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{{Short description|2016 Canadian television sitcom}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| image =
| show_name = Second Jen
| image_alt =
| image =
| caption =
| genre = [[Sitcom]]
| genre = [[Sitcom]]
| creator =
| writer =
| starring = [[Amanda Joy]]<br>[[Samantha Wan]]<br>[[Munro Chambers]]<br>[[Al Mukadam]]<br>Janet Lo<br>[[Atticus Mitchell]]<br>Nile Seguin<br>Lily Gao
| director =
| country = Canada
|num_seasons = 1
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Amanda Joy]]
|num_episodes = 6
* [[Samantha Wan]]
|list_episodes = #Episodes
* [[Munro Chambers]]
| executive_producer =
* [[Al Mukadam]]
| producer =
* Janet Lo
| location = Canada
* [[Atticus Mitchell]]
| runtime = 30 minutes
* Nile Seguin
| company = [[Don Ferguson (actor)|Don Ferguson Productions]]
* [[Lily Gao]]
| network = [[City (TV network)|City]]
| picture_format = [[480i]] ([[SDTV]])<br>[[1080i]] ([[HDTV]])
| first_aired = {{Start date|2016|10|27}}
| last_aired = present
|website = http://www.citytv.com/toronto/shows/secondjen/
}}
}}
| theme_music_composer =
'''''Second Jen''''' is a [[Canada|Canadian]] [[Sitcom|television sitcom]] that premiered on [[City (TV network)|City]] on October 27, 2016.<ref>[http://www.570news.com/2016/06/06/city-unveils-201617-prime-time-schedule/ "City unveils 2016/17 Prime-Time schedule"]. [[CKGL|570 News]], June 6, 2016.</ref> The series is produced by [[Don Ferguson (actor)|Don Ferguson Productions]],<ref name=playback>[http://playbackonline.ca/2016/07/21/second-jen-starts-rolling/ "Second Jen starts rolling"]. ''[[Playback (website)|Playback]]'', July 21, 2016.</ref> and stars [[Amanda Joy]] and [[Samantha Wan]] as Mo and Jen, two young [[Asian Canadian]] women experiencing the ups and downs of being independent after moving out of their parents' homes for the first time.<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2016/08/09/second-jen-breaks-sitcom-ground-with-two-asian-women-in-lead-roles.html "Second Jen breaks sitcom ground with two Asian women in lead roles"]. ''[[Toronto Star]]'', August 9, 2016.</ref> Joy and Wan are also co-creators and writers for the series.<ref name="playback" />
| opentheme =
| endtheme =
| composer =
| country = Canada
| language = English
| num_seasons = 3
| num_episodes = 18
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer =
| producer =
| editor =
| camera =
| runtime = 30 minutes
| company = [[Don Ferguson (actor)|Don Ferguson Productions]]
| network = [[Citytv|City]] (first season)<br />[[Omni Television|Omni]]
| first_aired = {{Start date|2016|10|27}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2021|03|21}}
}}
'''''Second Jen''''' is a [[Television in Canada|Canadian]] television [[sitcom]] that premiered on [[Citytv|City]] on October 27, 2016.<ref>[http://www.570news.com/2016/06/06/city-unveils-201617-prime-time-schedule/ "City unveils 2016/17 Prime-Time schedule"]. [[CKGL|570 News]], June 6, 2016.</ref> The series is produced by [[Don Ferguson (actor)|Don Ferguson Productions]] and stars [[Amanda Joy]] and [[Samantha Wan]] as Mo and Jen,<ref name="playback">[http://playbackonline.ca/2016/07/21/second-jen-starts-rolling/ "Second Jen starts rolling"]. ''[[Playback (magazine)|Playback]]'', July 21, 2016.</ref> two young [[East Asian Canadian]] women experiencing the ups and downs of being independent after moving out of their parents' homes for the first time.<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2016/08/09/second-jen-breaks-sitcom-ground-with-two-asian-women-in-lead-roles.html "Second Jen breaks sitcom ground with two Asian women in lead roles"]. ''[[Toronto Star]]'', August 9, 2016.</ref> Joy and Wan are also co-creators and writers for the series.<ref name="playback" />


