Kung Fu (2021 TV series)

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Kung Fu
File:Kung Fu (2021 TV series) Title Card.png
Genre <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Based on Kung Fu
by Ed Spielman
Developed by Christina M. Kim
Starring <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Music by Sherri Chung
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 3
No. of episodes 39
Production
Executive producer(s) <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Producer(s) <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
  • Karyn Smith-Forge
  • Jennifer Lence
  • Ian Smith
  • Kathryn Borel, Jr.
  • Lillian Yu
  • Carl Ogawa
  • Matt Young
  • Dan Hamamura
  • Richard Lowe
Production location(s) Langley, British Columbia
Cinematography <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
  • Neil Cervin
  • Lindsay George
  • Christopher Charles Kempinski
  • Geoff Wallace
Editor(s) <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
  • Tirsa Hackshaw
  • Mike Banas
  • Magnolia Rosso
  • Dexter Adriano
  • Amy Stuvland Parks
  • Robyn Muir
  • Hilary Bolger
  • Matt Lawrence
  • A.J. Calomay
Camera setup Single-camera
Running time 41–42 minutes[1]
Production company(s) <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Release
Original network The CW
Original release April 7, 2021 (2021-04-07) –
March 8, 2023 (2023-03-08)
Chronology
Related shows Kung Fu (1972 TV series)
External links
[{{#property:P856}} Website]

Kung Fu is an American martial arts action-adventure television series that premiered on The CW on April 7, 2021 and ended on March 8, 2023. Set in the present, it is an adaptation of the 1970s series of the same title. It is produced by Warner Bros. Television, as was the original series and Kung Fu: The Legend Continues. Executive producers include Christina M. Kim (developer of The CW series), Ed Spielman (creator of the original series), Greg Berlanti, Martin Gero, Robert Berens, and Sarah Schechter. It is one of a few American network dramas to feature a predominantly Asian American cast, including veteran actor Tzi Ma.[2] In May 2021, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on March 9, 2022.[3][4] In March 2022, the series was renewed for a third season which premiered on October 5, 2022.[5][6] In May 2023, the series was canceled after three seasons.[7]

Premise

Set in the present day, the series follows a young Chinese American woman whose personal issues force her to leave college and make a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. On her return to America three years later, she starts using her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community when her hometown of San Francisco is plagued by ongoing crime and corruption, especially those being threatened by the Triad, all while dealing with her estranged family and searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.

This version is a re-imagining, rather than a reboot, of the 1972 television series starring David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine, the fugitive monk traveling the American Old West.[8]

