Best Streaming Series with Asian Star
By Goldsea Staff | 10 Sep, 2025

Four leading AI chatbots provide differing views on which streaming series deserve to be included in the list.

To compile a handy but comprehensive list of streaming series worth watching, we used this prompt:

What are the best streaming series of the 2020s in which the main star is Asian American?

We Were Liars stars Shubham Maheshwari as Gat Patil and Emily Alyn Lind as Cadence "Cady" Sinclair Eastman.  (Amazon Prime Video)

The most glaring omission from the 4 lists that follow is the mind-blowing We Were Liars, a 2025 Amazon Prime Video series starring Shubham Maheshwari and set on scenic Martha's Vineyard.  The omission may be due to the fact that our prompt asked for an Asian American star.  Maheshwari was born and raised in Dubai and attended the University of British Columbia.

Andrew Koji stars as Ah Sahm, the Chinese leading character of the Netflix series Warrior.  (Netflix video)

Neglected in all lists except for an honorable mention in ChatGPT's is Quantum Leap, a 2022 reboot of a 1990s series, stars Raymond Lee as time traveler Ben Song, an American physicist of conscience, charm and action.  His character is also notable for enjoying not one but two relationships, one with the white female co-star and another with a white woman he encounters from the past — making Ben Song possibly the only such leading Asian male character in American TV history.

Raymond Lee stars as Dr Ben Song and Eliza Taylor as Hannah Carson in Season 2 of Quantum Leap.  (NBC/Peacock video)

Warrior was honorably mentioned in two lists but not accorded a top ranking.  This remarkable series depicts the Chinese lead character in defiance of American film conventions, combining excellent martial arts sequences with a sexual relationship with a white woman, especially given its 19th century setting. 

ChatGPT:

Beef (Netflix, 2023–)

Stars: Steven Yeun & Ali Wong

About: A darkly comedic, psychological anthology that begins with a road-rage incident between two strangers, unfolding into a tense, character-driven drama.

Accolades: Won multiple Emmys including Outstanding Limited Series and acting awards for both Yeun and Wong. Ali Wong became the first Asian American woman to win lead actress in this category.

Why it stands out: Brilliant writing and complex portrayal of Asian American characters beyond stereotypes.

Interior Chinatown (Hulu, 2024–)

Star: Jimmy O. Yang

About: Willis Wu, a background character in a fictional police procedural, realizes he's literally a “background” and embarks on a surreal journey of self-discovery, cultural identity, and representation.

Reception: Critically acclaimed with a strong Rotten Tomatoes rating and Emmy cinematography nomination.

Why watch: Meta-narrative brilliantly unpacks Hollywood stereotypes and Asian American identity.

Never Have I Ever (Netflix, 2020–2023)

Star: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Devi, Indian American teen)

About: Created by Mindy Kaling, this coming-of-age comedy tracks Devi’s social, cultural, and familial challenges with authenticity and humor.

Why it resonates: Honest and heartfelt portrayal of a complex first-generation Asian American teen navigating grief, identity, and adolescence.

Master of None (Netflix, 2015–2021)

Star: Aziz Ansari (Indian American)

About: A reflective dramedy following Dev’s life, love, and career in NYC, celebrated for its nuanced representation and creative storytelling.

Collider

Why worth your time: One of the earliest authentic depictions of millennial South Asian American identity.

American Born Chinese (Disney+, 2023)

Premise: Centers on Jin Wang, a Taiwanese American teen, whose life intersects with the mythological realm. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel, it explores cultural identity through fantasy.

Viewer note: While canceled after one season, it garnered a dedicated fan base.

Why interesting: Bold genre blend tackling identity and belonging with creativity and heart.

Expats (Amazon Prime Video, 2024)

Star: Ji-young Yoo (Korean American) as Mercy Cho

About: Based on The Expatriates novel, this drama delves into the lives of expatriates in Hong Kong, centered on three Asian/Asian American women.

Why note-worthy: Expands representation through complex narratives and emotional depth.

Additional Noteworthy Mentions

The Brothers Sun (Netflix) – An action-packed comedy-drama spotlighting a Taiwanese American family.

Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens – A quirky comedy featuring Awkwafina’s bold comedic voice.

Warrior (Netflix) – Martial arts drama with Asian American lead in a historical setting.

Kim’s Convenience – A Canadian sitcom about a Korean Canadian family, starring Simu Liu.

Cowboy Bebop (Netflix) – Live-action adaptation starring John Cho as Spike Spiegel.

Quantum Leap (2022) – Features Raymond Lee as the romantic lead, a rare depiction for Asian American males.