Following its release in 2016, the series received mixed reviews.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" /> [[Omni Television]] commissioned a second season which is set to premiere in August 2018.<ref>[https://www.straight.com/movies/989576/omni-renews-canadian-multicultural-tv-series-blood-and-water-second-jen-mangoes].</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2018/07/25/rogers-sets-second-jen-return/|title=Rogers sets Second Jen return|access-date=2018-08-02}}</ref>
Following its release in 2016, the series received mixed reviews.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://dorkshelf.com/2016/10/27/second-jen-review/|title=Second Jen Review|first=Susan|last=Stover|date=October 27, 2016|website=Dork Shelf|access-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" /> In 2018, [[Omni Television]] announced it had commissioned a second season.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.straight.com/movies/989576/omni-renews-canadian-multicultural-tv-series-blood-and-water-second-jen-mangoes | title=Omni renews Canadian multicultural TV series Blood and Water, Second Jen, Mangoes | date=November 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2018/07/25/rogers-sets-second-jen-return/|title=Rogers sets Second Jen return|access-date=August 2, 2018}}</ref> It premiered on August 4, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tv-eh.com/2018/08/03/second-jen-returns-for-long-awaited-second-season/|title=Second Jen returns for long-awaited second season|date=2018-08-03|work=TV, eh?|access-date=2018-08-13|language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/television/second-jen-is-back-and-taking-aim-at-hot-topics|title=Second Jen is back and taking aim at hot topics|date=2018-08-02|work=Vancouver Sun|access-date=2018-08-13|language=en-US}}</ref> On February 8, 2019, the second season was nominated for Best Comedy Series by the [[Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.academy.ca/nominees/|title=Nominees - Academy.ca|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-23}}</ref> The third and final season premiered February 14, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tv-eh.com/2021/01/28/second-jen-season-3-premieres-february-14-on-omni-tv/|title=Second Jen Season 3 premieres February 14 on OmniTV|language=en-US|date=January 28, 2021}}</ref><ref>Greg David, [https://www.tv-eh.com/2021/03/24/second-jen-ends-after-three-seasons-on-omni/ "Second Jen ends after three seasons on Omni"]. ''TV, eh?'', March 24, 2021.</ref>


==Cast and characters==
==Cast and characters==
* [[Amanda Joy]] as Jennifer 'Mo' Monteloyola
* [[Amanda Joy]] as Jennifer 'Mo' Monteloyola
* [[Samantha Wan]] as Jennifer 'Jen' Wu
* [[Samantha Wan]] as Jennifer 'Jen' Wu
* [[Munro Chambers]] as Nate
* [[Munro Chambers]] as Nate (Season 1)
* [[Al Mukadam]] as Lewis
* [[Al Mukadam]] as Lewis (Season 1)
* Janet Lo as Bunny
* Janet Lo as Bunny
* [[Atticus Mitchell]] as Garth
* [[Atticus Mitchell]] as Garth (Season 1)
* Nile Seguin as Alister
* Nile Seguin as Alister
* Lily Gao as Karen
* [[Lily Gao]] as Karen
* [[Lovell Adams-Gray]] as Marcus (Season 2)
* Oscar Moreno as Diego
* Andrew Bushell as Riley (Season 3)
* [[Isabel Kanaan]] as Scout (Season 3)


