Nora from Queens coming to iPlayer this year

BBC Three has brought the rights to US comedy series Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens.

Originally made for Comedy Central, the ten-part series is based on the rapper and actress’s early life in the New York suburb.

When it launched in January, it attracted just under 500,000 viewers, making it the US cable channel’s highest rated season one premiere for three years. A second season has already been commissioned.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an average rating of 6.75/10, with the consensus that ‘Nora From Queens showcases Awkwafina's charming brashness and surrounds her with an equally delightful cast—especially scene stealer Lori Tan Chinn [who plays her grandma]—but it could stand to walk a less familiar comedic beat’.

Sue Deeks, head of BBC programme acquisition, says: ‘Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens is fresh, funny and very engaging - we are delighted that the series is joining BBC Three’s strong and distinctive comedy line-up.’

The cast also stars Bowen Yang, BD Wong  and Jennifer Esposito, while directors include Russian Doll and Orange Is The New Black star Natasha Lyonne.

The series will be streamed on BBC iPlayer later this year.

Published: 19 Aug 2020