| Genres: | Action, Comedy, Fantasy |
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A series adaptation of Gene Luen Yang’s groundbreaking graphic novel, “American Born Chinese” is the story of Jin Wang, a regular American teenager whose hopes for “leveling up" his social life are derailed with the arrival of a new foreign student, Wei-Chen Sun.
Dealing with high school politics, a racist viral meme from a 90s television show, and this eccentric new boy following him around, Jin fumbles his chance of getting on the soccer team and tarnishes his reputation.
However, as Jin gets to know Wei-Chen, he comes to find out that this new kid is the son of the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong, from Chinese myth.
As Wei-Chen enlists Jin in his search for the rumored Fourth Scroll, Jin is faced with the trials and tribulations of heaven and high school, forcing him to discover his own identity in the process.
Told through family, comedy, and action-packed Kung-Fu, Jin learns that his power comes from being himself.
Jin Wang starts his sophomore year, hoping to make the soccer team and "level up" his social status, all while impressing his crush. But his plans are derailed when he's forced to befriend a new foreign exchange student named Wei-Chen. At home, Jin's parents argue over his father's job. Meanwhile, Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, searches for his magical Iron Staff, which has been stolen.
Jin, desperate to lay low and redeem himself after a disastrous soccer tryout, struggles with whether to make a statement in the wake of a racist meme video of him that goes viral. As Wei-Chen settles in with his "auntie" Guanyin, the Goddess of Compassion, he finds himself being trailed by a mysterious school landscaper. Meanwhile, Simon angles for a promotion at work.
Wei-Chen reveals his heavenly identity to Jin and asks him for help finding the legendary Fourth Scroll. Jin agrees but is quickly pulled away by a request from his new soccer teammates. Meanwhile, the Bull Demon, Niu Mowang, leader of the uprising against Heaven, pays Guanyin a visit. Christine sees a business opportunity in the medicinal powder she buys from her elderly herbalist.
In this flashback episode, a young and rebellious Sun Wukong accompanies his cautious best friend, Niu Mowang, to the Sublime Banquet of Immortal Peaches. Throughout the extravagant, exclusive event, Wukong pushes Mowang to make a splash and pitch himself for the role of Great Sage, a position currently held by the Dragon King, Ao Guang.
With the help of new informant Ji Gong, Wei-Chen finds out the Fourth Scroll might have something to do with Jin's parents. Across town, Jin works on a biology project with Amelia, who confides in him about her own family drama. Meanwhile, Simon and Christine's relationship grows more tense as their secrets come to the surface.
Amelia throws Jin a bowling birthday party, which gets crashed by Wei-Chen, who is unknowingly followed by Niu Mowang. Guanyin takes the jade pendant to an expert to verify that it is in fact the Fourth Scroll. Simon and Christine try to talk to each other, but the ice won't thaw. Jamie Yao, the actor who played Freddy Wong, is asked to return for a reunion show.