Cast

Main

From left to right: Tony Chung, Shannon Dang, Olivia Liang, Eddie Liu, Yvonne Chapman, and Jon Prasida at WonderCon 2022
From left to right: Tony Chung, Shannon Dang, Olivia Liang, Eddie Liu, Yvonne Chapman, and Jon Prasida at WonderCon 2022
  • Olivia Liang as Nicky Shen, a Harvard dropout and an outsider to her family who is an expert in martial arts, which she uses to stop a growing criminal problem that has overtaken her community. She acts as a vigilante for those who need help while discovering her potential and unlocking her destiny, as well as trying to reconnect with everyone around her. It was later revealed that she is a descendant of Liang Daiyu.
  • Kheng Hua Tan as Mei-Li Shen, Nicky's strict mother, who helped her husband in the restaurant business and is not happy with Nicky for abandoning the family and was the reason for Nicky and Evan's breakup. She is keeping secrets that could threaten the family and was unaware of Nicky's mission to help others until she told Nicky the truth about being a descendant of Liang Daiyu.
  • Eddie Liu as Henry Yan, a martial arts practitioner, expert on traditional Chinese art and mythology, and Nicky's love interest. He has a criminal past that he has regretted but has vowed to go straight while helping Nicky.
  • Shannon Dang as Althea Shen-Soong (née Shen), Nicky's larger-than-life older tech-savvy sister who is newly engaged with plans of having the perfect life, despite dealing with a painful past involving sexual abuse by her former employer. An expert in cyber-hacking, she assists Nicky in her mission to stop the criminal elements.
  • Jon Prasida as Ryan Shen, Nicky's estranged younger brother who is a quick-witted medical student, runs a free community clinic, and is openly gay, as they try to repair their relationship while assisting her
  • Gavin Stenhouse as Evan Hartley, a highly successful assistant district attorney who still has feelings for Nicky, despite having a new girlfriend and Mei-Li's disapproval of him dating Nicky in the past. He acts as a go-to for Nicky while watching out for her, especially with knowing about Henry's criminal past.
  • Vanessa Kai as Pei-Ling Zhang, Nicky's shifu (mentor) at the Shaolin Monastery in Yunnan Province, China. She was killed by her sister Zhilan while trying to defend the monastery from her gang of raiders and appears as a ghost to help guide Nicky. It was later revealed that she accidentally killed her own father and Zhilan blamed her.
    • Kai also portrays Xiao / The Alchemist, the creator of the warrior and guardian bloodlines who aimed to create a more powerful human. Jennifer Khoe portrays Xiao's true form in the third season.
  • Tony Chung as Dennis Soong, Althea's husband and a wealthy investor from a rich family
  • Tzi Ma as Jin Shen, Nicky's father, a restaurant owner who is upset over his daughter's choices despite his love for her, while at the same time keeping secrets that could destroy their family due to the Triad's grip on the local community, as well as concerns over his health problems. He was initially unaware of Nicky's actions and her family lineage to Liang Daiyu, finding out shortly after Nicky.
  • Yvonne Chapman as Zhilan Zhang (season 2–3;[9][10] recurring season 1), Pei-Ling's sister with deep criminal ties and a mysterious connection to the Shaolin monastery where Nicky trained. She seeks to collect 8 sacred weapons (which includes The Sword of Liang Daiyu, a pair of Shuang Gou, a dagger, an axe, a pair of crescent moon knives, another sword, a crossbow, and a Meteor Hammer) and unlock their powers, unaware that Nicky came into contact with the Sword of Liang Daiyu that revealed her untapped destiny (she is unaware of Nicky being a direct descendant of Liang Daiyu). After killing Pei-Ling, Nicky's mentor, she becomes her archenemy.
  • JB Tadena as Sebastian Cailao (season 3;[10] recurring season 2), Harmony Dumplings' new chef and Ryan's love interest[11]

Recurring

  • Bradley Gibson as Joe Harper (season 1), a Bay Area LGBTQ/social activist and Ryan's former romantic interest
  • Ludi Lin as Kerwin Tan (season 1-2), a vengeful playboy and heir to a family fortune who has personal history and aids Zhilan in gathering the eight weapons
    • Lin also plays the part of Russell Tan after he has his soul transferred into Kerwin's body.
  • Janet Kidder as District Attorney Hughes, Evan's boss
  • Kee Chan as Russell Tan, Kerwin and Juliette's father
  • Marissa Cuevas as Nadia, Evan's secretary who helps him assist Nicky
  • Vanessa Yao as Mia Yang (season 2-3), the Shen siblings' cousin and their Aunt Mei-Xue's daughter[11]
  • Annie Q. as Juliette Tan (season 2), Russell Tan's ruthless daughter[11]
  • Andrew Tinpo Lee as Frank (season 2), Jin's friend who helps in the community
  • Terry Chen as Daniel Yan (season 2), Henry's estranged father
  • Ben Levin as Bo (season 3)[12]
  • Kim Rhodes as Carrie (season 3)[12]
  • Donald Heng as Anthony Chan (season 3)

Episodes

Series overview

Season Episodes Originally aired
First aired Last aired
1 13 April 7, 2021 (2021-04-07) July 21, 2021 (2021-07-21)
2 13 March 9, 2022 (2022-03-09) June 15, 2022 (2022-06-15)
3 13 October 5, 2022 (2022-10-05) March 8, 2023 (2023-03-08)

Season 1 (2021)

