Ep 1. Pilot

Sunnyside is a comedy series that follows the story of Garrett Modi, a disgraced New York City councilman who tries to redeem himself by helping a group of immigrants in his community. In the pilot episode, we are introduced to Garrett, who has just been kicked out of office due to his corrupt practices. With his job and reputation in shambles, Garrett wanders aimlessly through the city, feeling lost and without purpose.

One day, he strolls into a local community center, where he meets a group of immigrants who are struggling to pass their citizenship tests. Despite his lack of credibility and qualifications, Garrett decides to help them in any way he can. He sets up an impromptu class and begins teaching them about American history and government, using unorthodox methods that include dance moves and rap songs.

As Garrett gets to know his pupils better, he learns about their individual stories and struggles. There's Jun Ho, a South Korean who can't shake his accent despite years in the country; Mei Lin, a caregiver from China who yearns for independence; Hakim, a Sudanese refugee who dreams of becoming a doctor; and Griselda, a Mexican woman who faces the threat of deportation. Through their interactions, we see the challenges that immigrants face in a country that doesn't always welcome them with open arms.

Meanwhile, Garrett's personal life is in shambles. He's been kicked out of his apartment and has nowhere to go, so he ends up crashing at the community center (much to the chagrin of its director, played by veteran actress Samba Schutte). He also has to deal with the fallout from his ex-girlfriend, who is still bitter about his past misdeeds.

Despite all the obstacles in his way, Garrett persists in his mission to help the immigrants. He rallies them together to stage a protest against their corrupt landlord, and in the process, he discovers a renewed sense of purpose. As he says in one of the show's many poignant moments, "I don't know who I am without this."

The pilot episode of Sunnyside sets up a promising premise for the series. It deftly balances humor and heart, showcasing the struggles of immigrants while also finding the absurdity in Garrett's situation. The cast is top notch, with Kal Penn (who also co-created the show) leading a talented ensemble of fresh faces. The writing is sharp and witty, while also offering insights into the immigrant experience.

Overall, the first episode of Sunnyside is a solid start to what looks to be a promising comedy series. It's a show that doesn't shy away from important issues, while also providing a much-needed dose of levity in a world that can often feel overwhelming. Whether you're an immigrant yourself or just a fan of well-crafted comedies, this is definitely a show worth checking out.