== Development ==
==Episodes==
{{Series overview
Show creators Amanda Joy and Samantha Wan met on the set of the 2014 film ''[[Devil's Mile]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/6931509-shot-and-set-in-toronto-second-jen-airs-thursdays-on-city/|title=Shot and set in Toronto, Second Jen airs Thursdays on City|last=InsideToronto.com|website=www.insidetoronto.com|access-date=2016-10-31}}</ref> Tired of auditioning for the same stereotypical roles, they discussed creating their own work.<ref name="yomyomf.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.yomyomf.com/canadas-new-sitcom-second-jen-stars-two-asian-canadian-women-in-lead-roles/|title=Canada’s New Sitcom "Second Jen" Stars Two Asian Canadian Women In Lead Roles|website=www.yomyomf.com|access-date=2016-10-31}}</ref>
| color1 = #05A5BD
| link1 = #Season 1 (2016)
| episodes1 = 6
| start1 = {{Start date|2016|10|27}}
| end1 = {{End date|2016|12|1}}


| color2 = #AEDDE7
Joy wrote the original pilot script,<ref>http://films.blanksuniverse.ca/2014/04/reelworld-film-festival-2014-identity.html</ref> with Wan directing alongside Joseph O'Brien.<ref name="vmacch.ca">http://www.vmacch.ca/alpha/archives/documents/film2014.pdf</ref> The original spec pilot screened at Toronto's [[ReelWorld Film Festival|Reelworld Film Festival]] in 2014,<ref>{{Citation|last=Katie Chats|title=KATIE CHATS: ReelWorld, SAMANTHA WAN & AMANDA JOY LIM, FILMMAKERS, SECOND JEN|date=2014-03-31|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAe-xPXd4ts|accessdate=2016-10-31}}</ref> as well as Toronto's Asian Heritage Month.<ref name="vmacch.ca"/>
| link2 = #Season 2 (2018)
| episodes2 = 6
| start2 = {{Start date|2018|8|4}}
| end2 = {{End date|2018|9|8}}


| color3 = #AC1F24
Joy and Wan stated that their show was originally rejected at an unnamed Canadian pitch contest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://popj.ca/features/2016/amanda-joy-and-samantha-wan-debut-culturally-diverse-canadian-sitcom-second-jen-0012432|title=Samantha Wan and Amanda Joy debut culturally diverse Canadian sitcom ‘Second Jen’|website=popj.ca|access-date=2016-10-31}}</ref> It later went on to win Best Television Pitch at NexTV L.A.,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nextventertainment.com/blogs_view.php?id=387|title=WINNERS OF THE 2013 WRITING & PITCH COMPETITION - NexTV Entertainment - Connecting tomorrow's great talent with today's elite decision-makers|website=www.nextventertainment.com|access-date=2016-10-31}}</ref> before being picked up for development with [[Rogers TV|Rogers]].
| link3 = #Season 3 (2021)
| episodes3 = 6
| start3 = {{Start date|2021|2|14}}
| end3 = {{End date|2021|3|21}}
}}

===Season 1 (2016)===
{{Episode table |background=#05A5BD |overall= |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |viewers= |country=Canada |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 1
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|Title = Couch Surfing
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|10|27}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 05A5BD
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = Jenny Has the Gay
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|11|3}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 05A5BD
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = Re-Tales
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|11|10}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 05A5BD
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = Borrow-a-Buddy Forever
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|11|17}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 05A5BD
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = Pap Fiction
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|11|24}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 05A5BD
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = Asian Night
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|12|1}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 05A5BD
}}
}}

===Season 2===
{{Episode table |background=#AEDDE7 |overall= |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |viewers= |country=Canada |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 7
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|Title = Forecast Calls for Wedding Showers
|DirectedBy = [[Romeo Candido]]
|WrittenBy = Carly Heffernan
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|8|4}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AEDDE7
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 8
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = The Break In
|DirectedBy = Romeo Candido
|WrittenBy = Carly Heffernan
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|8|11}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AEDDE7
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 9
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = Like a Girl
|DirectedBy = Romeo Candido & Samantha Wan
|WrittenBy = Amanda Joy
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|8|18}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AEDDE7
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 10
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = The Book of Jenesis
|DirectedBy = Romeo Candido
|WrittenBy = Amanda Joy
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|8|25}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AEDDE7
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 11
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = No Escape Room
|DirectedBy = Romeo Candido
|WrittenBy = Carly Heffernan
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|9|1}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AEDDE7
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 12
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = Wall Squirrelly
|DirectedBy = Romeo Candido
|WrittenBy = Carly Heffernan & Amanda Joy
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|9|8}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AEDDE7
}}
}}

