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Run the Burbs
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| Run the Burbs | |
|---|---|
| Created by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Composer | Tyler Armes |
| Country of origin | Canada |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 38 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producer | Jessica Daniel |
| Production locations | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
| Cinematography | Gerald Packer |
| Editor | Lindsay Allikas |
| Production company | Pier 21 Films |
| Original release | |
| Network | CBC Television |
| Release | January 5, 2022 – April 2, 2024 |
Run the Burbs is a Canadian television sitcom,[1] which premiered on CBC Television on January 5, 2022.[2] The series stars Andrew Phung as Andrew Pham, a suburban stay-at-home dad of two children whose wife Camille (Rakhee Morzaria) is an entrepreneur.[3]
The series was created by Phung and Scott Townend, and is produced by Pier 21 Films.[4]
The series was shot in Hamilton, Ontario.[5] It is set in the suburbs of the fictional city of Rockridge, which Phung modeled in part on his hometown of Calgary, Alberta.[5]
The second season features new cast additions Gavin Crawford and Sharji Rasool,[6] as well as a tribute episode to Candy Palmater, a first-season cast member who died in December 2021.[7] In the United States, the series premiered on July 31, 2023, on The CW,[8] before being pulled from its schedule in November 2023,[9] concurrently with Hulu has acquiring second window rights to the series .[10] The first two seasons also remain available on CW's app and website and rights to season 3 have been purchased by the network.[11]
CBC opted not to renew the show for a fourth season.[12]
Cast
[edit]- Andrew Phung as Andrew Pham[13]
- Rakhee Morzaria as Andrew's wife Camille
- Zoriah Wong as Khia Pham, Andrew and Camille's queer teenage daughter
- Roman Pesino as Leo Pham, Andrew and Camille's son
- Ali Hassan as Camille's father Ramesh[13]
- Julie Nolke as Camille's best friend Sam[13]
- Jonathan Langdon as Hudson, a neighbour of the Phams[13]
- Simone Miller as Hudson's daughter Mannix[13]
- Samantha Wan as Cathy, owner of a local bubble tea shop[13]
- Candy Palmater as Candy, a neighbour of the Phams[13]
- Chris Locke as Sebastian, a neighbour of the Phams[13]
- Aurora Browne as Barb[13]
Guest appearances
[edit]- Jason "Kardinal Offishall" Harrow as himself (Episode 1)
- Nicole Power as Lisa, ex-wife of Hudson (Season 3 Episode 10)
- Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Vernon Park (Season 3 Episode 13)
Episodes
[edit]| Season | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | |||
| 1 | 12 | January 5, 2022 | April 13, 2022 | |
| 2 | 13 | January 4, 2023 | March 29, 2023 | |
| 3 | 13 | January 9, 2024 | April 2, 2024 | |
Season 1 (2022)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Canada viewers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Blockbuster" | Aleysa Young | Andrew Phung & Scott Townend | January 5, 2022 | 386,000[14] | |
|
Andrew and Camille have to scramble to save their neighbourhood block party after complications erupt. Andrew tries to coax neighbour Jason Harrow out of retirement to perform after a contact who claimed he could secure an appearance by Drake fails to come through, while Camille has to street race the local car club to secure a permit, but may be able to use her intimate knowledge of the neighbourhood as a suburban mom to her advantage. | |||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Heatwave" | Peter Wellington | Nelu Handa | January 12, 2022 | N/A | |
|
