http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/watch-trailer-for-sit-com-pilot-project-first-gen-the-trials-and-tribulations-of-being-a-first-gen-nigerian-american-20150415

“First Gen” is a sit-com in development, which, judging from the trailer below, could have the potential to be a real hit. The creation of three first generation women Nigerian-Americans, the show aims to give a satirical view of the complicated joys of being someone of their background.

Starring and written by Yvonne Orji, the show takes inspiration from her real life experiences; After getting her college degree in sociology and a Masters in Public Health with the intention of heading for medical school, Ms. Orji decided to do what she really wanted to do, and moved to New York to pursue a career as an actress and a stand up comic.

The show, which will be exec produced by Chika Chukudebelu, who is a creative executive at BET, and produced by Kay Oyegun, a graduate of the Peter Stark Producing MFA Program at USC (and who currently works in comedy development at ABC studios), aims not only to satirize the dynamics of a black immigrant family in the U.S., but also to shatter told stereotypes and images.

As the creators say: “An interesting shift is occurring where kids of immigrant parents are growing up and discovering America for themselves; not solely through the lens of their parents. This opens up a whole new world of opportunities. Until First Gen, we haven’t seen Africans portrayed in mainstream media as regular, everyday people. They’re usually warlords, cab drivers or fleeing genocide. The African immigrant story in America is so much richer than that. The success of entertainers like Lupita Nyong’o David Oyelowo, and Uzo Aduba suggests that mainstream America is ready to tune into a series like 'First Gen'."

But they also add that the show is aimed for audiences who have made shows such as “Black-ish," "Jane the Virgin” and “Fresh off the Boat,” hit shows, and will be “relatable to a wide audience. On camera, you will see a Nigerian-American family, but the themes of self-discovery and taking leaps of faith, are all universal. Nigerians make up the largest percentage of African Immigrants in America, so most Americans know a Nigerian or know someone who knows a Nigerian. They are your OBGYNs, your kid’s classmates, or your next door neighbors. For these reasons and more, the show will have major of cross-cultural appeal."