RONNY CHIENG: INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

What began as part of Australian Broadcasting Network’s Comedy Showroom anthology series blossomed into a brilliant, if short, full series. Before Crazy Rich Asians, Interior Chinatown, and toward the early part of his time on The Daily Show, Ronny Chieng starred in a six episode gem called Ronny Chieng: International Student.

Between 2012 and 2017 he was flying constantly between the United States for The Daily Show, running nonstop stand-up tour dates, and returning to Australia where he was juggling a law degree and winning Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Just before being cast in Crazy Rich Asians, he somehow found time to create a show based on his own experiences at the University of Melbourne.

The laughs are plentiful, thanks in part to a stellar cast that includes Hoa Xuande, who was outstanding in The Sympathizer. He keeps pace with Ronny Chieng, which is no small feat. The show plays with stereotypes and manages to keep a fresh perspective on a trope that should feel tired by now: the normal guy surrounded by a cast of wacky college characters.

It is a shame that Ronny Chieng is so busy and we only have one season, but the series is absolutely worth the watch.