Download first look and behind-the-scenes photos from the episodes here
CBC and Pier 21 Films today announced that almost exactly three years since Kim’s Convenience aired its final episode, Andrew Phung will be reunited with former co-stars Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Nicole Power in upcoming episodes of the CBC original comedy series RUN THE BURBS (13 X 30), currently in season 3 on Tuesdays at 9:30pm on CBC and the free CBC Gem streaming service.
In the tenth episode of the season, entitled PHIRST LOVE, available Tuesday, March 12, Nicole Power will appear as Lisa, the ex wife of the Phams’ neighbour Hudson (Jonathan Langdon), who returns to town and interrupts Andrew and Camille’s plans for a ‘date day’ when they have to run interference.
For the season finale, SUMMER PHORECAST on Tuesday, April 2, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee guest stars as Andrew’s personal hero, municipal councillor Vernon Park. Andrew is elated when Park offers him advice on a dream plan to expand Rockridge’s summer camp program, only to discover that Park’s interests may not align.
“I loved making Kim’s Convenience!” said Andrew Phung. “It was a joy to be a part of that show and working with that incredible cast each day was a dream come true. Simply put, Paul and Nicole are the best at what they do. I look up to them so much and I'm honoured to call them my friends - reuniting with them on screen this season means everything to me.”
“I've been looking for the right moment to bring them onto RUN THE BURBS from the beginning, and finally, in season three, we have been able to develop characters that were perfect for them,” continued Phung. “From the first take it felt like no time had passed and we didn't skip a beat. They are hilarious in these roles, and I can't wait for everyone to see us back together!"
"There are always a few characters each season that we write with certain actors in mind, just hoping they’ll be available. So, having Nicole and Paul come play with us was genuinely a dream come true,” adds RUN THE BURBS co-creator Scott Townend. “Working with talented friends is always a pleasure, but these two truly go above and beyond. They brought so much warmth, comedy, and heart to set. It’s also rare for a character to make you feel like you’ve known them for years after a single episode, but that’s exactly what Nicole and Paul bring to life with each of their characters."
“Paul and Nicole are both singular talents and they brought so much laughter and joy to the set of RUN THE BURBS this season. We’re excited for fans to see their individual reunions with Andrew and to welcome them to the Rockridge family!” adds Karen Tsang, Executive Producer at Pier 21 Films.
Phung, who plays suburban dad Andrew Pham, is joined on the series by co-stars Rakhee Morzaria (Camille Pham), Zoriah Wong (Khia Pham) and Roman Pesino (Leo Pham), as well as series regulars Ali Hassan (Sort Of), Julie Nolke (Explaining the Pandemic to my Past Self), Jonathan Langdon (Robyn Hood), Chris Locke (Workin’ Moms), Samantha Wan (Private Eyes), and Gavin Crawford (Because News).
Co-created by Andrew Phung and filmmaker Scott Townend, RUN THE BURBS is a playful comedy about life in the suburbs, oddball neighbours, and a loving family who always has each other’s backs. So far, season three has seen the Phams bring their signature energy to cottage country, celebrate Halloween as only the Phams can, join the neighbourhood yard sale, hit the Asian buffet and turn Bubble Bae into an epic ‘early hours’ nightclub. Often recognized for its nuanced and thoughtful representation of a bold Indian and Vietnamese family, the third season also continues to highlight culturally specific stories, including what has become an annual series hallmark, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year – Tết – episode, tonight on CBC and CBC Gem.
A CBC original series, RUN THE BURBS is produced by Pier 21 Films. Executive Producers are Laszlo Barna, Nicole Butler, Karen Tsang, and Vanessa Steinmetz (for Pier 21 Films), Andrew Phung, and Scott Townend. Jennica Harper and Nelu Handa serve as Executive Producers and Showrunners. Jay Vaidya is Co-Executive Producer and Sara Peters is Co-Producer. Jessica Daniel is Producer. Season Three directors include Aleysa Young, Pat Mills, Joyce Wong, Sherren Lee, and Zoe Hopkins. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports; Trish Williams is Executive Director, Scripted Content; Sandra Picheca is Director, Current Production, Comedy; and Kathleen Meek is Executive in Charge of Current Production, Comedy. The series is distributed internationally by FIFTH SEASON and has launched on Hulu and The CW in the U.S. Run The Burbs is produced with the participation of the Canada Media Fund and produced with film and television tax credit assistance from the Government of Ontario, and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs, and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
About Pier 21 Films
Pier 21 Films is an established television production company committed to bringing exceptional Canadian content to the international marketplace including three seasons of the satirical news series The Beaverton for CTV, CBC’s Run The Burbs, Crave dramedy Late Bloomer starring Jasmeet Raina (aka Jus Reign), and the upcoming Indigenous comedy Don’t Even for Crave and APTN. Founded in 2011, Pier 21 is grounded in the belief that there are extraordinary original stories to be told and unlimited possibilities for showcasing unique Canadian voices on the world stage.
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Suzanne Cheriton, Red Eye Media
Teaghan Hawke, CBC PR
