Sunnyside

Sunnyside is an American television comedy series that aired on NBC in 2019. The show, packaged with an ethos of humor based on the cultural and political mosaic that America is, stars actors like Moses Storm, Diana-Maria Riva, and Kal Penn.

The story centers around Garrett Modi, played by Kal Penn, a New York City councilman who has fallen from grace due to his drunk and dismissive ways which eventually cost him his job; going from being seen as the city's "golden boy" to a forgotten failure.

Facing the biggest fiasco of his life, he moves back to his Sunnyside apartment in Queens, where his previous glory days taunt him, and he is only ever recognized for his past failings. Right when he thinks he's hit bottom, an opportunity comes knocking quite literally at his door when a group of hopeful immigrants stumble upon him. They seek his help and expertise in achieving their great American Dream of citizenship, thinking he still holds a position of influence.

These immigrants hail from diverse cultures and ethnic groups, creating a charming array of characters, each having their distinct aspirations, struggles, and comedic quirks. Moses Storm plays Brady, a Moldovan immigrant, while Diana Maria Riva portrays Griselda, the eccentric dominican leader of this group. The hilarious and heartwarming stories of people from different backgrounds are interwoven with their collective effort, led by Modi, to pass the citizenship test.

Modi, who had once only thought about furthering his own career, is now tasked with teaching these individuals what it means to be an American citizen. Through these narratives, the show poignantly and humorously explores the concept of citizenship and belonging, as we watch Modi evolve from a disgraced councilman to an unlikely life-changer for this group.

But the process is not one-sided. These band of outsiders, in their naïve and disarmingly brusque ways, give Modi a chance to redeem himself, and inspire him to change his ways and guide them towards their goal. They all embark together on a charming quest of transformation, self-improvement, and comradeship.

The show's setting, Sunnyside, is the most diverse neighborhood in the world – a fitting metaphor for the cultural melting pot the USA claims to be. The show offers comedy, coupled with elements of drama and sentiment. It addresses serious issues like immigration, cultural integration, and the American dream through the lens of humor and empathy. The diverse characters, each with their individual quirks and backstories, facilitate much of the humor while also adding depth to the plot.

Sunnyside doesn't shy away from calling out the prejudices and stereotypes that exist within society, while also celebrating the cultural differences that make America great. It's a show that delights in its characters' diverse backgrounds rather than shying away from them, reveling in the variety of experiences, languages, and cuisines that make up the tapestry of American life.

In conclusion, Sunnyside is more than just a comedy show; it is a thoughtful portrayal of the immigrant experience that feels incredibly relevant and timely. Filled with light-hearted moments and thought-provoking themes, it's a show that looks at American life through a lens that is both critical and celebratory. It's about second chances, American dreams, unlikely friendships, and one man's redemption story in the multicultural backdrop of a city where everyone's an immigrant in their own way.

While the show has a central story thread that deals with immigration, the subplots and character storylines break down the monolithic understanding of immigrants, showing immense diversity of experiences and narratives. The chaotic, endearing, resilient bunch, guided by a man discovering his own second chance, offers plenty of laughs, heart-warming moments, and subtle but important social commentary on the classic 'American Dream', making Sunnyside a notable entry in the world of contemporary sitcoms.