Camille and Andrew are invited to the new neighbor's pool but have to cancel on Hudson first; Khia paints a mural at Bubble Bae and looks for validation; Andrew struggles when Leo goes to overnight camp. | |||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Carol the Conqueror" | Peter Wellington | Scott Townend & Andrew Phung | January 19, 2022 | N/A | |
| 4 | 4 | "Let's Go to the Movies" | Aleysa Young | Shebli Zarghami | January 26, 2022 | N/A | |
| 5 | 5 | "Independence Day" | Justin Wu | Wendy Litner | February 23, 2022 | N/A | |
| 6 | 6 | "First Date Date" | Justin Wu | Wendy Litner | March 2, 2022 | N/A | |
| 7 | 7 | "Phamily Matters" | Joyce Wong | Matt Kippen | March 9, 2022 | N/A | |
| 8 | 8 | "Raccoon Fever" | Melanie Orr | Shebli Zarghami | March 16, 2022 | N/A | |
| 9 | 9 | "Li Xi" | Joyce Wong | Andrew Phung & Scott Townend | March 23, 2022 | N/A | |
| 10 | 10 | "Phamily Games Night" | Melanie Orr | Matt Kippen | March 30, 2022 | N/A | |
| 11 | 11 | "Forever Young" | Aleysa Young | Jessie Gabe | April 6, 2022 | N/A | |
| 12 | 12 | "This Is Your Day" | Aleysa Young | Andrew Phung & Scott Townend | April 13, 2022 | N/A | |
Season 2 (2023)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title [15] | Directed by | Written by | Original release date [15] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 1 | "In Phocus" | Aleysa Young | Andrew Phung & Scott Townend | January 4, 2023 |
| 14 | 2 | "Phamily Ties" | Aleysa Young | Nelu Handa | January 11, 2023 |
| 15 | 3 | "Phamily Emergency" | Aleysa Young | Courtney Jane Walker | January 18, 2023 |
| 16 | 4 | "Phriends and Enemies" | Zoe Hopkins | Andrew Phung & Scott Townend | January 25, 2023 |
| 17 | 5 | "Phestival of Life" | Zoe Hopkins | Anthony Q. Farrell | February 1, 2023 |
| 18 | 6 | "Phamily Budget" | Zoe Hopkins | Cathryn Naiker | February 8, 2023 |
| 19 | 7 | "Phresh Start" | Pat Mills | Sara Peters | February 15, 2023 |
| 20 | 8 | "Morning Phrenzy" | Pat Mills | Anthony Q. Farrell | February 22, 2023 |
| 21 | 9 | "Culture Phest" | Joyce Wong | Nelu Handa | March 1, 2023 |
| 22 | 10 | "Phlashback" | Scott Townend | Pat Mills | March 8, 2023 |
| 23 | 11 | "Turn Lepht" | Courtney Jane Walker | Joyce Wong | March 15, 2023 |
| 24 | 12 | "Phamily Affair" | Sherren Lee | Andrew Phung & Cathryn Naiker | March 22, 2023 |
| 25 | 13 | "Phriendship" | Sherren Lee | Andrew Phung & Scott Townend | March 29, 2023 |
Season 3 (2024)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title [15] | Directed by | Written by | Original release date [15] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 1 | "Phor Sale" | Aleysa Young | Andrew Phung & Scott Townend | January 9, 2024 |
| 27 | 2 | "Phamily Doctor" | Aleysa Young | Jennica Harper | January 16, 2024 |
| 28 | 3 | "Cottage Phever" | Aleysa Young | Nelu Handa & Sara Peters | January 23, 2024 |
| 29 | 4 | "Phree Throws" | Pat Mills | Angelica Mendizabal | January 30, 2024 |
| 30 | 5 | "Phunky Town" | Pat Mills | Jay Vaidya | February 6, 2024 |
| 31 | 6 | "Phright Night" | Pat Mills | Scott Townend | February 13, 2024 |
| 32 | 7 | "Unphased" | Joyce Wong | Sara Peters | February 20, 2024 |
| 33 | 8 | "Stress Releiph" | Joyce Wong | Nelu Handa & Mandeq Hassan | February 27, 2024 |
| 34 | 9 | "Phavourite Child" | Joyce Wong | Andrew Phung | March 5, 2024 |
| 35 | 10 | "Phirst Love" | Sherren Lee | Jay Vaidya | March 12, 2024 |
| 36 | 11 | "Holi-Day Phun" | Sherren Lee | Nelu Handa | March 19, 2024 |
| 37 | 12 | "Vas Dephrens" | Zoe Hopkins | Jennica Harper | March 26, 2024 |
| 38 | 13 | "Summer Phorecast" | Zoe Hopkins | Andrew Phung & Scott Townend | April 2, 2024 |
References
[edit]- ^ Jon Roe, "Calgary Kim's Convenience actor stars in new CBC comedy". Calgary Herald, March 26, 2021.
- ^ Greg David, "CBC announces winter premiere dates". TV, eh?, November 23, 2021.