===Season 3===
{{Episode table |background=#AC1F24 |overall= |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |airdateR=<ref name="Zap">{{cite web |title=Second Jen – Listings |url=https://tvschedule.zap2it.com/overview.html?programSeriesId=SH02497981&tmsId=SH024979810000&from=TVGrid&aid=gapzap |website=[[Zap2It]] |access-date=February 22, 2021}}</ref> |viewers= |country=Canada |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 13
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|Title = Vive Le Conflict Resolution
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|2|14}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AC1F24
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 14
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = Happy Birthday
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|2|21}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AC1F24
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 15
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = Sense and Sensuality
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|2|28}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AC1F24
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 16
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = Exes and CEOS
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|3|7}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AC1F24
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 17
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = In Session
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|3|14}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AC1F24
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 18
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = Balikbayan
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|3|21}}
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = AC1F24
}}
}}


== Reception ==
==Development==
Show creators Amanda Joy and Samantha Wan met on the set of the 2014 film ''[[Devil's Mile]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/6931509-shot-and-set-in-toronto-second-jen-airs-thursdays-on-city/|title=Shot and set in Toronto, Second Jen airs Thursdays on City|website=www.insidetoronto.com|date=October 30, 2016|access-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref> Tired of auditioning for the same stereotypical East Asian roles, they discussed creating their own work together.<ref name="yomyomf.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.yomyomf.com/canadas-new-sitcom-second-jen-stars-two-asian-canadian-women-in-lead-roles/|title=Canada's New Sitcom "Second Jen" Stars Two Asian Canadian Women In Lead Roles|website=www.yomyomf.com|access-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref>
Prior to the release of the show, Tony Wong of the ''[[Toronto Star]]'' published an article declaring ''Second Jen'' "groundbreaking" in its depiction of two female Asian leads "as if we had already arrived in a post-racial world."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2016/08/09/second-jen-breaks-sitcom-ground-with-two-asian-women-in-lead-roles.html|title=Second Jen breaks sitcom ground with two Asian women in lead roles {{!}} Toronto Star|website=thestar.com|access-date=2016-10-31}}</ref> This point was further reiterated by [[YOMYOMF]]'s Erin Chew, who writes that the show is "breaking down barriers and ceilings."<ref name="yomyomf.com" />


Joy and Wan stated that their show was originally rejected at an unnamed Canadian pitch contest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://popj.ca/features/2016/amanda-joy-and-samantha-wan-debut-culturally-diverse-canadian-sitcom-second-jen-0012432|title=Samantha Wan and Amanda Joy debut culturally diverse Canadian sitcom 'Second Jen'|website=popj.ca|access-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref> It later went on to win Best Television Pitch at NexTV L.A. in 2013,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nextventertainment.com/blogs_view.php?id=387|title=Winners of the 2013 Writing & Pitch Competition|website=www.nextventertainment.com|access-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref> before being picked up for development with [[Rogers TV|Rogers]]. Joy wrote the original pilot script,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://films.blanksuniverse.ca/2014/04/reelworld-film-festival-2014-identity.html|title=ReelWorld Film Festival 2014: The "Identity" Shorts}}</ref> with Wan directing alongside Joseph O'Brien.<ref name="vmacch.ca">{{Cite web| title=Asian heritage month festival 2014 | url=http://www.vmacch.ca/alpha/archives/documents/film2014.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031152110/http://www.vmacch.ca/alpha/archives/documents/film2014.pdf | archive-date=2016-10-31}}</ref> The original spec pilot screened at Toronto's [[ReelWorld Film Festival|Reelworld Film Festival]] in 2014,<ref>{{Citation|title=Katie Chats: ReelWorld, SAMANTHA WAN & AMANDA JOY LIM, FILMMAKERS, SECOND JEN|date=March 31, 2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAe-xPXd4ts|access-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref> as well as Toronto's Asian Heritage Month.<ref name="vmacch.ca"/>
Brad Oswald of the ''[[Winnipeg Free Press]]'' praised ''Second Jen'', calling it "Sharp, funny, slightly cheeky and smartly in tune with this country’s diverse demographic mix." Oswald wrote that "while it’s fair to say that attitude plays a bit part in this likable series’ early success, there are actually several elements that make ''Second Jen'' a must-see production."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/TV/amusing-autumn-ahead-398737951.html|title=Amusing autumn ahead|website=www.winnipegfreepress.com|access-date=2016-10-31}}</ref> Oswald also praised the strength of the cast noting that Joy and Wan are particularly "likeable and relatable" in the lead roles of Jen and Mo.<ref name=":1" />


