Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Smart, fun, diverse Canadian show addresses social issues.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Kim's Convenience
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say this show is both funny and heartwarming, capturing relatable family dynamics and humorous interactions while also containing some suggestive and mature content that has led to debates about its appropriate rating. Many viewers find it entertaining and recommend it for older children and tweens, noting the lighthearted nature but also cautioning over its occasional swearing, suggestive jokes, and partial nudity.
- funny
- heartwarming
- suggestive content
- age-appropriate
- lighthearted
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on Ins Choi's 2011 stage play of the same name, KIM'S CONVENIENCE is a comedy series that centers on the daily life of a Korean Canadian convenience store owner in the diverse city of Toronto, Canada. Mr. Kim (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) lives above his store with his wife (played by Jean Soon) and their adult daughter, Janet (Andrea Bang), who's an aspiring photographer. Also close by is their estranged son, Jung (Simu Liu), who hasn't spoken to Appa (Korean for "father") since he was 16, but remains close to Umma ("mother") and his sister. The elder Kims work hard to maintain their Christian Korean values but consistently find themselves negotiating their customs and beliefs with the modern Canadian world, especially when it comes to their children, and at times, their customers.
Is It Any Good?
This sharp, well-written series uses humor as a way of commenting on contemporary social issues, ranging from racial profiling and misconceptions about the LGBTQ community to coping with the assimilation of their children. Mr. Kim, as the family patriarch, plays a central part in this, bluntly offering often misguided perspectives. But his approach isn't cruel, and despite his gruff, outspoken ways, he's often a man who is simply unfamiliar with, but sincerely not opposed to, what's happening around him.
While some may find the show somewhat stereotypical (especially when it comes to Appa and Umma's accents), the main characters are not caricatures. Instead, they are well-developed personages that both reflect and challenge multiple facets of the contemporary Korean Canadian experience. The punchlines aren't excessive, either. It's maybe because of this that Kim's Convenience lacks the edginess prevalent in popular U.S. comedies, especially those that address similar themes. Nonetheless, it's both entertaining and thoughtful.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the immigrant experience in Canada vs. in the United States. Are there differences between the way immigrants are received in Canada vs. the United States? In which country is it easier for people from other countries to assimilate? Why?
Does Kim's Convenience reinforce generalizations, or does it defy them? If viewers with backgrounds or experiences similar to the show's characters can identify with them or their behavior, does this make it any less stereotypical?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 11, 2016
- Cast : Paul Sun-Hyung Lee , Jean Yoon , Andrea Bang
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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