By Lynn Elber, Television Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --ABC's "Fresh Off the Boat," the first network TV comedy in two decades to focus on an Asian American family, is coming to an end after six seasons.
The network said Friday that the sitcom starring Randall Park and Constance Wu will wrap with an hour-long finale on Feb. 21, making this a truncated last season.
The show about a couple and their three children in 1990s Florida is based on chef Eddie Huang's memoir of the same name.
In a statement, ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke lauded the show as "game-changing" with its focus on an Asian American family.
While the TV industry has gradually embraced diversity, it's been slow to include characters of Asian descent in the mix. Comedian Margaret Cho's "All-American Girl" ended in 1995 after one season.
A possible spinoff with characters to be introduced on "Fresh Off the Boat" is being considered. It would focus on an Indian family whose daughter is one of Eddie's (Hudson Yang) classmates.
Wu, who starred in "Crazy Rich Asians," apologized earlier this year for a Twitter outburst lamenting the show's renewal this season.
She said it was an emotional reaction to having to pass on a passion project because it conflicted with "Fresh Off the Boat."
The comedy that airs at 8:30 p.m. EST Friday is averaging 3.1 million weekly viewers for the season to date, making it No. 69 out of about 80 network programs. Its direct competition includes CBS' "Hawaii Five-0," which is drawing nearly triple the audience and ranks 26th for the season so far, according to Nielsen.
The Sundance Film Festival may get a new home. Here are the 3 finalists
The Sundance Film Festival has narrowed its search for a new home down to three finalists.
One option remains a combination of Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, the latter its base for over 40 years. The other two, Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati would find the country's foremost showcase for independent film putting new roots down, the Sundance Institute said Thursday.
Eugene Hernandez, the festival's director and head of public programming said that each of the finalist cities "has shown us the blend of exciting possibilities, values, and logistics needed to produce a vibrant, inviting, and inclusive Festival."
For now, Sundance will continue operating out of Park City for the 2025 and 2026 festivals. Changes won't go into effect until the 2027 festival. Should the organization stick with Utah, the festival would center itself in Salt Lake City, with some elements in Park City.
Local leaders all issued statements as well. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said that Boulder is "the next natural home" for the festival, touting Colorado's creative communities. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Kristen Schlotman, the head of Film Cincinnati spoke about the Ohio city's dedication to the arts and its ability to offer a "dynamic, walkable and accessible new venue." Finally, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Park City Mayor Nann Worel and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said they are eager to "forge an even stronger bond to inspire artists and elevate the festival experience."
The Robert Redford-founded festival has been a launching pad for many top filmmakers over the years, from Quentin Tarantino to Ryan Coogler. It's also premiered many eventual Oscar nominees and winners, including "CODA," their first best picture winner, and... Read More