- ^ Alexandra Del Rosario, "‘Kim Convenience’s Andrew Phung & Nicole Power Set New Comedies At Canada’s CBC". Deadline Hollywood, March 26, 2021.
- ^ "Kim’s Convenience’ stars Nicole Power and Andrew Phung getting their own CBC shows". Red Deer Advocate, March 27, 2021.
- ^ a b Norman Wilner, "Andrew Phung’s terrific Run". Now, January 5, 2022.
- ^ Etan Vlessing, "Gavin Crawford, Sharjil Rasool Join ‘Run the Burbs’ Season 2". The Hollywood Reporter, October 20, 2022.
- ^ Noel Ransome, "Run the Burbs has a new showrunner and renewed focus on authenticity for Season 2". The Globe and Mail, January 6, 2023.
- ^ Bell, BreAnna (May 10, 2023). "The CW Acquires Canadian Sitcom 'Run the Burbs' from 'Kim's Convenience' Alum Andrew Phung". Variety.
- ^ Iannucci, Rebecca (November 16, 2023). "Acquired Series Run the Burbs and Everyone Else Burns Pulled From The CW's Schedule". TVLine. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
- ^ "Hulu Buys Canadian Comedy 'Run The Burbs'". Deadline Hollywood. December 22, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ Petski, Denise (April 25, 2024). "Run The Burbs' Canceled After 3 Seasons". Deadline. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "CBC opts not to renew Andrew Phung comedy 'Run the Burbs' after third season". CityNews. April 25, 2024. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Alexandra Del Rosario, "‘Run The Burbs’: Rakhee Morzaria, Zoriah Wong, Roman Pesino & More Set As Main Cast Of CBC Family Comedy From Andrew Phung". Deadline Hollywood, September 27, 2021.
- ^ "Strong Son of a Critch debut puts CBC back in the mix". Brioux.tv. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Run the Burbs - Episodes". Zap2It. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
External links
[edit]Run the Burbs
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Premise and format
Premise
Run the Burbs centers on the Pham family, a young, bold Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian household navigating the ups and downs of suburban life in the fictional city of Rockridge.[7] The family is led by Andrew Pham, a devoted stay-at-home dad who manages the household while pursuing his passions, and his wife Camille, a driven entrepreneur balancing her business ventures with family responsibilities.[8] Their children include Khia, a queer spirited teen daughter exploring her independence, and Leo, a young son full of curiosity and energy.[7] The show's narrative revolves around the Phams' everyday chaos and aspirational pursuits, highlighting their interactions with quirky neighbors, which often lead to humorous and heartfelt community entanglements.[1] Core themes include the challenges of modern suburban living, such as achieving work-life balance in a dual-income household where roles are flipped, and embracing cultural identity within a multicultural Canadian context.[9] The series portrays the family's bold adventures—from spontaneous outings to tackling neighborhood dilemmas—emphasizing resilience, family bonds, and the joys of diverse, inclusive suburban existence.[10]Episode format
Each episode of Run the Burbs runs for approximately 22 minutes.[11] The series employs a single-camera sitcom format, eschewing a laugh track in favor of natural comedic timing and visual storytelling.[12] Its comedy style integrates classic family sitcom tropes—such as domestic chaos and neighborly antics—with cultural specificity drawn from the experiences of a Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family, incorporating physical humor like exaggerated physical feats and ensemble-driven banter that highlights intergenerational dynamics.[13][14][15] Serialized elements emerge across seasons through ongoing family arcs, such as evolving relationships and personal growth, while individual episodes maintain a self-contained structure centered on weekly suburban mishaps, like community events or household crises, to drive the humor.[13]Cast and characters
Main cast
The main cast of Run the Burbs centers on the Pham family, a mixed Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian household navigating suburban life in the fictional community of Rockridge.[16] Andrew Phung portrays Andrew Pham, the charismatic stay-at-home dad and emotional patriarch who drives much of the show's humor through his extroverted, community-focused antics and improvisational energy; the character draws inspiration from Phung's own life experiences as co-creator.[17][18][19] Rakhee Morzaria plays Camille Pham, Andrew's ambitious and strong-willed wife, an entrepreneur who balances her burgeoning food business with family responsibilities, often serving as the pragmatic counterpoint to her husband's exuberance.[16][17] Zoriah Wong stars as Khia Pham, the family's cool, sarcastic teenage daughter, an artistic queer teen deeply engaged in social justice issues and personal identity exploration, contributing to the show's themes of generational and cultural dynamics.[16][17] Roman Pesino depicts Leo Pham, the precocious young son whose innocent curiosity and voice-of-reason perspective provide comic relief and highlight the innocence amid family chaos.[16][17]Recurring and guest cast
