The Chair

Ji-Yoon Kim, a woman of Korean-American heritage, becomes the first woman of color to chair the English department at a prestigious but crumbling university. Faced with dwindling enrollment and a lack of interest in literature, she must navigate the complexities of academia, including her own personal life and the eccentricities of her colleagues. The series humorously and poignantly explores themes of identity, race, and the challenges of higher education in the modern world.

The Chair was widely praised by critics for its sharp writing, strong performances, and timely exploration of relevant social issues within academia. Sandra Oh's lead performance was particularly lauded. While some found the pacing uneven at times, the series was generally seen as a successful blend of humor and heartfelt drama.

• Praised for Sandra Oh's compelling performance and sharp, witty writing.
• Appreciated for its timely and nuanced exploration of race, gender, and academia.
• Found to be a refreshing and relevant comedy-drama that balances humor with pathos.

Google audience: Audiences largely enjoyed 'The Chair,' with many highlighting Sandra Oh's stellar performance and the show's ability to be both funny and thought-provoking. The exploration of modern university challenges and relatable characters resonated well with viewers.

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe Award (Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy for Sandra Oh).

The show was created by former UNC Chapel Hill professor Amanda Stheres, who drew inspiration from her own experiences in academia.