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Kim's Convenience

Kim's Convenience is a Canadian television sitcom that aired on CBC Television from 2016 to 2021.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kim's Convenience is a Canadian television sitcom that aired on CBC Television from 2016 to 2021. Based on Ins Choi's 2011 stage play, it follows a Korean Canadian family running a convenience store in Toronto and explores family relationships, immigrant experience, and generational tension.

Premise

The series follows the everyday lives of a Korean Canadian family running a convenience store in downtown Toronto. Its stories centre on family dynamics, work, and the cultural gap between immigrant parents and their Canadian-born children.

Background and adaptation

Kim's Convenience was adapted from Ins Choi's stage play, which drew on his experiences growing up in a Korean family in Toronto. The television version expanded the premise into a sitcom format for CBC.

Broadcast and availability

The show premiered on CBC Television in October 2016 and concluded in April 2021. It later reached broader audiences through streaming, including Netflix and CBC Gem.

Reception and significance

The series was widely recognized as an important Canadian comedy, particularly for its primarily Asian Canadian cast and its depiction of Korean Canadian life. It also won multiple Canadian Screen Awards.

Key facts

  • The series centres on the Kim family, who run a convenience store in Toronto.
  • It premiered on CBC in 2016 and ended in 2021 after five seasons.
  • The show was adapted from Ins Choi's 2011 play of the same name.
  • It starred Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Andrea Bang, Simu Liu, and Andrew Phung.
  • The series was noted for its focus on Korean Canadian family life and immigrant experience.
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Canadian context

It is a distinctly Canadian series set in Toronto, produced for CBC, and notable for its depiction of Korean Canadian family life and immigrant experience in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kim's Convenience about?
It is about a Korean Canadian family that runs a convenience store in Toronto and deals with family, work, and cultural change.
Who created Kim's Convenience?
The television series was created by Ins Choi and Kevin White, and it was based on Choi's earlier play.
When did Kim's Convenience air?
It aired on CBC Television from 2016 to 2021.
How many seasons does Kim's Convenience have?
The series has five seasons.
Who are the main cast members?
The main cast includes Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Andrea Bang, Simu Liu, and Andrew Phung.
Why is Kim's Convenience notable?
It was one of the first Canadian comedy series to star a primarily Asian Canadian cast and became known for its portrayal of immigrant family life.

References

  1. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/kims-convenience
    Supports: Series overview, source play, broadcast period, cast/cultural significance, awards, and Netflix availability.
  2. CBC — https://www.cbc.ca/comedy/kim-s-convenience-surprising-facts-easter-eggs-and-stories-every-fan-should-know-1.5873579
    Supports: Premise, setting, and CBC association.
  3. CBC — https://www.cbc.ca/comedy/kim-s-convenience-facts-every-fan-should-know-1.6031128
    Supports: Premise and series facts.
  4. CBC Gem — https://gem.cbc.ca/kims-convenience
    Supports: Series description and Canadian streaming availability.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5912064/
    Supports: Run dates, format, and cast listing.
  6. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80199128
    Supports: International streaming availability, creators, cast, and genre.