==Reception==
Susan Stover of Dork Shelf also praised the show for its showcase of Toronto, stating that "It’s nice to see a Canadian cast and crew actually doing a show in Canada about Canadians without being nauseatingly maplewashed."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://dorkshelf.com/2016/10/27/second-jen-review/|title=Second Jen Review|last=27|first=Susan Stover October|last2=Pm|first2=2016 {{!}} 2:29|date=2016-10-27|website=Dork Shelf|access-date=2016-10-31}}</ref> Stover noted the show's lack of production value, but wrote that this "adds, rather than detracts, from the charm of ''Second Jen''."<ref name=":0" />
Prior to the release of the show, Tony Wong of the ''[[Toronto Star]]'' published an article declaring ''Second Jen'' "groundbreaking" in its depiction of two female East Asian leads "as if we had already arrived in a post-racial world."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2016/08/09/second-jen-breaks-sitcom-ground-with-two-asian-women-in-lead-roles.html|title=Second Jen breaks sitcom ground with two Asian women in lead roles {{!}} Toronto Star|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=August 9, 2016|access-date=October 31, 2016|last1=Wong|first1=Tony}}</ref>


Brad Oswald of the ''[[Winnipeg Free Press]]'' praised ''Second Jen'', calling it "Sharp, funny, slightly cheeky and smartly in tune with this country’s diverse demographic mix." Oswald wrote that "while it’s fair to say that attitude plays a bit part in this likable series’ early success, there are actually several elements that make ''Second Jen'' a must-see production."<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/TV/amusing-autumn-ahead-398737951.html|title=Amusing autumn ahead|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|date=October 27, 2016|access-date=October 31, 2016|last1=Oswald|first1=Brad}}</ref> Oswald also praised the strength of the cast noting that Joy and Wan are particularly "likeable and relatable" in the lead roles of Jen and Mo.<ref name=":1" />
''[[Toronto Life Magazine|Toronto Life]]''<nowiki/>'s Will Sloan complimented the show's light-hearted tone. He noted that, while "not necessarily laugh out loud funny," ''Second Jen'' is a pleasant watch, with strong moments carried by "the likability of its goofy cast, and the familiar streets, bars and houses of its Little Italy setting." Sloan also praised Joy and Wan's performances, calling them breakout stars.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://torontolife.com/culture/movies-and-tv/seven-side-splitting-canadian-tv-comedies-that-you-need-to-watch/|title=Seven side-splitting Canadian TV comedies that you need to watch|date=2017-01-12|newspaper=Toronto Life|access-date=2017-02-06|language=en-US}}</ref>