PEN15, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Fresh Off the Boat, Reservation Dogs – Often cited in community discussions as series with strong Asian American presence.

**

Gemini:

1. Beef (Netflix)

Main Stars: Steven Yeun and Ali Wong

Why it's a top choice: This black comedy-drama was a major breakout hit. It earned widespread critical acclaim, sweeping awards at the Golden Globes and the Emmys. The series is lauded for its raw, unfiltered exploration of anger, depression, and the human condition, anchored by the phenomenal performances of Yeun and Wong.

2. Pachinko (Apple TV+)

Main Star: Youn Yuh-jung, Kim Min-ha

Why it's a top choice: A multi-generational epic, Pachinko tells the story of a Korean family across Korea, Japan, and America. The show is praised for its stunning cinematography, powerful storytelling, and the moving performances of its cast. It beautifully captures the immigrant experience and the weight of history.

3. Never Have I Ever (Netflix)

Main Star: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Why it's a top choice: Co-created by Mindy Kaling, this coming-of-age comedy is a fan favorite. It follows the life of Devi Vishwakumar, a first-generation Indian American high school student. The series has been celebrated for its witty writing, heartwarming plot, and for being a refreshing take on the teen comedy genre.

4. Awkwafina is Nora From Queens (Comedy Central, streaming on Max)

Main Star: Awkwafina

Why it's a top choice: Loosely based on Awkwafina's own life, this comedy series offers a hilarious and heartfelt look at a young woman navigating adulthood while still living with her family in Flushing, New York. The show is known for its quirky humor and the dynamic between Nora, her father, and her scene-stealing grandmother.

5. The Sympathizer (HBO/Max)

Main Star: Hoa Xuande

Why it's a top choice: This limited series, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is a spy thriller and a satire. Starring Hoa Xuande, with Sandra Oh and Robert Downey Jr. in supporting roles, it's praised for its unique perspective on the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the experience of Vietnamese refugees in America.

6. The Brothers Sun (Netflix)

Main Stars: Michelle Yeoh, Justin Chien, Sam Song Li

Why it's a top choice: While an ensemble cast, Justin Chien and Sam Song Li are co-leads alongside Michelle Yeoh. This action-comedy series blends high-octane fight sequences with a compelling family drama. It has been lauded for its entertaining plot and for its nuanced portrayal of a Taiwanese crime family in Los Angeles.

7. Ms. Marvel (Disney+)

Main Star: Iman Vellani

Why it's a top choice: A major step for Asian American representation in the superhero genre, Ms. Marvel introduces Kamala Khan, a Pakistani American teenager from Jersey City who gains superpowers. The show is beloved for its vibrant visual style, authentic depiction of a Muslim American family, and Vellani's charismatic performance.

Other notable series with prominent Asian American main or ensemble cast members include:

PEN15 (Hulu): A comedy starring and co-created by Maya Erskine, who plays a fictionalized version of her middle-school self.

The Chair (Netflix): A drama starring Sandra Oh as the first female Chair of the English Department at a prestigious university.

Warrior (Max): While the story is set in 19th-century San Francisco, the main cast is predominantly Asian and the show explores the lives of Chinese immigrants during that era.

**

GROK:

### 1. **Never Have I Ever (2020–2023, Netflix)**  

   - **Main Star**: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Indian American, Tamil descent)  

   - **Synopsis**: Created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, this coming-of-age dramedy follows Devi Vishwakumar, a 15-year-old Indian American teen navigating high school, grief over her father’s death, and cultural expectations. The series blends humor with heartfelt exploration of identity and family dynamics.  

   - **Why It Stands Out**: Critically praised for its authentic portrayal of an Indian American family and its balance of universal teen experiences with specific cultural nuances. Ramakrishnan’s breakout performance earned widespread acclaim.  

   - **Cultural Impact**: As one of Netflix’s popular originals, it’s celebrated for its representation of South Asian American youth and tackling themes like grief and cultural identity.  

### 2. **Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens (2020–present, Comedy Central/HBO Max)**  

   - **Main Star**: Awkwafina (Nora Lum, Chinese American)  

   - **Synopsis**: This semi-autobiographical comedy follows Nora Lin, a 20-something Queens resident aspiring for a bigger life while living with her father and grandmother. The series explores parent-child relationships, immigrant-child guilt, and the pursuit of the American Dream with humor.  

   - **Why It Stands Out**: Awkwafina’s charismatic performance and the show’s stacked Asian American cast (including Lori Tan Chinn, BD Wong, and Bowen Yang) make it a vibrant, funny take on young adulthood. Its focus on cultural disparities and family dynamics resonates widely.  

