Global – In a move that’s either brilliantly contrarian or hilariously ironic, Apple TV+ has just announced The Unlikely Cook with Awkwafina, an eight-episode unscripted food series starring and executive produced by Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Awkwafina, real name Nora Lum.

Here’s the twist: despite her family’s legendary culinary heritage, Nora can’t cook. At all. She openly admits she could “ruin an instant ramen.” So, what happens when a self-proclaimed kitchen disaster embarks on a cross-country quest to rediscover her family’s iconic cooking?

Nora Lum’s family once ran Lum’s, an iconic Cantonese restaurant in Flushing, New York – the very first in what is now a thriving Chinatown. That’s a legacy most people would kill for, a culinary bedrock. Yet, Awkwafina somehow managed to bypass the cooking gene entirely.

This series goes beyond just about learning to chop an onion; it’s a deeply personal journey as she explores contemporary Asian American cuisine, starting with that remarkable, yet seemingly untouched, family legacy.

Throughout the series, Nora will travel across America, tapping into the expertise of acclaimed chefs, seasoned restaurateurs, and her own characterful family members. The goal is ambitious: to explore what it truly takes to master Asian food in the kitchen and, perhaps, to reimagine Lum’s legacy for the modern age.

It’s a fascinating premise, blending personal narrative with cultural exploration, all wrapped in a culinary adventure. Could this be the spark that ignites a latent cooking talent? Or will it prove that some things are best left to the professionals?

“I’ve never been trusted around a kitchen, so I thank everyone involved for opening that part of my house up to me,” Awkwafina quipped in a recent statement. She emphasized the profound personal connection, calling the opportunity to “explore and reconnect with that legacy” incredibly rare and special.

The series is being produced by Twofour, the same team behind the celebrated and Emmy Award-nominated travel series The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy. Lum herself is executive producing, alongside David Brindley, Itay Reiss, and Caroline Davies, hinting at a production with both comedic flair and genuine heart.

This show is a testament to Apple TV+’s commitment to compelling original content. Launched on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ quickly became the first all-original streaming service to go global, racking up an impressive 640 wins and 2,915 award nominations to date for its films, documentaries, and series.

Available in over 100 countries and on more than 1 billion screens, Apple TV+ offers a premium viewing experience for $12.99 per month, often with special introductory offers. Their success with unique, unscripted series like this one demonstrates a keen eye for engaging storytelling.

The Unlikely Cook with Awkwafina promises to be more than just a culinary travelogue. It’s a journey of self-discovery, cultural reconnection, and a hilarious romp through the world of food. It speaks to anyone who has felt intimidated by a recipe or has longed to connect with their family’s past through the universal language of food.

The big question remains: by the end of eight episodes, will Awkwafina finally be able to cook that instant ramen without ruining it? Only time will tell.