The recurring cast of Run the Burbs features supporting characters who portray neighbors and extended community members, enriching the show's depiction of suburban life and family interactions. Julie Nolke recurs as Sam, a close friend of the family who appears across multiple episodes in all three seasons, often providing comic relief through her involvement in neighborhood schemes and social gatherings.[20] Ali Hassan plays Ramesh, Camille's father, whose appearances highlight cultural clashes and collaborative antics within the community.[21] Chris Locke portrays Sebastian, another neighbor who contributes to storylines involving local rivalries and support networks, appearing in several episodes to expand the ensemble dynamics.[22] Aurora Browne recurs as Barb, adding layers to the block's interpersonal humor through her quirky personality and temporary conflicts.[21] Candy Palmater's posthumous role as Candy, a vibrant Indigenous neighbor, stands out for its emotional impact; she appeared in three episodes of the first season, bringing joy and cultural representation to the Phams' circle before her passing in December 2021. Season 2 features a tribute episode to Palmater.[22] These recurring figures introduce temporary conflicts like block party mishaps or advice-giving sessions, amplifying the series' themes of community and diversity without overshadowing the core family. Notable guest stars include Canadian music icons Kardinal Offishall and Jully Black, who appeared in season 2 episodes to infuse episodes with hip-hop culture and performance elements, enhancing the humor around neighborhood events.[23] In season 3, Nicole Power guest-starred as Lisa (Hudson's ex-wife) in episode 10, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Vernon Park in episode 13, reuniting with co-creator Andrew Phung from Kim's Convenience to deliver crossover comedy centered on family ties and awkward reunions.[24][25] Such appearances often tie into plot-specific cultural or relational tensions, broadening the show's satirical take on suburban multiculturalism.Production
Development
Run the Burbs was co-created by comedian and actor Andrew Phung and filmmaker Scott Townend, who began developing the series in December 2019 and pitched it to production companies in early 2020, delivering a pilot and additional material to CBC by December 2020.[26] The concept drew inspiration from Phung's experiences portraying Kimchee on Kim's Convenience, which concluded in 2021, allowing him to explore themes of modern immigrant family life in the suburbs through his own lens.[27] CBC greenlit the series in March 2021 as a 12-episode original comedy, shortly after the cancellation of Kim's Convenience, aligning with the broadcaster's new programming diversity commitment announced that June to ensure at least 30% of key creative roles on independent productions are held by Black, Indigenous, people of colour, or people with disabilities.[28][29] This emphasis on representation positioned Run the Burbs as a showcase for Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family dynamics, produced by Pier 21 Films.[16] Shebli Zarghami served as showrunner and executive producer for the first season, overseeing production that wrapped in late 2021 ahead of its January 2022 premiere.[30] For season two, renewed in June 2022, Anthony Q. Farrell took over as showrunner, bringing a focus on authenticity in storytelling to enhance the series' diverse narratives.[31] Season three, greenlit in May 2023, saw Jennica Harper and Nelu Handa assume showrunning duties, with production commencing in October 2023 around Toronto, Hamilton, and Barrie.[32][33] In April 2024, following the airing of its third season, CBC announced it would not renew Run the Burbs for a fourth, citing broader challenges in the Canadian television industry amid funding pressures and budget limitations.[34][35] Co-creator Phung expressed mixed emotions over the decision, noting the show's impact on representation while hoping for future opportunities.[36]Casting process
The casting process for Run the Burbs commenced in early 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, relying on self-tape submissions for auditions rather than in-person sessions to ensure safety.[37] Casting director Larissa Mair and her associates managed the selections, explicitly committing to diverse and inclusive hiring practices for all roles to reflect Canada's multicultural landscape.[38] This approach prioritized authentic representation, particularly for the central Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family and the surrounding suburban ensemble, drawing from Canadian talent across ethnic backgrounds.[16] Andrew Phung, the series co-creator, was attached as the lead actor portraying Andrew Pham from the project's outset, allowing the process to build around his established comedic presence.