Filming begins for Canadian comedy TV series in English and Tagalog

The TV series is co-created by and starring Filipina comedian Isabel Kanaan (Second Jen, Air Farce NYE, This Hour Has 22 Minutes). IMDB

TORONTO – An all-new satirical sketch comedy series Abroad, in English and Tagalog, is in production and set to air in spring next year on Omni television, Longhope Media and Omni announced.

Co-created by and starring Filipina comedian Isabel Kanaan (Second Jen, Air Farce NYE, This Hour Has 22 Minutes), the 12-part, 30-minute per episode series is based on Kanaan’s experience as an immigrant, depicted with her comedic perspective.

Abroad challenges misconceptions about immigrants from all walks of life, be they first or second generation. Emigrating to a new country can be challenging, but Abroad is set to prove it can also be funny.

“Isabel is one of Canada’s fastest-rising comedy stars with her work garnering a loyal fanbase on social media given her authentic voice. Omni is proud to be working with Isabel and the talented creative team and cast, to bring this fresh brand of comedy to viewers,” said Nataline Rodrigues, Director of Original programming, Rogers Sports & Media.

Kanaan moved to Canada from the Philippines when she was 16 and spent her teenage years learning how to navigate culture shock, language barriers, and –“ brrrr! “– Canadian winters.

She co-founded the award-winning Filipina sketch group Tita Collective. She now has more than 187,000 followers and 5.5 million likes on TikTok and is a recipient of the NBC Bob Curry Fellowship and RBC’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award.

Starring alongside Isabel Kanaan are Aldrin Bundoc, Joy Castro, Nicco Garcia, Justin Santiago, Carolyn Fe, Jon Blair, Natalie Metcalfe, Sharjil Rasool, Nile Seguin, Christian Smith, and Jillian Welsh.

“We’re thrilled with Rogers Sports & Media’s support in bringing Omni’s first sketch comedy series to life. While the immigrant experience is unique to each person, the universal feeling of being on the outside resonates with everybody,” said Lucy Stewart, co-founder, Longhope Media.

“With strong representation in front of and behind the camera, guided by Isabel’s unique POV, we look forward to introducing audiences to the comedic world of Abroad.”