Critics so far have given Apple TV’s new immigrant-focused series ‘Little Amerca’ rave reviews for its portrayal of the immigrant experience.

Amidst the heated immigration debate in the U.S., a new series entitled “Little America” premiered on Apple TV +, highlighting a different immigrant story in each episode.

The new series is adapted from true accounts that were part of an anthology also called “Little America”, in Epic magazine, which chronicles interesting true stories.

On the Epic website, “Little America” was described as “a small, collective portrait of America’s immigrants — and thereby a portrait of America itself.” The TV series promises to go beyond this and headlines to look at the funny, romantic, heartfelt, inspiring and unexpected lives of immigrants in America, at a time when their stories are more relevant than ever.

Indeed, although the core subject may sound serious, the new series is actually developed and written by an accomplished team of comedy writers, promising a light touch as well: Lee Eisenberg (TV’s “The Office”, Bad Teacher), Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon (The Big Sick), along with executive producer Alan Yang (“Master of None”, “Parks and Recreation”).

 

“‘Little America’ celebrates stories that are universally human, emotional and inspiring — it represents exactly what we’re building at Apple TV+,” said Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video. “Each episode of ‘Little America’ spotlights a beautiful experience from a different part of the world, and we hope it resonates with people everywhere.”

Across eight half-hour episodes, the debut season features stories such as a gay man (Haaz Sleiman) forced to flee Syria amid his family’s disapproval to a Singaporean single mother (Angela Lin) whose entire life purpose is to ensure her kids’ well-being. In another episode, a woman (Melanie Laurent) meets a man while mired in self-imposed silence at a meditation retreat; in another, a 12-year-old Spelling Bee champion is forced to grow up on his own after his parents are deported to India.

With the Trump administration stoking sentiments and actions against immigration in the U.S., as well as Brexit overseas, the new series is an obvious cry to defend open borders between nations. It’s also telling that many of the creators involved in the new series are people of color as well.

The first season of “Little America” will debut in its entirety, and has earned a critics’ score of 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. In December 2019, it was announced that Apple renewed the series for a second season already. 

“Little America” premiered Jan. 17 on the streaming service Apple TV+.