Kung Fu season 1 episodes
No.
overall		 No. in
season		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date Prod.
code		 U.S. viewers
(millions)
1 1 "Pilot" Hanelle M. Culpepper Christina M. Kim April 7, 2021 (2021-04-07) T13.22851 1.40[13]
Fleeing from her overbearing family and seeking freedom, Nicky Shen joins an all-female Shaolin monastery in China, where she spends three years becoming an expert fighter under the tutelage of Pei-Ling. When her mentor is murdered by the renegade warrior Zhilan (who also steals a sacred sword) and the monastery is destroyed, Nicky returns home to San Francisco, where everyone except her estranged mother Mei-Li and younger brother Ryan welcomes her back. After Nicky's father is hospitalized due to a severe beating, she learns that her family is indebted to Tony Kang, the local Triad boss. Nicky, Ryan, and their sister Althea gather information on the Triad for the police, but when Ryan puts himself in danger to get photos of Kang's illegal dealings, Nicky steps in and subdues Kang using a Shaolin technique before escaping as the police arrive. Her new friend Henry warns her that the stolen sword is one of eight mystical weapons. Zhilan is likely planning to collect all of them in order to unlock their true power, and the scar that seared Nicky's hand (leaving a detailed inscription) during their first encounter is key to the search. At the urging of her parents, Nicky decides to stay and rebuild her life in San Francisco.
2 2 "Silence" Hanelle M. Culpepper Christina M. Kim & Robert Berens April 14, 2021 (2021-04-14) T13.22852 1.37[14]
After a dream about Pei-Ling's death, Nicky recognizes that she is letting fear cloud her mind. Nicky then agrees to help Althea with her wedding, restarts a game with her father, and promises to start training with Henry. At a park, Nicky comes to the aid of a homeless young woman, who escapes after Nicky fends off her attacker. Nicky tracks her down and learns that her name is Rhonda and that she was thrown out by her sick mother's abusive boyfriend Derek, who is stealing from her to feed his gambling addiction. Nicky chases him off and gets a restraining order filed on Rhonda's behalf. Hours later, Nicky learns from Rhonda that Derek has emptied her mother's bank accounts and plans to gamble it all away at a private casino. Nicky tracks him down, makes him swear to never bother them again, and forces the casino to repay all the money he lost. Evan tells Nicky that Zhilan was recently spotted in Singapore, and learns that she and Pei-Ling are sisters. Henry also tells Nicky that a pendant she saw in her dream is tied to the missing swords, and a professor who Henry happens to know who can help them is also in Singapore, where Zhilan approaches him with a proposition.
3 3 "Patience" Joe Menendez Richard Lowe April 21, 2021 (2021-04-21) T13.22853 1.07[15]
Nicky struggles to find a new purpose in life. At Ryan's clinic, she befriends a woman named Faye who is trying to organize a union at the King Kwong garment factory. Faye is suffering from poor health, but refuses to stop working as the company doesn't cover sick days. After she is hospitalized, Nicky learns from Ryan that she was poisoned with industrial chemicals, and gets Althea to help her access the company's storefront so she can investigate. She discovers the company's COO tried to kill Faye and exposes him; he is arrested and the company agrees to pay Faye's medical bills and recognize the union. Zhilan questions the professor for information regarding the weapons; after she manipulates him into revealing all he knows, she murders him and recovers a set of hooked blades from a Middle Eastern collector. Henry recovers a puzzle box from the professor's office which Nicky opens, finding a key hidden inside; Henry is also getting Evan's attention after he obtains a surveillance tape showing Henry and Nicky breaking into the office. Althea is approached by a reporter who she refuses to speak to; it is implied that Althea was a victim of sexual assault during Nicky's time abroad. Ryan introduces Nicky to his boyfriend Joe at a bar.
4 4 "Hand" America Young Kathryn Borel, Jr. April 28, 2021 (2021-04-28) T13.22854 1.05[16]
Henry and Nicky locate the puzzle box, only to have it stolen by a mysterious thief. Evan contacts Nicky and warns her of Henry's criminal past; she initially brushes his concerns off, but when she sees Henry trade a Qing artifact for information, it creates tension between them. Jin and Mei-Li have dinner with the family of Althea's fiancee Dennis, who want Althea to sign a prenup. This provokes an argument, and Althea storms off while Dennis sets his parents straight. Ryan and Joe visit an art gallery where Ryan admits that Joe is his first serious boyfriend. Henry identifies the thief as Razor, a professional hired by Zhilan to recover the box. Nicky appeals to Razor's ego by challenging him to a fight for the box; she wins and gets to open it, finding a scabbard for the Sword of Liang Diayu. Razor, in turn, sends the empty box and key to Zhilan. Dennis and Althea reconcile and his parents agree to drop the prenup. Nicky entrusts Henry with the scabbard and kisses him, saying that his past doesn't matter to her. At Althea's apartment, Nicky learns about what happened to her sister while she was gone. Althea confesses that she doesn't have the will to expose her abuser.
5 5 "Sanctuary" R.T. Thorne A.C. Allen May 5, 2021 (2021-05-05) T13.22855 0.96[17]
