How does a US sitcom give voice to the Nigerian immigrant experience? | TV Shows

Brand-new show ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’ takes a lighthearted look at cross-cultural relationships in Detroit.

Cross-cultural romantic relationships are occasionally marked by moments of misunderstanding, apprehension and soul searching. But they are leavened by commitment, love and, crucially, humour. Those experiences form the bedrock of Bob Hearts Abishola, a new US comedy series airing on CBS that portrays a blossoming romance between an American man and a Nigerian immigrant woman.

To observers, Bob (Billy Gardell) has it good – he has a prosperous business in Detroit manufacturing compression socks, owns his home and drives a great car. But his loneliness and the stress of running a company takes a toll and lands him in hospital with a heart scare. He is drawn to Abishola (Folake Olowofoyeku), a nurse and single mother who helps him get back to full health. He sets out to convince Abishola to give him a chance. But they soon find the path of courtship is long and winding as they face questions and well-meaning interference from family and friends.

On Monday’s show we’ll meet three cast members and hear what they learned from making a sitcom that places the immigrant experience at the heart of the story. Join the conversation.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Folake Olowofoyeku, @TheFolake
Actor
thefolake.com

Shola Adewusi, @SholaAdewusi_
Actor

Gina Yashere, @ginayashere
Actor
ginayashere.com

Read more:
With “Bob Hearts Abishola” and “Sunnyside,” sitcoms are showcasing the immigrant’s story – Salon
How a Google search made ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’ TV’s hot new comedy – New York Post

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