NBC has had many hits in the past with workplace comedies. There was “Cheers” in the ’80s/early ’90s and, more recently, “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation” and “30 Rock.” Now the network is going behind-the-scenes of big box retailing with the brand new series “Superstore,” airing Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET.
As the series begins, things are going rather routinely at the megastore Cloud 9 (think Target or Walmart). Glenn (Mark McKinney) is busy working as the store’s bumbling manager; Amy (America Ferrera, who also serves as a producer) keeps things flowing as the humble and responsible floor supervisor; trouble is kept at bay by security guard/human resources manager Dina (Lauren Ash); and young and pregnant Cheyenne (Nichole Bloom) and wheelchair-bound Garrett (Colton Dunn) are dutiful employees. Then, two new hires shake things up: the not-too-serious yet optimistic Jonah (Ben Feldman) and Mateo (Nico Santos), a brownnoser who will do anything to prove his worth and move up the corporate ladder.
“Superstore” also does a great job reflecting today’s American workplace by having a diverse cast. “There are seven series regulars and four are people of color. Even just a few years ago, it would have been unheard of to see a cast like this,” stated Santos. “The fact that I am a Filipino actor playing a Filipino role is crazy. Filipinos are the second largest Asian minority in the United States, and we’re hardly represented in the media and on television. I think there’s me, Vincent Rodriguez III on ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ and Reggie Lee on ‘Grimm’ — that’s it. We’re the only Filipino characters right now on television, which is insane to me. I just think it’s about time, and I’m really happy that America seems to be embracing this whole surge of Asian characters on television. Yay!”
When picking up your next frample (that’s how they refer to a free sample at Cloud 9) at your local megastore, just be thankful that the crazy cast of characters from “Superstore” aren’t working there!
To view the first few episodes of “Superstore” online right now, click HERE.
For more on Nico Santos, follow him on Twitter.