''[[Toronto Life Magazine|Toronto Life]]''<nowiki/>'s Will Sloan complimented the show's light-hearted tone. He noted that, while "not necessarily laugh out loud funny," ''Second Jen'' is a pleasant watch, with strong moments carried by "the likability of its goofy cast, and the familiar streets, bars and houses of its Little Italy setting." Sloan also praised Joy and Wan's performances, calling them breakout stars.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://torontolife.com/culture/movies-and-tv/seven-side-splitting-canadian-tv-comedies-that-you-need-to-watch/|title=Seven side-splitting Canadian TV comedies that you need to watch|date=January 12, 2017|newspaper=Toronto Life|access-date=February 6, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>
Brad Wheeler of ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' hailed the show as "A Laverne & Shirley for the Digital Age" as it stars "two sparky second-generation Asian-Canadian millennial women coming of age in an era so economically challenging that Laverne and Shirley would be crying in their beers instead of merrily goofing off at the bottling plant."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/second-jen-a-laverne-shirley-for-the-digital-age/article32548177/|title=Second Jen: A Laverne & Shirley for the digital age|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|access-date=2016-10-31}}</ref>


In contrast, [[John Doyle (critic)|John Doyle]], also of ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', panned the show, calling it "light, slight, silly and only occasionally outright funny." However, he also called it "mediocre," writing: "''Second Jen'' is notable for having two female Asian lead characters but it is not notable, nor funny, as a comedy."<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/john-doyle-diversity-good-comedy-mild-and-mediocre-on-second-jen/article32537055/|title=John Doyle: Second Jen's diversity is good, but its comedy is mediocre|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|access-date=2016-10-31}}</ref>
Brad Wheeler of ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' hailed the show as "A Laverne & Shirley for the Digital Age" as it stars "two sparky second-generation Asian-Canadian millennial women coming of age in an era so economically challenging that Laverne and Shirley would be crying in their beers instead of merrily goofing off at the bottling plant."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/second-jen-a-laverne-shirley-for-the-digital-age/article32548177/|title=Second Jen: A Laverne & Shirley for the digital age|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|access-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref>


The show was also viewed un-favourably by [[Quebec]]oise TV blog, Lady Teruki. The website noted its disappointment that despite the two leads being likeable and charming, and good ideas bubbling under the surface, ''Second Jen'' had clearly suffered from broadening, dated ideas, and an obvious lack of trust in its creators.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ladyteruki.com/2016/11/05/split-second/|title=Split second|date=2016-11-05|website=ladyteruki|access-date=2016-11-11}}</ref>
In contrast, [[John Doyle (critic)|John Doyle]], also of ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', panned the show, calling it "light, slight, silly and only occasionally outright funny [...] ''Second Jen'' is notable for having two female Asian lead characters but it is not notable, nor funny, as a comedy."<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/john-doyle-diversity-good-comedy-mild-and-mediocre-on-second-jen/article32537055/|title=John Doyle: Second Jen's diversity is good, but its comedy is mediocre|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|access-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{portal|Television in Canada}}
{{Portal|Television|Canada}}
*{{imdb title|5865052}}
*{{IMDb title|5865052}}


{{City Network Shows (current and upcoming)}}
{{City Network Shows (current and upcoming)}}


[[Category:City (TV network) shows]]
[[Category:Citytv original programming]]
[[Category:2021 Canadian television series endings]]
[[Category:Omni Television original programming]]
[[Category:2016 Canadian television series debuts]]
[[Category:2016 Canadian television series debuts]]
[[Category:2010s Canadian sitcoms]]
[[Category:2010s Canadian sitcoms]]
[[Category:2020s Canadian sitcoms]]
[[Category:Canadian English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Asian Canadian television series]]

Latest revision as of 16:04, 7 January 2025

Second Jen
GenreSitcom
Starring
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes18
Production
Running time30 minutes
Production companyDon Ferguson Productions
Original release
NetworkCity (first season)
Omni
ReleaseOctober 27, 2016 (2016-10-27) –
March 21, 2021 (2021-03-21)

