TV Series ‘Abroad,’ a Comedic Deep Dive into Immigrant Life
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Isabel Kanaan photographed for the Season 3 of Abroad. (Courtesy of Isabel Kanaan and team)
Set to air its third season this spring on OMNI TV in Canada, Abroad promises to captivate audiences with its blend of English and Tagalog sketches, all while shedding light on the journey of immigration through a comedic lens.
“Abroad is a sketch comedy because I found, especially with my mom and my older relatives, their attention spans when it comes to an English narrative [are] kind of short,” Isabel Kanaan, co-creator and star of the series said in an interview. “Sometimes they can’t get the whole story, they kind of bounce in and out, whether it be of age or language barrier. And so we thought, having Abroad be in short skits that [were] perfect for the audience that we were going for.”
Abroad draws inspiration from Isabel’s own life as an immigrant to Canada at the age of 16. Isabel's comedic viewpoint forms the heart and soul of the series. However, what sets Abroad apart is its innovative approach to storytelling--a sketch comedy format catering to a diverse audience. It wasn't merely a creative decision, but it was also driven by a desire to ensure accessibility across generations.
Isabel Kanaan with the ensemble of Abroad (Courtesy of Isabel Kanaan and team)
Abroad is more than just laughs; it's a platform for relatable narratives and cultural exploration. Through exaggerated characters and side-splitting Filipino celebrity impressions, the series brings to life the intricacies of immigrant life.
But beyond the laughs, Abroad delves into topics uniquely tied to the immigrant experience. Take, for instance, the sketch on "family money," a concept familiar to many immigrant communities. In this segment, the show explores the dynamics of pooling resources among relatives to navigate the challenges of settling in a new country. The comedic twist arises when a young woman decides to withdraw her contribution to buy a bicycle, sparking hilarity and insight into the complexities of familial support and individual aspirations.
What truly sets the show apart is its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. By weaving together English and Tagalog, the series embraces diversity and inclusivity, inviting viewers from all backgrounds to join in on the laughter. In a time where divisions seem to prevail, Abroad serves as a beacon of unity, reminding us of the universal language of comedy.
In an interview, Isabel gave a glimpse of what the next season of Abroad is going to be like. “For Season Three, we kind of listened to the world at this point. When Season 1 and then Season 2 came out, we put them all up on social media as well and we had suggestions and comments from different parts of the world.”
“Through its unique blend of humor and humanity, Abroad continues to prove that laughter knows no borders, and that comedy has the power to connect us all, one sketch at a time.”
As Abroad gears up for its third season, anticipation is high for the laughter, cultural insights, and heartwarming moments it offers. Through its unique blend of humor and humanity, Abroad continues to prove that laughter knows no borders, and that comedy has the power to connect us all, one sketch at a time. So, get ready to tune in, laugh out loud, and embark on a comedic journey that celebrates the rich tapestry of immigrant life in all its absurdity and charm.
Season three of Abroad premieres on May 26, Sunday at 8:30 p.m. featuring six new episodes only on OMNI Television. Follow Isabel Kanaan on Instagram @isabelkanaan.
Charlette San Juan is a Chicago-based theater artist whose roots sprout from Manila, Philippines. She’s a Stage Manager at the Second City and a producer of the all-Asian Stand-up show Model Majority at Laugh Factory Chicago. Visit: charlettesanjuan.com
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