Kim's Convenience (2016)
A beloved Canadian sitcom following a Korean-Canadian family navigating culture, commerce, and connection in downtown Toronto.
Kim's Convenience - Series Information
- Original Title: Kim's Convenience
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Kevin White, Ins Choi
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 22 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 65
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 11, 2016 (United States - TV-14), October 11, 2016 (Canada - C8), October 11, 2016 (United Kingdom - 12), October 11, 2016 (Germany - 12), October 11, 2016 (France - 12), October 11, 2016 (Spain - 13), October 11, 2016 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: CBC Television
- Alternative Titles: Il negozio dei Kim (IT), 金氏便利店 (CN)
- Production Companies: Thunderbird Entertainment, Soulpepper Theatre Company, Thunderbird Films
- Production Countries: Canada
Kim's Convenience - Plot
The funny, heartfelt story of The Kims, a Korean-Canadian family, running a convenience store in downtown Toronto. Mr. and Mrs. Kim ('Appa' and 'Umma') immigrated to Toronto in the '80s to set up shop near Regent Park and had two kids, Jung and Janet who are now young adults. However, when Jung was 16, he and Appa had a major falling out involving a physical fight, stolen money and Jung leaving home. Father and son have been estranged since.
Kim's Convenience - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Kim family in action:
Family comedy. In store.
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Kim's Convenience - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kevin White
- Ins Choi
Main Cast
- Paul Sun-Hyung Lee
- Jean Yoon
- Andrea Bang
- Simu Liu
- Andrew Phung
- Nicole Power
- Benjamin Beauchemin
- Michael Musi
- Ziad Ek
- Akosua Amo-Adem
Writers
- Ins Choi
- Kevin White
- Matt Kippen
- Anita Kapila
- Sonja Bennett
Executive Producers
- Ivan Fecan
- Albert Schultz
- Leslie Lester
- Ins Choi
- Tim Gamble
Kim's Convenience - FAQs
Where can you stream Kim's Convenience?
Kim's Convenience is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video. The series ran for five seasons on CBC Television in Canada before finding a global audience through Netflix.
Why was Kim's Convenience cancelled after Season 5?
CBC cancelled Kim's Convenience in 2021 after five seasons, citing the departures of writers Ins Choi and Kevin White, who had been central to the show's creative voice. The network felt it could not maintain the series' quality without them, leading to its conclusion.
Is Kim's Convenience based on a true story?
Kim's Convenience is based on Ins Choi's acclaimed 2011 stage play of the same name, which drew on his own experiences growing up in a Korean-Canadian family in Toronto. While not strictly autobiographical, it is deeply rooted in Choi's personal cultural background and family dynamics.
Who are the main actors in Kim's Convenience?
The main cast includes Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Appa, Jean Yoon as Umma, Andrea Bang as Janet Kim, and Simu Liu as Jung Kim. Supporting cast members include Andrew Phung as Kimchee, Nicole Power as Shannon, and Benjamin Beauchemin as Gerald.
Did Simu Liu leave Kim's Convenience early?
Simu Liu, who played Jung Kim, remained with the series through its final Season 5 in 2021. Shortly after the show ended, his profile rose dramatically when he starred as the lead in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, released in September 2021.
How many seasons and episodes does Kim's Convenience have?
Kim's Convenience ran for five seasons with 13 episodes each, totalling 65 episodes. It premiered on CBC Television on October 11, 2016, and concluded in 2021. All five seasons are available to stream on Netflix.
Was Kim's Convenience well received by critics?
Yes, Kim's Convenience earned strong critical praise throughout its run, celebrated for its warm humour, authentic cultural representation, and charming ensemble cast. Critics highlighted it as a landmark in Asian-Canadian storytelling on television, and it developed a devoted international fanbase via Netflix.
What are shows similar to Kim's Convenience?
Viewers who enjoyed Kim's Convenience often appreciate other family-centred comedies such as That '70s Show, Growing Pains, and Keeping Up Appearances. For tone and setting, Tires and Easy also offer comparable slice-of-life humour with strong ensemble casts.
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