“Sunnyside” is a heartwarming and socially relevant television series that first aired in 2019, created by Kal Penn and Matt Murray. The show is a refreshing blend of comedy, community, and immigration themes, offering an insightful and entertaining exploration of the immigrant experience in the United States.
The series centers around the character of Garrett Modi, portrayed by Kal Penn. Garrett is a former New York City Councilman whose promising political career took a nosedive due to a public scandal. Following his fall from grace, Garrett finds himself estranged from his family, disgraced, and unemployed.
Garrett’s life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a group of immigrants studying for the U.S. citizenship test at a community center in the diverse neighborhood of Sunnyside, Queens. Drawn to the group’s camaraderie and determination, he takes on the role of their instructor, offering to help them prepare for their citizenship exams.
The immigrants in Garrett’s class represent a diverse array of countries and backgrounds, each with their own unique personalities, stories, and challenges:
Jun Ho (Joel Kim Booster): Jun Ho is a young, gay, and slightly naïve South Korean immigrant who aspires to make a fresh start in the United States. His journey explores themes of self-discovery and acceptance.
Mei Lin (Poppy Liu): Mei Lin is a smart and resourceful Chinese immigrant who is determined to reunite with her family in the U.S. Her character touches on the sacrifices and challenges faced by immigrants seeking a better life.
Hakim (Moses Storm): Hakim is a friendly and slightly clueless student from Cameroon who often finds himself in humorous situations as he learns about American culture.
Griselda (Diana Maria Riva): Griselda is a tough, no-nonsense Dominican immigrant who serves as a maternal figure in the group, offering wisdom and humor.
Brady (Samba Schutte): Brady is an affable, Dutch immigrant who is trying to fit in and find his place in American society.
As Garrett takes on the role of their citizenship tutor, the show provides humor and insight into the challenges immigrants face as they navigate the complex path to becoming U.S. citizens. The group’s journey is marked by cultural clashes, misunderstandings, and moments of connection as they bond over their shared pursuit of the American dream.
“Sunnyside” deftly explores themes of community, belonging, and the immigrant experience in contemporary America. It highlights the diversity of stories within the immigrant community, portraying the hopes, dreams, and obstacles they face as they strive to build a new life in the United States.
The show’s creators use humor as a vehicle to address pertinent social and political issues, from the complexities of the immigration system to the realities of cultural assimilation. While the series maintains a lighthearted tone, it doesn’t shy away from tackling the challenges and prejudices immigrants often encounter.
One of the central elements of “Sunnyside” is the evolving relationship between Garrett and his students. As he teaches them about American history, politics, and culture, he also learns valuable life lessons from his diverse group of friends. The show explores themes of redemption and personal growth as Garrett finds a sense of purpose and belonging in his role as a mentor.
Throughout the series, “Sunnyside” touches on the importance of unity and understanding in a diverse society. It emphasizes the shared humanity and resilience of immigrants as they work towards achieving their dreams in a foreign land.
The show’s multi-dimensional characters, heartfelt moments, and humorous interactions provide a refreshing and socially relevant perspective on the immigrant experience in America. While Garrett and his students come from different worlds, their shared journey underscores the idea that, in the pursuit of the American dream, the strength of community and friendship can bridge cultural gaps.
Despite its relatively short run, “Sunnyside” remains a meaningful and entertaining series that addresses the complexities of immigration with humor and heart. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, connection, and unity in a diverse and ever-changing world.