Happy Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! 

We here at Philo are honoring AAPI month with a bevy of content celebrating AAPI voices and characters. 

AAPI month is a vibrant celebration that honors the rich tapestry of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage! This annual observance serves as a cherished platform to recognize the diverse contributions, cultures, and achievements of the AAPI community. From a TV perspective, this means celebrating the big name stars and the impactful stories advancing AAPI representation. Take a look at a few of Philo’s recommendations. 

Meet the Patels (2014): This captivating documentary follows the real-life story of actor Ravi Patel and his endearing, sometimes awkward, but always relatable quest to find love and navigate the complexities of cultural expectations, family dynamics, and the pressures of marriage. 

Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens: Embark on a hilarious and heartwarming journey through the quirky adventures of “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.” Inspired by the life of the multi-talented comedian Awkwafina, the show follows Nora Lum (played by Awkwafina) as she navigates the ups and downs of adulthood in her hometown of Queens, New York.

Train to Busan (2016): Set amidst a zombie apocalypse, this South Korean blockbuster takes viewers on a relentless ride aboard a train bound for Busan, where a group of diverse passengers must fight for survival against hordes of the undead. With its pulse-pounding action sequences, intense suspense, and deeply emotional moments, “Train to Busan” delivers a masterful blend of horror, human drama, and social commentary that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

The Karate Kid (1984): The classic coming-of-age martial arts movie has spawned sequels, and spinoffs. And the original is still pure. Watch the journey of Daniel LaRusso (portrayed by Ralph Macchio), a determined teenager who finds himself facing off against bullies and learning the ways of karate under the tutelage of the wise Mr. Miyagi (played by Pat Morita).

See also: Karate Kid II and Karate Kid III. 

The Office: This beloved sitcom takes a hilarious and often cringe-worthy look into the daily lives of office employees at the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin. With its mockumentary-style format, witty writing, and unforgettable characters, including the bumbling regional manager Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) and sassy, fashion-forward Kelly Kapoor (Mindy Kaling, who also wrote, produced, and served as a director for a number of episodes), the show has become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the absurdity and relatable moments of office life with a perfect blend of humor and heart.

Girl Meets Farm: Indulge in the delightful world of “Girl Meets Farm,” a heartwarming cooking show hosted by the talented and charismatic Molly Yeh. Set on a farm in North Dakota, Molly invites viewers into her kitchen, where she effortlessly blends her Chinese and Jewish heritage with Midwestern flavors to create mouthwatering dishes. 

Luke Nguyen’s Street Food Asia:  Renowned chef Luke Nguyen takes viewers on a gastronomic adventure, exploring the rich tapestry of flavors, cultures, and stories behind the region’s street food scene. With his infectious passion, deep respect for tradition, and expert knowledge, Luke showcases the diverse and mouthwatering delights found in bustling markets and roadside stalls, offering an immersive experience that celebrates the true essence of Asian street food and the remarkable people who create it.

Blue’s Clues and You!: This beloved children’s show, hosted by the energetic and lovable Josh (played by Filipino Joshua Dela Cruz), invites young viewers on interactive adventures alongside the iconic blue puppy, Blue. The show sparks curiosity, fosters critical thinking, and teaches valuable life lessons in a fun and accessible way, making it a cherished and educational experience for children and parents alike.

Railroad Tigers: This exhilarating film showcases the heroic acts and indomitable spirit of everyday people in the face of adversity, with heart-pounding stunts, thrilling train sequences, and Jackie Chan’s signature blend of comedy and martial arts prowess.

And remember, you can find even more AAPI Heritage Month content in Philo’s collection.

What shows have you watched? What are you looking forward to watching? Let us know in the comments section below!