Second Jen is a Canadian television sitcom that premiered on City on October 27, 2016.[1] The series is produced by Don Ferguson Productions and stars Amanda Joy and Samantha Wan as Mo and Jen,[2] two young East Asian Canadian women experiencing the ups and downs of being independent after moving out of their parents' homes for the first time.[3] Joy and Wan are also co-creators and writers for the series.[2]

Following its release in 2016, the series received mixed reviews.[4][5][6][7] In 2018, Omni Television announced it had commissioned a second season.[8][9] It premiered on August 4, 2018.[10][11] On February 8, 2019, the second season was nominated for Best Comedy Series by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.[12] The third and final season premiered February 14, 2021.[13][14]

Cast and characters

[edit]

Episodes

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
16October 27, 2016 (2016-10-27)December 1, 2016 (2016-12-01)
26August 4, 2018 (2018-08-04)September 8, 2018 (2018-09-08)
36February 14, 2021 (2021-02-14)March 21, 2021 (2021-03-21)

Season 1 (2016)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateCanada viewers
(millions)
11"Couch Surfing"UnknownUnknownOctober 27, 2016 (2016-10-27)N/A
22"Jenny Has the Gay"UnknownUnknownNovember 3, 2016 (2016-11-03)N/A
33"Re-Tales"UnknownUnknownNovember 10, 2016 (2016-11-10)N/A
44"Borrow-a-Buddy Forever"UnknownUnknownNovember 17, 2016 (2016-11-17)N/A
55"Pap Fiction"UnknownUnknownNovember 24, 2016 (2016-11-24)N/A
66"Asian Night"UnknownUnknownDecember 1, 2016 (2016-12-01)N/A

Season 2

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateCanada viewers
(millions)
71"Forecast Calls for Wedding Showers"Romeo CandidoCarly HeffernanAugust 4, 2018 (2018-08-04)N/A
82"The Break In"Romeo CandidoCarly HeffernanAugust 11, 2018 (2018-08-11)N/A
93"Like a Girl"Romeo Candido & Samantha WanAmanda JoyAugust 18, 2018 (2018-08-18)N/A
104"The Book of Jenesis"Romeo CandidoAmanda JoyAugust 25, 2018 (2018-08-25)N/A
115"No Escape Room"Romeo CandidoCarly HeffernanSeptember 1, 2018 (2018-09-01)N/A
126"Wall Squirrelly"Romeo CandidoCarly Heffernan & Amanda JoySeptember 8, 2018 (2018-09-08)N/A

Season 3

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [15]Canada viewers
(millions)
131"Vive Le Conflict Resolution"UnknownUnknownFebruary 14, 2021 (2021-02-14)N/A
142"Happy Birthday"UnknownUnknownFebruary 21, 2021 (2021-02-21)N/A
153"Sense and Sensuality"UnknownUnknownFebruary 28, 2021 (2021-02-28)N/A
164"Exes and CEOS"UnknownUnknownMarch 7, 2021 (2021-03-07)N/A
175"In Session"UnknownUnknownMarch 14, 2021 (2021-03-14)N/A
186"Balikbayan"UnknownUnknownMarch 21, 2021 (2021-03-21)N/A

Development

[edit]

Show creators Amanda Joy and Samantha Wan met on the set of the 2014 film Devil's Mile.[16] Tired of auditioning for the same stereotypical East Asian roles, they discussed creating their own work together.[17]

Joy and Wan stated that their show was originally rejected at an unnamed Canadian pitch contest.[18] It later went on to win Best Television Pitch at NexTV L.A. in 2013,[19] before being picked up for development with Rogers. Joy wrote the original pilot script,[20] with Wan directing alongside Joseph O'Brien.[21] The original spec pilot screened at Toronto's Reelworld Film Festival in 2014,[22] as well as Toronto's Asian Heritage Month.[21]

Reception

[edit]