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Nicky and Henry, growing closer, train together at the Chinese Community Center. Then they continue their research. Nicky remembers the obsidian on the sword of Liang Diayu glowing green in light, and then recalls a conversation with Pei-Ling about ancient magic. Holding the scabbard up to the light, it glows in the same way, proving Nicky correct. This gives Nicky and Henry a way to find and authenticate the remaining weapons, so Henry reaches out to Randall. Meanwhile, Jin and Mei-Li walk back to the restaurant from the grocery store, discussing prices of groceries. They consider shopping at a different store, but don't, knowing that it wouldn't be as safe. Elsewhere, Althea prepares to tell Dennis about her old boss' sexual abuse to her, but decides against it after he tells her about securing exclusive tickets for them to take a boat tour of the Galapagos islands, not wanting to spoil his excitement, she decides not to tell him. Nicky and Henry go to dinner. Before walking the restaurant, Nicky accidentally bumps into a young man skateboarding. After dinner, Nicky and Alex see a crime scene, and learn that the man skateboarding has been shot by police, who mistook his skateboarding behind the alley of a store as an attempt to break in. The following morning, the man is identified as Andre Durant, and his condition is critical. Knowing that Andre did nothing wrong, Nicky is extremely upset. Mei-Li, worries about the store owner, Mr. Wong, who never asked to be involved. Later on, Nicky and Althea talk, and Nicky learns that Althea hasn't talked to Dennis yet. Back at the Chinese Community Center, Joe has to cancel his date with Ryan, so he can help to push for the cop who shot Andre to face charges. A protest is planned to take place in Chinatown. At the restaurant, Jin and Mei-Li face an act of vandalism, as someone spray-paints "Justice for Andre" on their window. Mei-Li believes that the rally isn't about justice, but about vandalism. Back at the Chinese Community Center, Henry gets an update on his phone that Andre has died. Still upset about the window, Mei-Li decides to close the restaurant. Nicky wants to find a way to show support for the protesters. Ryan plans to attend the rally, to offer medical support for who might need it. Back at the restaurant, Nicky, Althea, and Jin hand out water, for the protesters. The protest continues with Joe calling for justice for Andre. The police arrive, to shut down the protest, and say anyone on the streets will be arrested. The police use teargas, and as the protesters scatter, Nicky takes in a handful who are outside, which includes Ryan and Joe. Later that night, Evan stops by to say that the police are getting a warrant come into the restaurant to arrest Joe, who is being accused of inciting a riot. Nicky explains it isn't true, but Evan says it doesn't matter. Joe decides to turn himself in, knowing he did nothing wrong, but also knowing now isn't the time to fight. Ryan and Althea decide to reach out to other protesters, for evidence that Joe is innocent. When the police arrive, Nicky stands up, asking the police to arrest her instead, buying time for Ryan and Althea to get evidence. Then Ryan stands up, asking for the police to arrest him, then Jin, then Mei-Li, and then everyone else in the restaurant. Just then, Althea gets a video sent to her, showing Joe saying that the protest will be peaceful, proving his innocence. The police stand down and exit. Late that night, the Shen family talks about a story of a dragon breaking a window when Nicky and Althea were kids. In truth, the window was broken by someone throwing a brick at their window, with a racist note. They decide to remember it as a dragon. The following morning, a memorial is at the site of Andre's death. Mei-Li nods in approval. Ryan and Joe share a moment, coming closer together. Nicky and Henry discuss everything that has happened, and then get a text about the location of the next weapon.
6 6 "Rage" Joe Menendez Lillian Yu May 12, 2021 (2021-05-12) T13.22856 0.96[18]
Nicky and Henry learn that the next weapon is coming to the Reed Museum in San Francisco. Unfortunately, Henry's contact, Randall, has no intention of helping them secure it. So Nicky devises a plan to steal the dagger at the Reed gala. At first, it appears that Henry doesn't want to be involved, but knowing Nicky will need more help, Henry asks Althea, Ryan, and Dennis to assist. At the gala, Nicky is successful in stealing the dagger, but Zhilan is also at the gala, and threatens Nicky, implying that she will kill Nicky's parents if she doesn't give up the dagger. With no options, Nicky relinquishes it. Nicky attempts to fight Zhilan in the alley behind the gala, but loses the match. Zhilan reveals that Pei-Ling (her sister) killed their father. Meanwhile, Althea signs a nondisclosure agreement for five-hundred thousand dollars to keep quiet about the sexual assault inflicted by her old boss. Althea doesn't want to sign at first, but changes her mind, and asks that the money be given to the Chinese Community Center, specifically to keep the medical program, where Ryan works, funded.
7 7 "Guidance" Michael Goi Ryan Johnson & Peter Lalayanis May 26, 2021 (2021-05-26) T13.22857 0.82[19]
Evan comes to the aid of an injured Nicky and bring her to his place to recover. While there, she questions her destiny and decides to give up upon learning the truth about Pei-Ling. After being told to rest by Ryan, Nicky doesn't heed that request when Henry tells her about his friend, whose sister has become an unwilling disciple of a violent martial arts instructor. With the help of Althea, Ryan, Evan, and Henry, Nicky infiltrates the studio to challenge the instructor. They come up with a plan to expose his illegal activities. Nicky and the instructor fight, which is spurred on by Pei-Ling's spirit, leading to Nicky defeating him and to his arrest by Evan. Later, Mei-Li revealed the truth to Nicky that she is a descendant of Liang Daiyu and is chosen to be the successor but tried to steer Nicky away from fulfilling that destiny out of fear others would find out. Nicky leaves the house after learning truth from her mother. Meanwhile, the backstory behind Pei-Ling and Zhilan detailed how Pei-Ling actually killed their father by accident and the events that lead up to the falling out between the sisters, in present day, Zhilan confronts her uncle about the weapons. Zhilan then tracked down an acquaintance in her quest.
8 8 "Destiny" Dan Liu Melissa Rundle June 2, 2021 (2021-06-02) T13.22858 0.82[20]
9 9 "Isolation" Geoffrey Wing Shotz Dan Hamamura June 23, 2021 (2021-06-23) T13.22859 0.84[21]
10 10 "Choice" Richard Speight, Jr. Linda Ge & John Bring June 30, 2021 (2021-06-30) T13.22860 0.80[22]
11 11 "Attachment" Viet Nguyen Michael Deigh & Richard Lowe July 7, 2021 (2021-07-07) T13.22861 0.82[23]
12 12 "Sacrifice" Sudz Sutherland Ryan Johnson & Peter Lalayanis July 14, 2021 (2021-07-14) T13.22862 0.76[24]
13 13 "Transformation" Joe Menendez Christina M. Kim & Robert Berens July 21, 2021 (2021-07-21) T13.22863 0.83[25]