   - **Cultural Impact**: Renewed for multiple seasons, it’s lauded for breaking stereotypes and showcasing Asian American stories in a comedic light.  

### 3. **The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present, Prime Video)**  

   - **Main Star**: Lola Tung (Asian American)  

   - **Synopsis**: Based on Jenny Han’s novel, this romantic drama follows Belly, a teen navigating love, friendship, and family during summers at a beach house. Tung plays the central role in a love triangle that drives the narrative.  

   - **Why It Stands Out**: The series has topped Prime Video’s charts, with Tung’s nuanced performance as Belly earning praise for capturing the emotional complexity of adolescence. Its diverse cast and universal themes of young love make it a streaming hit.  

   - **Cultural Impact**: A commercial success, it’s part of Prime Video’s strong lineup of Asian American-led content, proving the appeal of diverse leads in mainstream romance.  

### 4. **The Sympathizer (2024, HBO/Max)**  

   - **Main Star**: Hoa Xuande (Vietnamese Australian, playing an Asian American role)  

   - **Synopsis**: Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s novel, this historical drama follows a half-Vietnamese, half-French spy navigating espionage and identity during and after the Vietnam War. Xuande’s character, The Captain, is a complex protagonist balancing loyalty and survival.  

   - **Why It Stands Out**: Xuande’s compelling performance anchors this critically acclaimed limited series, which blends dark humor, drama, and political commentary. The show features a strong Asian-led cast, including Sandra Oh and Robert Downey Jr. in supporting roles.  

   - **Cultural Impact**: Praised for its nuanced depiction of the Vietnamese American experience and its exploration of war, identity, and diaspora, it’s a standout for AAPI representation.  

### 5. **The Brothers Sun (2024, Netflix)**  

   - **Main Stars**: Justin Chien (Taiwanese American) and Sam Song Li (Asian American)  

   - **Synopsis**: This action-packed drama follows a Taiwanese triad enforcer (Chien) who flees to Los Angeles to protect his mother (Michelle Yeoh) and younger brother (Li) from a mysterious enemy. It explores family dynamics, cultural identity, and generational conflict with a mix of action and humor.  

   - **Why It Stands Out**: The chemistry between Chien and Li, alongside Yeoh’s commanding presence, elevates this high-energy series. It balances intense action with emotional depth, offering a fresh take on Asian American family narratives.  

   - **Cultural Impact**: Despite cancellation after one season, its all-Asian cast and nuanced portrayal of immigrant family dynamics were widely praised for raising the bar for representation.  

### 6. **Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024, Prime Video)**  

   - **Main Star**: Maya Erskine (Japanese American, co-lead with Donald Glover)  

   - **Synopsis**: A reimagining of the 2005 film, this spy comedy-drama follows two strangers posing as a married couple while working as secret agents. Erskine’s Jane Smith navigates espionage and a budding romance with Glover’s John Smith.  

   - **Why It Stands Out**: Erskine’s sharp comedic timing and chemistry with Glover make this a fresh, engaging take on the spy genre. The series’ mix of action, romance, and humor has earned it critical acclaim and a second-season renewal.  

   - **Cultural Impact**: Its success highlights the growing demand for Asian American leads in mainstream, high-profile projects, with Erskine’s performance standing out as a fan favorite.  

### Additional Recommendations:

If you’re looking for more AAPI-led content, consider exploring:

- **Pachinko (2022–present, Apple TV+)**: While not strictly Asian American (it focuses on a Korean immigrant family across generations), it’s a critically acclaimed drama with strong AAPI representation.  

- **Warrior (2019–2023, Max/Netflix)**: Though starting just before 2020, this action series features Andrew Koji as a Chinese immigrant lead in a historical setting, with significant Asian American themes.  

**

CoPilot:

1. Beef Steven Yeun, Ali Wong Netflix Drama/Dark Comedy Emmy-winning tale of rage, identity, and redemption

2. Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens Awkwafina Comedy Central / Max Comedy Semi-autobiographical comedy about growing up in Queens

3. Pachinko Youn Yuh-jung, Jin Ha Apple TV+ Historical Drama Epic multi-generational Korean saga with stunning visuals

4. Partner Track Arden Cho Netflix Legal Drama Ambitious lawyer navigates race, romance, and career in NYC

5. Cowboy Bebop (Live Action) John Cho Netflix Sci-Fi/Action Reimagining of the anime classic with Cho as bounty hunter Spike

6. To All the Boys Trilogy Lana Condor Netflix Teen Romance Sweet, heartfelt rom-coms that became a cultural phenomenon

7. Interior Chinatown (upcoming) Jimmy O. Yang Hulu Drama Adaptation of Charles Yu’s satirical novel on Asian stereotypes