13/07/2025
AsiaVista, the new content network focused on elevating AAPI narratives, has officially greenlit the pilot episode of Foreign Native, an unscripted docuseries exploring the ancestral roots of Asian Americans through immersive cultural experiences. Production will begin in Thailand later this month.
The series, created by Courtney LeMarco (Hoarders), will follow Asian Americans as they journey to their ancestral homelands and confront life without their American comforts. Each episode challenges participants to adapt to traditional lifestyles, deepen their connection to heritage, and undergo personal transformation.
LeMarco, who serves as the show’s executive producer, called the project “a deeply personal and timely reflection of identity and resilience.” He added, “We’re not just sending people back to visit their roots. We’re giving them a mirror. It’s about discovery, discomfort, and ultimately growth.”
AsiaVista’s pilot episode will be produced by Michaela W. Tse, a rising talent known for her international work on socially driven projects. She most recently produced an independent documentary in Japan examining the role of food in grief and resilience. The project received support from Hiroshima Television and was advised by the Director of SPICE at Stanford University. Her ability to lead high-stakes productions across continents, proficiency in Japanese, and background in global studies made her a standout choice to helm this inaugural installment.
“Michaela brings a rare mix of creative sensitivity and global pragmatism,” said LeMarco. “Her voice and experience are a natural fit for this story. She understands the stakes and is not afraid to dig deep.”
The Thailand shoot marks the first in a planned eight-episode season. AsiaVista aims to leverage the show’s unique premise to spark dialogue around identity, cultural belonging, and intergenerational healing.
Foreign Native is expected to premiere in early 2026 on AsiaVista’s streaming platform.