So if you have watched Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the premise of this series will feel interesting and familiar. No, the characters don’t land themselves in a jungle. Interior Chinatown centers on Willis Wu, a man resigned to playing the "background character" in both his life and a meta-TV world. Now this is an exciting concept.
Set in the 1990s, Willis Wu (Jimmy O. Yang) works as a waiter at a Chinatown restaurant, living a monotonous routine of serving customers, drinking with friends, and nursing the unresolved pain of his older brother’s disappearance. His life feels scripted and limited, much like the supporting roles that Asian characters were relegated to in that era's television shows. What Willis doesn’t initially realize is that his life is scripted—he exists as an NPC-like character like character in a police procedural series, Black & White: Impossible Crimes Unit.
Willis longs to break free from his background role, especially after a crime in Chinatown draws him closer to the action. The arrival of Detective Lana Lee (Chloe Bennet), a new recurring character on Black & White dubbed the “Chinatown Expert,” further complicates matters. Despite her title, Lana knows little about Chinatown and enlists Willis for guidance. This partnership offers him an opportunity to step into the spotlight, even as the hands of fate—and the meta-TV show narrative—conspire to keep him sidelined. Come to think of it, this is indeed a very interesting premise and the execution is brilliant.
With the first five episodes available for review, Interior Chinatown reveals itself as a sharp critique of the stereotypes and tokenism Asian Americans faced in 1990s media. The cinematography brilliantly mirrors the clash between Willis’ reality and the procedural drama he’s trapped within. Scenes shift from natural tones to dramatic blue-tinted lighting, while the aspect ratio toggles between full-screen and widescreen, underscoring the artifice of the TV world.
The characters’ interactions further amplify the satire. The lead detectives in Black & White treat Willis as invisible, even when he’s in plain view, symbolizing the erasure of Asian identities in mainstream storytelling. Despite the absurdity of the setting, the world-building feels grounded. The characters remain unaware of their fictional existence, except for brief, cryptic glimpses of a 1990s television set that occasionally intrudes on their lives.
Jimmy O. Yang delivers a standout performance, portraying Willis with vulnerability and wit. His journey of self-actualization resonates as both a personal and cultural commentary, shedding light on the struggles of reclaiming agency in a world determined to overlook you. Chloe Bennet shines as Detective Lana Lee, navigating dual roles as a tokenized character within the show-within-a-show and a more authentic presence alongside Willis. The chemistry between Yang and Bennet is electric, with their shared arcs underscoring the tension between stereotypes and individuality.
The show seamlessly balances its thought-provoking themes with moments of genuine humor, creating an engaging and entertaining viewing experience. From the witty banter between characters to cleverly crafted situational comedy, Interior Chinatown finds the perfect rhythm to infuse lightheartedness into its deeper narrative. These moments of amusement not only offer a refreshing break from the show’s introspection but also highlight its versatility in blending drama with comedy.
Whether it’s Willis’ self-deprecating humor about his background character status or the absurdity of the procedural drama tropes being parodied, the show keeps the audience laughing while reflecting on the irony of its scenarios. Ronny Chieng’s portrayal of Faty, Willis’ quick-witted best friend, adds another layer of comic relief, delivering lines that are both hilarious and surprisingly insightful.
These bursts of humor remind viewers that while the series tackles serious issues like representation and identity, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Instead, it invites the audience to enjoy the ride, making Interior Chinatown not only a sharp critique of cultural stereotypes but also a genuinely fun and entertaining watch.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times