'Kim's Convenience' coming to abrupt end: Fans, stars, react as show says 'OK See You'
— Kim's Convenience (@KimsConvenience) March 8, 2021
On Monday, it was announced that the CBC TV show Kim's Convenience will come to an end after five seasons.
"At the end of production on Season 5, our two co-creators confirmed they were moving on to other projects," the statement from the show's producers reads. "Given their departure from the series, we have come to the difficult conclusion that we cannot deliver another season of the same heart and quality that has made the show so special."
Disappointing news today.
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.
Thanks for all your love and support. This isn’t goodbye, only #OKSeeYou. pic.twitter.com/c1LAg0F58m— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) March 8, 2021
Following the announcement, Kim's Convenience's stars also made public statements about the show concluding.
"For reasons that I'm sure we will get into someday, we must prematurely bid farewell to Kim's Convenience. I am heartbroken," Simu Liu's message reads. "I know what you're thinking and, to be clear, I was fully expecting to come back for our sixth season."
"I feel we deserved better. I feel that you, our most amazing fans, deserved better... I hope that we can all embody the legacy and spirit of this show, and fight to uplift BIPOC creatives and storytellers whenever and wherever we can."
There will be a lot of questions of why the show isn’t moving forward. In short, we lost some key creative people that were vital the show. Most of the cast tried everything to keep it going. We tried our absolute best, but it became clear that it wasn’t going to happen.
— Andrew Phung (@andrewphung) March 8, 2021
Another of the show's stars, Andrew Phung, said that "most of the cast tried everything to keep it going" but it is ultimately coming to an end.
I won’t dwell on it ending but will instead focus on how amazing this journey and the shows success has been. We were a hit show! We had success around the world. Schools study the play and watch the show in class. We won awards and this truly Canadian show allowed people... pic.twitter.com/8LoQQphvPG
— Andrew Phung (@andrewphung) March 8, 2021
He went on to celebrate the show's success, thanking the writers, the crew, directors, fellow co-stars and fans for supporting Kim's Convenience.
"We won awards and this truly Canadian show allowed people to see themselves on television," Phung wrote in Twitter.
I have no words for now. Only a profound sense of loss and sadness. Love you, brother. https://t.co/ARaXROozBo
— Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (@bitterasiandude) March 8, 2021
More Kim's Convenience stars also took to social media to share their thoughts on the announcement and respond to their co-stars.
Love you, son. I was always proud of you. https://t.co/Z0xxorbh5T
— Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (@bitterasiandude) March 8, 2021
I have no words for now. Only a profound sense of loss and sadness. Love you, brother. https://t.co/ARaXROozBo
— Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (@bitterasiandude) March 8, 2021
It's been an incredible five seasons.
Thanks & gratitude to all the incredible artists, crew, writers, producers & fans who have come together to tell this story and celebrate this family. ❤️🇰🇷 https://t.co/f3PheHXc45— Jean Yoon (윤 진 희 or 尹真姬) (@jean_yoon) March 8, 2021
I’ll miss my fam. Thanks for 5 incredible years ❤️ #okseeyou pic.twitter.com/s5PSMKwSu9
— Michael Musi (@MichaelMusi) March 8, 2021
Fans of the show are also sharing their disappointment that the Canadian television show is coming to such an abrupt end.
So much of the charm of Kim’s Convenience was how it connected with immigrant families (like mine.) I saw my grandpa in a lot of what Appa did and said and saw Janet and Jung’s communication struggles with elders like my own as a kid.
Kim’s is one of a kind and will be missed. https://t.co/G2KIj5SuHQ— Matt P (@paliontology) March 8, 2021
Kim’s Convenience has been cancelled so if anyone needs me I’ll be in mourning for the foreseeable future pic.twitter.com/qgZGlawTKD
— cassafras (@Casandra_Dee) March 8, 2021
This show replaced #TheOffice as the one I would put on when I didn’t want to watch anything. It was my background noise, my comfort, my representation, my other Asian family. I’m not sure a show being cancelled has ever felt like this for me. #okseeyou
— Chewonthispodcast (@chewonthispod) March 8, 2021
This is a huge mistake. But if it has to be, well, I can't think of a better gif to send it off. Love you @KimsConvenience fam. Thank you for everything. #OkSeeYou https://t.co/LRPqbHysHU pic.twitter.com/HcntqdaUw5
— Bryan Edwards (@BadIdeaBry) March 8, 2021
I have no words. As a kid, I looked for any representation on tv & supported whoever it was whole heartedly. This show, a comedy (my fave) tv series, starring Asians gave me so much joy, laughter and a voice. I wish everyone a safe&healthy journey to the future. This is so sad.
— Å티🥒 (@4MYY) March 8, 2021
Oh Simu ...I am full of tears so many tears ...I so yearned for the Appa & Jung full on reconciliation with my whole heart ...I am a Kimbit Lisa forever ..so proud of you all..I won’t say goodbye, but promise we can have a hug when this is world gets to a better place pic.twitter.com/VSu3l6aQiD
— Lisa Ann Murphy #KimBitLisa (@Lamchop99) March 8, 2021
I think my heart just broke in 2 💔. Not being renewed is one thing. To be renewed for the season, and to be expecting it then told it won't happen is heartbreaking💔💔💔. Thanks for everything Simu. And I mean everything. You were a superhero before you were ShangChi...❤️❤️❤️
— Mama-Kimbit 🦃🦃🌮 / Marie-France Thériault (@refereefan) March 8, 2021
Kim's Convenience found me just when I badly needed it. I'm so sad, and so grateful.
I remember in middle school when I noticed the years speed up, wondering if/when they'd slow back down.
Now I wonder if there will ever again be a year that was better than the last. 😔 https://t.co/9vjqtiFKal— Rowan 🍵⛈️🗡️ (@RowanDalzell) March 8, 2021
Lower the Canadian flag to half mast. Toronto just won’t be the same without Kim’s Convenience. #OKSeeYou
— Nathan Sizemore (@nathandsizemore) March 8, 2021