Season 2 (2022)

Kung Fu season 2 episodes
No.
overall		 No. in
season		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date Prod.
code		 U.S. viewers
(millions)
14 1 "Year of the Tiger: Part 1" Joe Menendez Christina M. Kim & Robert Berens March 9, 2022 (2022-03-09) T13.23351 0.63[26]
15 2 "Year of the Tiger: Part 2" Joe Menendez Ryan Johnson & Peter Lalayanis March 16, 2022 (2022-03-16) T13.23352 0.47[27]
16 3 "The Bell" Winnifred Jong Brian Anthony March 23, 2022 (2022-03-23) T13.23353 0.65[28]
17 4 "Clementine" Richard Speight, Jr. Richard Lowe March 30, 2022 (2022-03-30) T13.23354 0.57[29]
18 5 "Reunion" David Grossman A.C. Allen April 6, 2022 (2022-04-06) T13.23355 0.43[30]
19 6 "Jyu Sa" Kristin Windell Matt Young April 13, 2022 (2022-04-13) T13.23356 0.48[31]
20 7 "The Alchemist" Richard Speight, Jr. John Bring April 27, 2022 (2022-04-27) T13.23357 0.58[32]
21 8 "Disclosure" Joe Menendez Story by: Linda Ge
Teleplay by: Ryan Johnson & Peter Lalayanis		 May 4, 2022 (2022-05-04) T13.23358 0.48[33]
22 9 "The Enclave" R.T. Thorne Dan Hamamura May 11, 2022 (2022-05-11) T13.23359 0.49[34]
23 10 "Destruction" Jeff Chan Melissa Rundle May 18, 2022 (2022-05-18) T13.23360 0.45[35]
24 11 "Bloodline" Kristin Windell Michael Deigh May 25, 2022 (2022-05-25) T13.23361 0.49[36]
25 12 "Alliance" Richard Speight, Jr. Ryan Johnson & Peter Lalayanis June 8, 2022 (2022-06-08) T13.23362 0.47[37]
26 13 "The Source" Joe Menendez Christina M. Kim & Robert Berens June 15, 2022 (2022-06-15) T13.23363 0.42[38]

