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So I’m sure you guys have heard of this new little show on ABC called Fresh Off The Boat…we’ll we were lucky enough to have been able to screen the first 4 episodes before they hit the air (trust me you’ll love them) as well as interview the Writer/Executive Producer Nahnatchka Khan & Co-Executive Producer Kourtney Kang as well as the boys Forrest Wheeler (Emery) and Ian Chen (Evan).
It’s the ’90s and 12-year-old, hip-hop loving Eddie (Hudson Yang) just moved to suburban Orlando from DC’s Chinatown with his parents (Randall Park and Constance Wu). It’s culture shock for his immigrant family in this comedy about pursuing the American Dream. Fresh Off the Boat is based on Chef Eddie Huang’s memoir Fresh Off the Boat.
There are many things that I love about Fresh Off the Boat…it is so nostalgic for those of us that grew up through the 90’s. From the pop culture references, to the music, hobbies and clothes, I love the “throw back” that Fresh Off The Boat brings. But I also love that while it is about an Asian American family (yes, a show that is finally giving Asian Americans their voice) its more than just about an Asian families struggle in a new environment…it really will touch home to anyone who has started a new somewhere or felt like an outcast…I know both of these all to well and can really connect with the show in these ways.
Fresh Off the Boat co-Executive Producer Kourtney Kang (left) & Executive Producer Nahnatchka Khan (Photo: Silvia/Mama Latina Tips)
Nahnatchka Khan & Kourtney Kang were super personable and just as excited as we were about the interview & the show. It was cool to hear the story of how the show came to be…Nahnatchka was sent the book “Fresh Off The Boat”, by another executive producer, which is the real Eddie Huang’s memoir. Nahnatchka thought the part in the book where the family moves to Orlando from DC’s China Town to open a Steak House would make a great television show. She pitched to a few different networks and ABC picked it up.
Nahnatchka can relate well to the show, both of her parents were raised in Iran and her brother and her were born here. She had one of those experiences growing up that most do when you’re from an immigrant family, where you have to explain things and be the bridge between “old school and the new school” and explain things that other people’s parents already understand.
I remember KFC was a big — My Mom didn’t understand that you would pay for food that came in a bucket
Can you relate?
Nahnatchka & Kourtney both said that while the story as a whole with the Huang family moving to Orlando is based on true events, the daily happenings of the family are from the creators of the show. The writers and producers all offer up bits and pieces of their lives for inclusion in the show, which is why it’s so relatable. The stories come from the people writing it.
FRESH OFF THE BOAT – “Success Perm” – Family rivalry spirals out of control when Jessica’s sister, Connie, and her far more affluent husband come to visit. The Huangs try to convince everyone they’re doing great financially, when nothing could be further from the truth. Meanwhile, Eddie is excited to be reunited with his cousin Justin, who introduced him to hip hop, until he learns the kid has moved on to grunge, on “Fresh Off the Boat,” TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Gilles Mingasson) Shown: CONSTANCE WU, RANDALL PARK
Tonight in Episode 2 you will see this come more to life, where the Huang families neighbor Honey is ostracized and she’s from here.
That’s what I think is so neat about the Show is because even though it’s like this sort of like Asian thing, it’s really about this like broader sense of you know, not feeling so much like you’re a part of things. – Kourtney Kang
Can you relate now?
FRESH OFF THE BOAT – “The Shunning” – When the cul-de-sac plans a block party to celebrate NASCAR, Louis urges the family to use the event to make new friends (and promote Cattleman’s Ranch Steakhouse). But Jessica has problems fitting in, especially after she befriends a beautiful trophy wife the roller blade moms don’t like. Meanwhile, Eddie schemes to win the respect of the neighborhood kids, in the time-period premiere of ABC’s new comedy series “Fresh Off the Boat,” TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Nicole Wilder) Shown: HUDSON YANG, LEAIRE GEORGE, FORREST WHEELER, ELOISE ESTEVEZ
Then we talked about finding and working with the boys. They say it was pretty tough and they had open casting calls all across the country…They found Forrest and Ian locally (In LA) and found Hudson who plays Eddie, from a tape he submitted of himself. He’d never done anything before.
There was a lot to learn and figure out when working with kids. They use the term “Pumpkining” when working with children…
It’s based on, obviously, Cinderella but it’s a term when you’re shooting that the kids “Pumpkin” at a certain time.
Can’t work pass that time, and since Ian is younger, he Pumpkins sooner. They said that the boys bring their unique perspective to the script because they say it in a different way that the producers never thought or intended and it just makes it feel real and brings it all to life.
The boys were so cute and excited just to be a part of the show. Forrest said his favorite part is just seeing himself on TV…while Ian enjoys working on the set and playing around afterwards. Both of them have had prior experience acting in commercials and appearances on shows like Grey’s Anatomy (Ian) & New Girl & Community (Forrest)…Both of the boys are putting their pay into college funds, which they didn’t seem too upset about…smart move on moms part if you ask me!
When asked if their characters on the show are in any way like them Forrest, who is 10, answered:
Yes. The only difference between Emery and me is that, uh, I don’t have girlfriends yet.
Ian’s, who is 8, answer was quite different:
uh, maybe, a tiny bit. Some of the reasons are really tiny, first of all, I do not tattletale. I don’t really tell on anybody because, well, I’m the big brother and I have a baby brother.
How can you not love them?!
When asked what they like most about acting they said that they both enjoy meeting new people and checking out the different departments on the set…operating the boom, camera, etc. You can tell they have both really bonded over the course of shooting & have the same goals when they grow..to be an entrepreneur and own their own business.
They have shot all 12 episodes for this season and are excited to see the publics reaction to this Fresh new show.
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Fresh Off The Boat can be found on ABC on Tuesdays and 8/7 central!
Have you caught an episode yet? What are your thoughts?
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This post is sponsored by Splenda, however recipe and opinions are 100% my own!
One of my must have sweet treats and I must say, my downfall, is brownies! I love brownies, but they really are full of sugar. Today I’m going to share with you a homemade brownie recipe using a Splenda blend for a healthier option (you can use the Splenda granules for an even less sugar)!
Ingredients2 Eggs3/4 cup Splenda Sweetner1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup melted butter
3/4 cup cocoa2/3 cup flour1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
extrasnuts
chocolate chips
Preheat your oven to 350*
Using a spoon mix together your wet ingredients. Mix your dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then stir into wet mixture slowly mixing. Add in extras (I added in leftover chocolate chips) Spread into sprayed or greased 8/9 inch pan. Bake for 20-30 min depending on your oven (mine takes 30). Let cool, then cut into squares! Makes 16 brownies.
You can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×16 pan for more of this delicious treat!
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links with fund the Mom of 4 Boys blog. I have received a product(s) to include in my recipe, however I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Splenda has not influenced the editorial nature of this post, and No other compensation was received. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

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