esty Shapiro flees her arranged marriage and the ultra-Orthodox community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to start a new life in Berlin. She explores a secular world while her past threatens to catch up with her. The series contrasts the insular traditions of her upbringing with the freedom and uncertainty of the modern world. ‘Unorthodox’ portrays a dramatic physical and emotional migration.

‘1899’ (2022)

Multinational immigrants traveling from the old continent to the new encounter a nightmare riddle aboard a second ship adrift on the open sea. The passengers speak different languages and come from various social classes, united only by their desire for a better future. The show uses a sci-fi mystery framework to explore the fear and hope inherent in migration. ‘1899’ emphasizes the communication barriers faced by diverse groups.

‘Lupin’ (2021–Present)

Assane Diop creates a persona inspired by the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin to avenge his father who died in prison. Flashbacks reveal his father’s struggles as a Senegalese immigrant in France working for a wealthy family. The show weaves social commentary on class and race into a slick heist thriller. ‘Lupin’ highlights how immigrants are often invisible to the elite society they serve.

‘Dr. Ken’ (2015–2017)

A brilliant but socially awkward physician tries to balance his career with his family life. Ken Park’s parenting style is often at odds with his therapist wife and his more Americanized children. The show features Ken’s own parents, who provide a third generation of comedic input and traditional expectations. ‘Dr. Ken’ is a sitcom that plays on the tension between professional success and family chaos.

‘Primo’ (2023–Present)

Rafa is a teenager in San Antonio balancing his college aspirations with the opinions of his five overbearing uncles. His single mother Drea tries to guide him while managing her chaotic brothers. The show is a coming-of-age story that celebrates the collective upbringing of a close-knit Latino family. ‘Primo’ finds humor in the conflicting advice given by different family members.

‘Neon’ (2023)

Three friends move from a small town in Florida to Miami with the dream of making it big in the world of reggaeton. They navigate the harsh realities of the music industry while trying to stay true to their roots. The show explores the hustle required to succeed in a genre that is deeply tied to cultural identity. ‘Neon’ is a colorful look at the pursuit of stardom and the immigrant work ethic.

‘On My Block’ (2018–2021)

A group of bright and street-savvy friends navigate their way through high school in the gritty fictional neighborhood of Freeridge. The show addresses the threat of gang violence and deportation alongside typical teenage romance and drama. The characters rely on their diverse backgrounds and shared history to survive their environment. ‘On My Block’ blends comedy and tragedy to depict life in an inner-city community.

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

Tony Soprano tries to balance the demands of his crime organization with the needs of his family. The series deeply explores the Italian-American experience and the decline of the old neighborhood traditions. Tony’s children, Meadow and AJ, represent the fully assimilated generation that is detached from the struggles of their immigrant ancestors. ‘The Sopranos’ serves as a dark commentary on the American Dream.

‘Superstore’ (2015–2021)

Employees at a big-box store in St. Louis deal with the daily grind of retail work. The character Mateo Liwanag faces a harrowing storyline regarding his status as an undocumented immigrant. The show tackles the fear of deportation and the complexities of the legal system within a workplace comedy. ‘Superstore’ humanizes the undocumented experience through a beloved character.

‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)

This prison drama features a diverse ensemble of women, many of whom are immigrants or children of immigrants. Later seasons specifically focus on the injustices within ICE detention centers and the deportation process. The show gives voice to the heartbreaking stories of those separated from their families by the legal system. ‘Orange Is the New Black’ sheds light on the hidden corners of the immigration enforcement machine.

‘Acapulco’ (2021–Present)

A wealthy mogul tells the story of his humble beginnings working at a vibrant resort in the 1980s. Young Maximo strives to succeed at the hotel to support his mother and win the girl of his dreams. The series contrasts his present-day success in America with the colorful Mexican culture of his youth. ‘Acapulco’ is a bilingual comedy about ambition and remembering where you came from.

‘This Fool’ (2022–2023)

Julio Lopez is a 30-year-old living at home who works at a gang rehabilitation non-profit. He clashes with his older cousin Luis, an ex-gang member who moves in after being released from prison. The show explores the different paths taken by family members from the same environment in South Central Los Angeles. ‘This Fool’ offers a cinematic and humorous look at class and rehabilitation.

‘Sort Of’ (2021–2023)

Sabi Mehboob is a gender-fluid millennial attempting to balance their roles as a bartender, caregiver, and child of Pakistani immigrants. Sabi’s mother struggles to understand their identity, creating tension and tender moments. The show explores the intersection of queer identity and cultural heritage. ‘Sort Of’ is a modern examination of the labels we choose and those placed upon us.

‘Run the Burbs’ (2022–Present)

The Phams are a young, bold Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family taking a different approach to living life to the fullest in the suburbs. They challenge the idea of the quiet, conformist neighborhood with their loud and loving dynamic. The series focuses on the contemporary immigrant family that is fully established but still culturally distinct. ‘Run the Burbs’ celebrates the changing face of suburban life.

‘All-American Girl’ (1994–1995)

Margaret Kim is a rebellious college student who often clashes with her traditional Korean mother. The show was one of the first sitcoms to feature an all-Asian main cast on American television. It explores the gap between Margaret’s Americanized lifestyle and her family’s expectations. ‘All-American Girl’ paved the way for future shows dealing with similar themes.

‘The Mindy Project’ (2012–2017)

Mindy Lahiri is a successful OB/GYN who is obsessed with romantic comedies and pop culture. While primarily a workplace rom-com, the show occasionally delves into her relationship with her brother and immigrant parents. Mindy navigates her professional life while dealing with the pressure to settle down. ‘The Mindy Project’ presents a character who is unapologetically successful and complex.

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