Season 3 (2022–23)

Kung Fu season 3 episodes
No.
overall		 No. in
season		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date [39] Prod.
code		 U.S. viewers
(millions)
27 1 "Shifu" David Grossman Christina M. Kim & Robert Berens October 5, 2022 (2022-10-05) T13.23951 0.40[40]
28 2 "Risk" Geoffrey Wing Shotz Dan Hamamura October 12, 2022 (2022-10-12) T13.23952 0.42[41]
29 3 "The Compass" Joe Menendez Ryan Johnson & Peter Lalayanis October 19, 2022 (2022-10-19) T13.23953 0.39[42]
30 4 "Harmony" Richard Speight, Jr. Richard Lowe October 26, 2022 (2022-10-26) T13.23954 0.45[43]
31 5 "Harvest" Marielle Woods Melissa Rundle November 2, 2022 (2022-11-02) T13.23955 0.43[44]
32 6 "Rescue" Kristin Windell Matt Young November 9, 2022 (2022-11-09) T13.23956 0.39[45]
33 7 "Villains" Joe Menendez John Bring November 16, 2022 (2022-11-16) T13.23957 0.36[46]
34 8 "Betrayal" X. Dean Lim Michael Deigh November 30, 2022 (2022-11-30) T13.23958 0.40[47]
35 9 "The Architect" Lou Diamond Phillips Hayley K. Goldstein February 8, 2023 (2023-02-08) T13.23959 0.45[48]
36 10 "Alias" Tiffany Frances Brian Anthony February 15, 2023 (2023-02-15) T13.23960 0.41[49]
37 11 "The Scepter" David Grossman Angela Treviño February 22, 2023 (2023-02-22) T13.23961 0.36[50]
38 12 "Loss" Richard Speight, Jr. Ryan Johnson & Peter Lalayanis March 1, 2023 (2023-03-01) T13.23962 0.41[51]
39 13 "Beginning" Joe Menendez Christina M. Kim & Robert Berens March 8, 2023 (2023-03-08) T13.23963 0.40[52]

Production

Development

File:Christina Kim by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Developer and executive producer Christina M. Kim

In September 2017, it was reported that Greg Berlanti and Wendy Mericle were developing a female-led reboot of the series for Fox.[53] In October 2018, it was announced that Sleepy Hollow executive producer Albert Kim was redeveloping the series and that Fox had given the project a put pilot commitment.[54] In November 2019, it was announced that the reboot had moved to The CW – which is home to the majority of the Arrowverse shows, all of which are produced by Berlanti – and would be written by Christina M. Kim and Martin Gero.[55] The series received a pilot order by the network.[56] It was announced on May 12, 2020, that The CW had given Kung Fu a series order; a poster featuring Liang and social media accounts was set up the same day.[57]

This was the third attempt of a Kung Fu reboot. According to PrimeTimer, "two different incarnations of this project have been set up in recent years at Fox, both featuring a female protagonist. Mega producers Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television were behind both projects, but neither went to pilot." The first reboot attempt had a main character named Lucy Chang, a Buddhist monk and kung fu master who traveled through America in the 1950s in search of the man who stole her child years before. The second reboot attempt was about a young Chinese-American woman who inherits her father's kung fu studio, only to find out it's a secret center dedicated to helping members of the Chinatown community who have nowhere else to turn.[58]

On May 3, 2021, The CW renewed the series for a second season.[3] On March 22, 2022, The CW renewed the series for a third season.[5] Kung Fu was canceled on May 11, 2023 after three seasons.[7] Producers Warner Bros. Television had attempted to shop the show to other outlets in anticipation of the cancellation, but were unsuccessful.[59]

