Here's everything we know about Strays, an upcoming spinoff of the Canadian TV show Kim's Convenience. The original comedy series takes place in Toronto and follows the experiences of a Korean Canadian family that runs the titular store. Originally broadcast on CBC Television, Kim's Convenience has gained a larger following on Netflix since debuting on the streaming platform.
Kim's Convenience is based on Ins Choi's eponymous play. The series debuted in December 2016 and was followed by four 13-episode seasons through April 2021. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Jean Yoon headline Kim's Convenience as Appa Kim and Umma Kim, respectively, with Simu Liu co-starring as their son, Jung, and Andrea Bang portraying the youngest child, Janet.
Over the years, Kim's Convenience has earned several Canadian Screen Awards. The show spotlights Korean Canadian culture and features breakout performances from numerous up-and-coming stars such as Liu, Bang, and Andrew Phung as the Handy Car Rental employee, Kimchee Han. Unfortunately, one of the Kim's Convenience cast members has refused to participate in a spinoff because of the premise and narrative shift.
Kim's Convenience Is Canceled
CBC Television canceled Kim's Convenience in March 2021. After five seasons, the show ended not because of poor ratings but rather because the co-creators moved on to other projects. Liu expressed his disappointment on Twitter, stating "I’m heartbroken. I feel like my journey with Jung was cut short. I feel like you, the fans, deserved better. But I’m proud of all that we accomplished together in 5 seasons."
Strays' Story
Strays features a lead performance by Nicole Power. In Kim's Convenience, she portrayed the socially awkward manager of Handy Car Rental, Shannon Ross, who develops a relationship with Liu's Jung. Strays follows Shannon as she begins a new life in Hamilton, Ontario.
Strays' Returning & New Cast & Characters
CBC Television began developing Strays before canceling Kim's Convenience, and the premise upset the aforementioned Simu Liu. In June 2021, he revealed that he won't participate in the spinoff and stated "I remain resentful of all of the circumstances that led to the one non-Asian character getting her own show." For Strays, CBC Television cast the following performers to appear alongside Power: Frank Cox-O'Connell (Aaron Stone), Nikki Duval (Workin' Moms), Tony Nappo (Jupiter's Legacy), Paula Boudreau (The Handmaid's Tale) and Emily Piggford (The Girlfriend Experience), and David Webster (The Boys). Tina Jung will reprise her Kim's Convenience role as Jeanie Park, along with Kevin Vidal as Roger.
Strays' Release Date
Strays will premiere on September 14, 2021. The aforementioned Kim's Convenience actor Phung will star in the new CBC series Run the Burbs in 2022. Liu will make his MCU debut as Shang-Chi when Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings releases on September 3, 2021.