Fans of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) series, Kim’s Convenience, were dealt devastating news this afternoon. According to TV-Eh.com, the show, which just wrapped its fifth season, has been canceled. The unfortunate word was announced on social media by series actor Andrew Phung (Little Italy, American Virgins) and show producers Ins Choi (Subway Stations of the Cross) and Kevin White (Corner Gas, Dan for Mayor). View Phung’s initial Twitter post below:
According to TV-Eh, the series had initially been renewed for a sixth season. However, this decision was reversed upon the departure of two co-creators at the end of filming season five. The producers explained the reasoning for ending the series in a joint statement. Read the statement below:
“Authenticity of storytelling is at the centre of the success of Kim’s Convenience. At the end of production on Season 5, our two co-creators confirmed they were moving on to other projects. Given their departure from the series, we have come to the difficult conclusion that we cannot deliver another season of the same heart and quality that has made the show so special. Kim’s Convenience has meant so much to our cast, writers, crew, and audiences around the world. Despite the restrictions and complications of shooting during the pandemic, Season 5 is our finest season to date. It’s been a privilege and a very great pleasure to work with the Kim’s family of gifted writers and performers for the last five years. Thank you to our fans for the love and support you’ve given this show.” via TV-eh.com
Based on a play written by Choi, Kim’s Convenience followed the lives of the Kims, a Korean Canadian family in Toronto. The series starred Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (The Mandalorian, Train 48) and Jean Yoon (Peg + Cat, The Expanse) as immigrant owners of a local convenience store. Affectionately known as Appa and Umma, the couple has two adult children: Andrea Bang’s (Luce, Running With Violet) Janet, and Simu Liu’s (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Meeting Mommy) Jung. The main cast also included Phung as Jung’s best friend Kimchee, and Nicole Power (The Toll) who played Jung’s boss and girlfriend, Shannon. The series balanced typical sitcom comedy with heartfelt family drama — which was mostly rooted in Appa and Jung’s estranged relationship. The series also boasted a diverse and inclusive supporting cast.
Since the news broke, Phung’s co-stars shared their sentiments regarding the cancellation via Twitter. Read their posts below:
According to TV-eh.com, the show garnered a global audience streaming on Netflix in the States and being offered to viewers in both Japan and Korea. The series was critically-acclaimed earning multiple awards and nominations. Phung, Sun-Hyung Lee, and co-star Amanda Brugel (The Handmaid’s Tale, Workin’ Moms) all earned wins at the Canadian Screen Awards. Bang, Yoon, and Power received nominations for their roles.