Ep 1. The Arrival

As a recent immigrant to the United States, British comedian Romesh Ranganathan can't resist the urge to document his experience through the creation of a new show, "Just Another Immigrant". This episode, titled "The Arrival", offers viewers a glimpse into his very first week of living in Los Angeles with his wife and three children. Romesh's journey begins with a big hiccup - his bags have been lost by the airline. Even though his intention is to present a show, he is forced to wonder if his missing belongings will present an unexpected obstacle. Despite the setback, he remains determined to create something truly memorable. Viewers are able to see how Romesh balances the expectations of his career with the desire to make a smooth transition to American life for his family. Romesh's first task is to secure a home for his family. He is quickly faced with the cultural differences he has heard about and is forced to navigate his way through a system that is completely new to him. Also, he must figure out how to pay for it, and because he doesn't have a job yet, he must use the earnings from his comedy tour to create a budget. As Romesh and his family try to adjust, they experience an overwhelming array of emotions -- from confusion, to feeling overwhelmed, to, at times, despair. The family, however, remains resilient and determined. They immerse themselves in American life, with Romesh's children enjoying activities like baseball, and Romesh doing his best to engage with locals and find kindred spirits. One of his first attempts at making friends is to invite fellow comedians to come tour his home, which impresses them greatly. Alongside Romesh's personal journey, there are other important things happening as he must work to succeed in the competitive comedy scene. He takes his kids to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the city and also performs in various venues. Romesh deals with homesickness and culture shock, all while trying to adjust to his new life. He makes a major mistake when he confuses the terms 'walking' and 'hiking', leading to him and his family climbing the steep hills of a park without the appropriate equipment, or even water. Throughout the episode, Romesh ensures that there is a perfect balance of humor and sophistication, allowing viewers to feel as though they're sharing in his experiences and learning alongside him. His children too, are learning about life in America, for instance he educates them about Uncle Sam, and the intricacies behind the American flag. Just Another Immigrant, with its unique premise and its light-hearted execution of the human experience, is a must-see for anyone who is a fan of comedy, or anyone who has ever had to relocate to a new environment themselves. The show is a refreshing alternative to today's reality television, with its genuine conversations, funny moments and engaging storytelling. "Just Another Immigrant: The Arrival" is a playful, yet sobering peek into the challenges and opportunities that immigrants encounter in the United States, all through the lens of a humorist and his affable family.