Casting

In January and February 2020, Deadline reported the casting of the reboot with Tzi Ma and Kheng Hua Tan as Jin Shen and Mei-Li, Jon Prasida as Ryan Shen, Shannon Dang as Althea Shen, Eddie Liu as Henry Yan, and Olivia Liang as the character Nicky.[60][61][62] In March 2020, Gavin Stenhouse and Gwendoline Yeo were cast as Evan Hartley and Zhilan.[63] Tony Chung was cast as Dennis Soong on October 6, 2020.[64] On November 18, 2020, Yvonne Chapman was cast as Zhilan in a recurring capacity.[65] In February 2021, Ludi Lin and Bradley Gibson were cast as Kerwin and Joe Harper in recurring roles.[66][67] On August 26, 2021, Chapman was promoted to series regular for the second season.[9] On January 6, 2022, Vanessa Yao, Annie Q. and JB Tadena joined the cast in recurring roles for the second season.[11] On July 7, 2022, it was announced that Chapman is set to return as series regular while Tadena was promoted to a series regular for the third season.[10] On July 27, 2022, Ben Levin and Kim Rhodes were cast in recurring capacities for the third season.[12]

Pre-production

The main actress Olivia Liang mentioned she avoided martial arts prior to this role due to stereotypes and would only learn when she got paid. She later embraced the sport after being cast and supported bringing depth to Asian characters with a martial arts background.[68][69][70]

Filming

Principal photography for the first season began on October 16, 2020, and concluded on April 27, 2021, in Langley, British Columbia.[71] Filming for the second season began on September 20, 2021, and concluded on March 15, 2022.[72] Filming for the third season began on July 18, 2022, and concluded on December 20.[73]

Broadcast

Kung Fu premiered on April 7, 2021, on The CW.[74] In Canada, the series airs on CTV 2, simulcast with The CW.[75] The second season premiered on March 9, 2022.[4] The third season premiered on October 5, 2022.[6] The series finale aired on March 8, 2023.

Reception

Critical response

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an approval rating of 86% based on 21 critic reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. The website's critic consensus states, "Kung Fu's early episodes could use a little more focus, but beautifully choreographed fight scenes and a likable cast—led by Olivia Liang's star-making performance—inspire hope for a bright future."[76] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 65 out of 100 based on 10 critic reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[77]

Sam Stone of Comic Book Resources reviewed the series and stated that "nuances of each character relationship are explicitly laid out in conversation rather than hinted at or more organically woven into the show as if the characters aren't aware of their own backstories." While the fight choreography was well received, it relied on too much slow motion. CBR saw potential in the show with the cast as long it could overcome "bad habits" as the show progresses.[78] Jennifer Griffin of TV Pulse Magazine was more critical and also agreed that there was too much exposition in the first episode. It relied on the predictable formulaic superhero format that Greg Berlanti has incorporated in previous CW shows. While having a mainly Asian-American cast was praised, the review goes on to say "Like America herself, the series needs to show its characters a little more love, and demonstrate a determination to look beyond formula, cliches, and stereotypes for that which truly connects us, as TV viewers, as superhero fans, but mostly as human beings."[79] Robert Lloyd of LA Times wrote that the pilot was very busy with a messy exposition, which also reinforced Asian stereotypes.[80] Max Gao of Vulture rated the first episode 4 out of 5 and said, "It wouldn't be a CW show without a classic love triangle—and Kung Fu has set up a brilliant one."[81]

Ratings

Overall

Season Timeslot (ET) Episodes First aired Last aired TV season Rank Avg. viewers
(millions)		 18–49 rating
(average)
Date Viewers
(millions)		 Date Viewers
(millions)
1 Wednesday 8:00 p.m. 13 April 7, 2021 (2021-04-07) TBD July 21, 2021 (2021-07-21) TBD 2020–21 TBD TBD TBD
2 Wednesday 9:00 p.m. 13 March 9, 2022 (2022-03-09) TBD June 15, 2022 (2022-06-15) TBD 2021–22 TBD TBD TBD
3 13 October 5, 2022 (2022-10-05) TBD March 8, 2023 (2023-03-08) TBD 2022–23 TBD TBD TBD

