What do the magical healing of a 65 year old Caucasian woman and 18 fabulous Asian caregivers have in common? “Fresh Off The Boat,” the hottest new comedy on ABC, #1 in its time slot, Tuesdays at 8pm. Its creator, Nahnatchka Khan was born in Las Vegas.
For the sake of full disclosure, I am a lifelong resident of Las Vegas and Nahnatchka is my goddaughter. Yes, I am proud that she is one of Hollywood’s top comedy writers. This, however is not about Nahnatchka, but her most recent television project, “Fresh Off The Boat,” based on the life of Eddie Huang, world famous chef, author and noted motivational speaker.
I find myself most proud, though not surprised, that she uses her gift of humor wisely and for good. This was most evident when I recently had a stay at a local hospital. My nurse was Filipino and came in on Tuesday evening as I was watching “Fresh Off The Boat.” Of course I began bragging about my goddaughter.
The word spread quickly and soon my Asian caregivers; Chinese, Korean, Filipino (there were many and all fabulous) came to see me and let me know how much the show meant to them—reminders of family, growing up, and most of all sharing the laughter with children or siblings. One of my nurses said his four children record the show and they watch together as a family. Another shared how her sister was in Florida and they call each other and laugh after every show.
I heard the show was historic because an Asian-American family had not been featured on primetime network television in two decades. I did not however know how much it meant to the Asian community today on a personal level. The heart and humor in “Fresh Off The Boat” opened up dialogue between this 65-year old-Caucasian and all of her hardworking and talented Asian caregivers. Laughter heals. Yes… laughter, and love is, as Nahnatchka would say “the closest thing to modern-day magic.”
To keep the magic alive, please let everyone in your community know that they can record and watch “Fresh Off The Boat/” on Tuesdays at 8pm, ABC Channel 13 in Las Vegas then send their positive comments on Facebook and Twitter or go to abc.com and binge on all of the episodes.
I offer this shout out with respect and support for my new best friends who took such good care of me when I needed them most. Thank you.
Kindest regards,
Kate Hitt-Kaplan
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