American Born Chinese: A Story of Hope and Resilience

The Story of American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese, a series starring Ben Wang, Ke Huy Quan, and Michelle Yeoh, took viewers on a thrilling journey through Chinese mythology and teenage experiences. The show follows teenager Jin Wang, who becomes entangled in a battle with Chinese mythical gods after meeting a foreign exchange student at his high school. Based on the graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, the series received acclaim for its exploration of Chinese mythology, compelling cast performances, and captivating action sequences.

Jin and Amelia looking at each other in American Born Chinese Season 1

After its first season concluded in May of last year, the fate of American Born Chinese hung in the balance as Disney+ deliberated on whether to greenlight a second season. However, to the disappointment of many fans, Disney+ made the decision to cancel the series, leaving the future of the show uncertain.

Despite the setback, the story of American Born Chinese continues to resonate with audiences, sparking discussions about the series' potential and the impact it has had on viewers. The cancellation has prompted questions about whether the show will be picked up by another network or streaming platform, keeping the hope alive for its dedicated fan base.

The Surprising Cancellation

The cancellation of American Born Chinese by Disney+ has come as a surprise to many, given the overwhelmingly positive response from critics and audiences alike. The series garnered a remarkable 94% Rotten Tomatoes score, coupled with an impressive 82% audience score, reflecting the widespread appreciation for its debut season.

Furthermore, the show boasted an exceptional cast, with actors Ke Huy Quan and Michelle Yeoh delivering compelling performances following their recent Oscar wins. Notably, producer and director Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on acclaimed projects such as Short Term 12 and the blockbuster film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, was also involved in the production. The collective star power, both on screen and behind the scenes, led many to believe that American Born Chinese had the potential for long-term success.

Despite these promising factors, Disney+ made the decision to cancel the series, leaving fans and industry insiders puzzled about the rationale behind this unexpected move. However, the hope for the series to find a new home remains alive, with the possibility of another network or streaming platform picking it up for a second season.

A Glimmer of Hope for the Future

The conclusion of American Born Chinese's first season left audiences captivated and craving more, with unresolved storylines and tantalizing mysteries awaiting exploration in a potential second season. The protagonist, Jin Wang, faced unanswered questions about his status as the Fourth Scroll, while his parents' abduction by Princess Iron Fan added further intrigue to the narrative.

The cancellation of the series has sparked conversations about the untapped potential of the show and the possibilities for further exploration of Chinese mythology, the protagonist's heritage, and the motives of the adversaries. With the involvement of acclaimed talents in front of and behind the camera, the hope for American Born Chinese's revival is buoyed by the prospect of a new network or streaming platform championing its continuation.

In light of the cancellation, fans and supporters of American Born Chinese continue to express optimism about the series finding a new home and continuing the captivating story it began. The passion and dedication of the fan base, coupled with the richness of the narrative and the talent involved, fuel the belief that American Born Chinese may still have hope for a promising future.