Season 1

No. Title Air date Rating/share
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)
1 "Pilot" April 7, 2021 0.2 1.40[13] 0.1 0.65 0.3 2.05[82]
2 "Silence" April 14, 2021 0.2 1.37[14] 0.1 0.79 0.3 2.16[83]
3 "Patience" April 21, 2021 0.2 1.07[15] 0.1 0.72 0.3 1.79[84]
4 "Hand" April 28, 2021 0.2 1.05[16] 0.1 0.56 0.3 1.61[85]
5 "Sanctuary" May 5, 2021 0.2 0.96[17] 0.1 0.51 0.3 1.46[86]
6 "Rage" May 12, 2021 0.2 0.96[18] 0.1 0.48 0.3 1.43[18]
7 "Guidance" May 26, 2021 0.1 0.82[19] 0.1 0.54 0.2 1.37[19]
8 "Destiny" June 2, 2021 0.1 0.82[20] 0.1 0.45 0.2 1.27[20]
9 "Isolation" June 23, 2021 0.1 0.84[21] 0.1 0.46 0.2 1.30[21]
10 "Choice" June 30, 2021 0.1 0.80[22] 0.1 0.41 0.2 1.21[22]
11 "Attachment" July 7, 2021 0.1 0.82[23] 0.1 0.40 0.2 1.22[23]
12 "Sacrifice" July 14, 2021 0.1 0.76[24] 0.1 0.35 0.2 1.11[24]
13 "Transformation" July 21, 2021 0.1 0.83[25] 0.1 0.36 0.2 1.19[25]

Season 2

No. Title Air date Rating/share
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)
1 "Year of the Tiger: Part 1" March 9, 2022 0.1 0.63[26] 0.1 0.48 0.2 1.11[87]
2 "Year of the Tiger: Part 2" March 16, 2022 0.1 0.47[27] 0.1 0.51 0.2 0.98[88]
3 "The Bell" March 23, 2022 0.1 0.65[28] 0.1 0.48 0.2 1.13[89]
4 "Clementine" March 30, 2022 0.1 0.57[29] 0.1 0.35 0.1 0.92[90]
5 "Reunion" April 6, 2022 0.1 0.43[30] 0.1 0.38 0.1 0.80[91]
6 "Jyu Sa" April 13, 2022 0.1 0.48[31] 0.1 0.47 0.1 0.95[92]
7 "The Alchemist" April 27, 2022 0.1 0.58[32] TBD TBD TBD TBD
8 "Disclosure" May 4, 2022 0.1 0.48[33] TBD TBD TBD TBD
9 "The Enclave" May 11, 2022 0.1 0.49[34] TBD TBD TBD TBD
10 "Destruction" May 18, 2022 0.1 0.45[35] TBD TBD TBD TBD
11 "Bloodline" May 25, 2022 0.1 0.49[36] TBD TBD TBD TBD
12 "Alliance" June 8, 2022 0.1 0.47[37] TBD TBD TBD TBD
13 "The Source" June 15, 2022 0.1 0.42[38] TBD TBD TBD TBD

Season 3

No. Title Air date Rating/share
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)
1 "Shifu" October 5, 2022 0.1 0.40[40] 0.1 0.43 0.1 0.83[93]
2 "Risk" October 12, 2022 0.1 0.42[41] 0.1 0.39 0.1 0.81[94]
3 "The Compass" October 19, 2022 0.1 0.39[42] 0.0 0.36 0.1 0.75[95]
4 "Harmony" October 26, 2022 0.1 0.45[43] 0.0 0.34 0.1 0.79[96]
5 "Harvest" November 2, 2022 0.1 0.43[44] 0.0 0.39 0.1 0.81[97]
6 "Rescue" November 9, 2022 0.1 0.39[45] 0.0 0.36 0.1 0.76[98]
7 "Villains" November 16, 2022 0.1 0.36[46] 0.0 0.39 0.1 0.75[99]
8 "Betrayal" November 30, 2022 0.1 0.40[47] TBD TBD TBD TBD
9 "The Architect" February 8, 2023 0.1 0.45[48] TBD TBD TBD TBD
10 "Alias" February 15, 2023 0.1 0.41[49] TBD TBD TBD TBD
11 "The Scepter" February 22, 2023 0.1 0.36[50] TBD TBD TBD TBD
12 "Loss" March 1, 2023 0.1 0.41[51] TBD TBD TBD TBD
13 "Beginning" March 8, 2023 0.1 0.40[52] TBD TBD TBD TBD

Home media

Season 1 No. of
episodes		 DVD release dates
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
1 13 November 2, 2021
Season 2 No. of
episodes		 DVD release dates
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
2 13 September 20, 2022

See also

References

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  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  70. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  71. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  72. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  73. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  74. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  75. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  76. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  77. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  78. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  79. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  80. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  81. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  82. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  83. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  84. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  85. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  86. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  87. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  88. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  89. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  90. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  91. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  92. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  93. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  94. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  95. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  96. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  97. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  98. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  99. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

  • Kung Fu at IMDbLua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 29: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
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