If you’re looking for a heartwarming, often funny, and deeply empathetic anthology series that celebrates the diverse experiences of immigrants in the United States, then Apple TV+’s “Little America” is a must-watch. Inspired by true stories, this show goes beyond headlines to offer intimate, personal glimpses into the lives of individuals from various corners of the globe who have made America their home.
What is “Little America” about?
“Little America” is an anthology series, meaning each episode tells a completely self-contained story with a new cast of characters. What unites these disparate narratives is the overarching theme: the funny, romantic, heartfelt, inspiring, and sometimes surprising true stories of immigrants in America.
The show aims to humanize the immigrant experience, moving past stereotypes and political debates to focus on the individual journeys, struggles, triumphs, and everyday lives of people seeking a new beginning. Each episode is a standalone short film, often highlighting a specific cultural background and the unique challenges or joys faced by its protagonist.
For example, stories include:
- “The Manager”: A 12-year-old Indian boy left to run his family’s motel after his parents are deported.
- “The Baker”: A Ugandan college student who risks everything to pursue her dream of becoming a baker.
- “The Son”: A gay Syrian refugee seeking asylum in America to live openly and freely.
- “The Rock”: An Iranian man’s ambitious plan to build his dream home in Arizona despite a seemingly insurmountable obstacle.
The series is executive produced by a team including Lee Eisenberg (known for The Office), Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon (co-writers of The Big Sick), and Alan Yang (co-creator of Master of None), bringing a blend of comedic sensibility and heartfelt drama to each narrative.
Why “Little America” is a compelling watch:
- Heartwarming & Uplifting: While not shying away from challenges, the series largely focuses on the resilience, ingenuity, and hope that define many immigrant stories, often leaving viewers with a sense of optimism.
- Diverse Perspectives: It offers a rich mosaic of experiences, showcasing individuals from a wide array of countries and backgrounds, each with their unique cultural nuances.
- Humanizing Storytelling: By focusing on individual, true stories, the show helps to break down preconceived notions about immigrants and invites empathy and understanding.
- Well-Crafted Short Stories: Each episode feels like a mini-movie, with strong writing, direction, and performances that quickly draw you into its world.
- Comedy and Drama Blend: The series expertly weaves humor into its narratives, providing moments of levity amidst the more serious themes.
- Award-Winning Creators: The talent behind the scenes ensures a high quality of storytelling and production.
Who are some of the actors and creatives in “Little America”?
Since it’s an anthology, the cast changes each episode. However, some notable names involved in the series include:
- Suraj Sharma (“The Manager”)
- Mélanie Laurent (“The Silence”)
- Shaun Toub (“The Rock”)
- Haaz Sleiman (“The Son”)
- Jearnest Corchado (“The Jaguar”)
- Kemiyondo Coutinho (“The Baker”)
- Angela Lin (“The Grand Prize Expo Winners”)
- Zachary Quinto (as a spiritual leader in “The Silence”)
- Phylicia Rashad (in “Paper Piano”)
Where to Watch “Little America”:
“Little America” is an Apple TV+ Original series. Both seasons are exclusively available to stream on:
- Apple TV+ (with a subscription)
If you enjoyed “Little America,” you might also like:
- Master of None (Netflix): Especially the “Parents” episode, which also delves into the immigrant experience from the perspective of the children of immigrants.
- Modern Love (Prime Video): Another anthology series based on true stories from The New York Times, exploring different facets of love and relationships.
- This Is Us (Hulu/Netflix): For a multi-generational family drama that often explores themes of identity, belonging, and overcoming adversity.
- Ramy (Hulu): For a comedy-drama that offers a nuanced look at the life of a first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim.
- Turning Red (Film, Disney+): While an animated film, it offers a charming and relatable story about a Chinese-Canadian girl navigating cultural expectations and growing up.