Director Lulu Wang, known for the success of “The Farewell,” is set to release a limited series titled “Expats” later this year. Adapted from Janice Y. K. Lee’s 2016 novel, the Hong Kong-set drama is backed by Amazon Studios and Nicole Kidman’s production company, Blossom Films. Kidman is set to executive produce and star in the series. The project faced challenges, including controversy over Kidman’s quarantine exemption during filming, COVID-related production shutdowns, and concerns about addressing Hong Kong’s political unrest.
Expats: Release Date
The six-episode limited series’ launch date is set for January 26, 2024, according to Prime Video. The
show debuted its sixth standalone episode on September 8 at the Toronto International Film Festival,
ahead of its broadcast.
You May Also Like: 3 Body Problem: Release Date, Cast And Everything We Know
The Cast And Crew
“Expats” features a female-led cast, with Nicole Kidman as Margaret, a mother of three who moves to
Hong Kong. Kidman, known for her roles in “Big Little Lies” and “Nine Perfect Strangers,” has a
successful producing career with Blossom Films. Sarayu Blue plays Hilary, a career-driven housewife
dealing with infertility, known for her work in TV series like “I Feel Bad” and films like “Blockers.” Ji-young
Yoo portrays Mercy, a recent college graduate looking to start a new chapter. Yoo has appeared in films
like “Moxie” and “Smoking Tigers.” The series brings together a talented ensemble for this intriguing
female-centric narrative.
The Plot
In Lee’s 2016 novel and the upcoming series “Expats,” the titular expatriates are three women from varied
backgrounds who relocate from America to Hong Kong, navigating struggles tied to their pasts that
impact their futures. Margaret and Hilary, both married, carry complex domestic lives marked by
tragedies, while Mercy, a recent college graduate, seeks a fresh start. Fate intertwines their stories, forcing
them to confront challenges that jeopardise their relationships and well-being. The series will employ
non-linear narratives to captivate viewers as the interconnected tales of Margaret, Hilary, and Mercy
unfold. The novel’s official synopsis provides additional insights into what the audience can expect from
the upcoming series.
In the glittering city of Hong Kong, expats arrive daily for myriad reasons—to find or lose themselves in a foreign place, and to forget or remake themselves far from home. Amidst this hothouse atmosphere, a tragic incident causes three American women’s lives to collide in ways that will rewrite every assumption of their privileged world: Mercy, a young Korean American and recent Columbia graduate, once again finds herself compromised and adrift, trying to start her life anew; Hilary, a wealthy housewife, is haunted by her struggle to have a child, hoping to save her uncertain marriage; meanwhile, Margaret, once the enviable mother of three, tries to negotiate an existence that has become utterly unrecognizable after a catastrophic event. Faced with unthinkable choices, these three women form a profound connection that defies the norms of the sequestered community—finding in each other a strength borne of need, forgiveness, and ultimately hope.
by collider
The Creators of ‘Expats’
“Expats” marks Lulu Wang’s television debut, where she takes on the roles of showrunner, director, writer,
and executive producer. Author Janice Y.K. Lee is also involved as a producer for the adaptation. The
impressive team of executive producers includes Nicole Kidman, Alice Bell, Melanie Marnich, and Daniele
Melia, Per Saari, Stan Wlodkowski, and Theresa Park The series’ cinematography is handled by Anne
Franquesa-Solano, known for her work on “The Farewell,” while the editing is done by Matthew
Friedman and Alex O’Flinn, adding their expertise from projects like “Palm Springs” and “The Rider.” With
this talented and diverse team, “Expats,” promises a compelling and well-crafted television experience.
Where Can You Watch ‘Expats’?
Since the series is a product of Amazon Studios, it will only be available for viewing on Prime Video.
Whether all six episodes will be aired at once or on a weekly basis is still up in the air. In the
interim, be sure to visit this page often to stay up-to-date on all the most recent Expat news.
You May Also Like: Why ‘Expats’ Director Lulu Wang Originally Passed on the Prime Video Series