Prior to the release of the show, Tony Wong of the Toronto Star published an article declaring Second Jen "groundbreaking" in its depiction of two female East Asian leads "as if we had already arrived in a post-racial world."[23]

Brad Oswald of the Winnipeg Free Press praised Second Jen, calling it "Sharp, funny, slightly cheeky and smartly in tune with this country’s diverse demographic mix." Oswald wrote that "while it’s fair to say that attitude plays a bit part in this likable series’ early success, there are actually several elements that make Second Jen a must-see production."[4] Oswald also praised the strength of the cast noting that Joy and Wan are particularly "likeable and relatable" in the lead roles of Jen and Mo.[4]

Toronto Life's Will Sloan complimented the show's light-hearted tone. He noted that, while "not necessarily laugh out loud funny," Second Jen is a pleasant watch, with strong moments carried by "the likability of its goofy cast, and the familiar streets, bars and houses of its Little Italy setting." Sloan also praised Joy and Wan's performances, calling them breakout stars.[7]

Brad Wheeler of The Globe and Mail hailed the show as "A Laverne & Shirley for the Digital Age" as it stars "two sparky second-generation Asian-Canadian millennial women coming of age in an era so economically challenging that Laverne and Shirley would be crying in their beers instead of merrily goofing off at the bottling plant."[24]

In contrast, John Doyle, also of The Globe and Mail, panned the show, calling it "light, slight, silly and only occasionally outright funny [...] Second Jen is notable for having two female Asian lead characters but it is not notable, nor funny, as a comedy."[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "City unveils 2016/17 Prime-Time schedule". 570 News, June 6, 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Second Jen starts rolling". Playback, July 21, 2016.
  3. ^ "Second Jen breaks sitcom ground with two Asian women in lead roles". Toronto Star, August 9, 2016.
  4. ^ a b c Oswald, Brad (October 27, 2016). "Amusing autumn ahead". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  5. ^ Stover, Susan (October 27, 2016). "Second Jen Review". Dork Shelf. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  6. ^ a b "John Doyle: Second Jen's diversity is good, but its comedy is mediocre". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Seven side-splitting Canadian TV comedies that you need to watch". Toronto Life. January 12, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  8. ^ "Omni renews Canadian multicultural TV series Blood and Water, Second Jen, Mangoes". November 2017.
  9. ^ "Rogers sets Second Jen return". Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  10. ^ "Second Jen returns for long-awaited second season". TV, eh?. August 3, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  11. ^ "Second Jen is back and taking aim at hot topics". Vancouver Sun. August 2, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  12. ^ "Nominees - Academy.ca". Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  13. ^ "Second Jen Season 3 premieres February 14 on OmniTV". January 28, 2021.
  14. ^ Greg David, "Second Jen ends after three seasons on Omni". TV, eh?, March 24, 2021.
  15. ^ "Second Jen – Listings". Zap2It. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  16. ^ "Shot and set in Toronto, Second Jen airs Thursdays on City". www.insidetoronto.com. October 30, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  17. ^ "Canada's New Sitcom "Second Jen" Stars Two Asian Canadian Women In Lead Roles". www.yomyomf.com. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  18. ^ "Samantha Wan and Amanda Joy debut culturally diverse Canadian sitcom 'Second Jen'". popj.ca. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  19. ^ "Winners of the 2013 Writing & Pitch Competition". www.nextventertainment.com. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  20. ^ "ReelWorld Film Festival 2014: The "Identity" Shorts".
  21. ^ a b "Asian heritage month festival 2014" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 31, 2016.
  22. ^ Katie Chats: ReelWorld, SAMANTHA WAN & AMANDA JOY LIM, FILMMAKERS, SECOND JEN, March 31, 2014, retrieved October 31, 2016
  23. ^ Wong, Tony (August 9, 2016). "Second Jen breaks sitcom ground with two Asian women in lead roles | Toronto Star". The Toronto Star. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  24. ^ "Second Jen: A Laverne & Shirley for the digital age". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
[edit]
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