[16] The team focused on actors who could embody the cultural nuances and suburban dynamics central to the narrative, with submissions required to include detailed slates, consent forms, and scene performances submitted via secure video links.[37] Challenges inherent to virtual auditions, such as evaluating ensemble dynamics remotely, were navigated through meticulous review of tapes to identify performers with strong comedic timing and relational chemistry.[39] By September 27, 2021, the principal cast was publicly revealed as production began in Toronto and Hamilton, highlighting the successful assembly of a diverse group including Rakhee Morzaria, Zoriah Wong, and Roman Pesino for the Pham family roles.[16] Mair's team received praise for their collaborative and detail-oriented efforts in securing talent that aligned with the show's vision of bold, underrepresented suburban stories.[39]Filming
Run the Burbs was primarily filmed in the Ontario cities of Toronto, Hamilton, and Barrie, with production utilizing suburban neighborhoods to evoke the authentic feel of middle-class Canadian suburbia central to the series' setting.[40][30][33] Principal photography for season 1 commenced in late 2021, beginning around September in Toronto and Hamilton.[30][41] Season 2 production got underway in October 2022, spanning locations in and around Toronto, including a five-week shoot in Hamilton during the fall.[42][43] Filming for season 3 started on October 16, 2023, and continued into early 2024 across Toronto, Hamilton, and Barrie.[40][33] The series' production, handled by Pier 21 Films, followed standard industry practices for location-based comedy shooting during its initial seasons, including adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols amid the ongoing pandemic in 2021 and 2022.[44] Specific episodes, such as those set in residential areas, were captured on real suburban streets like Leadale Place in Hamilton to enhance realism.[45]Release and distribution
Canadian broadcast
Run the Burbs premiered on CBC Television on January 5, 2022, airing on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET for its first season.[10] The series, produced as a half-hour sitcom, represented a diverse Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family in suburban life.[10] The first season consisted of 12 episodes, concluding on April 13, 2022.[46] Season 2 premiered on January 4, 2023, maintaining the Wednesday 8:30 p.m. ET slot, and featured 13 episodes, with the finale airing on March 29, 2023.[47][46] This season marked the show's highest performance, becoming the most-watched English-language Canadian comedy series according to Numeris data, while sustaining appeal through its focus on cultural identity and family dynamics.[48] For its third and final season on CBC, the series shifted to Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET, premiering on January 9, 2024, with 13 episodes.[49] The season concluded on April 2, 2024.[46][34]International distribution
In the United States, The CW acquired broadcast rights to Run the Burbs in May 2023, with the premiere of Season 1 airing on July 31, 2023, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT.[50][51] The network subsequently picked up Seasons 2 and 3, though Season 2 was removed from the broadcast schedule in November 2023 amid programming changes but remained accessible via the CW app and website.[52][34] In December 2023, Hulu secured second-window streaming rights for the U.S. market through distributor Fifth Season, adding all three seasons to its catalog starting in early 2024.[53][54] Outside North America, Run the Burbs has seen limited distribution, primarily through Fifth Season's worldwide sales efforts, with availability varying by region and focused on platforms targeting multicultural audiences.[2][28] The series' portrayal of a Vietnamese-South Asian Canadian family has contributed to its appeal among diaspora communities in select international markets where it has been licensed.[1]Reception
Critical response
Run the Burbs has received a generally positive critical response for its portrayal of a multicultural suburban family, though aggregate scores reflect mixed audience reception. On IMDb, the series holds a 6.1/10 rating based on nearly 1,000 user votes.[3] Rotten Tomatoes lacks sufficient critic reviews to generate a Tomatometer score for the series or its seasons, indicating limited professional coverage.[5] Critics have praised the show for its authentic representation of South Asian and Vietnamese Canadian experiences, drawing on diverse writers' rooms and cultural consultants to avoid stereotypes.[55] The Toronto Star highlighted its celebration of immigrant family dynamics, intergenerational relationships, and themes like non-toxic masculinity and queer identity, positioning it as a milestone for marginalized voices in Canadian television.[35] The Globe and Mail commended its fresh take on suburban sitcoms by centering a Vietnamese-South Asian family in a diverse neighborhood like Scarborough, where white characters are the minority, offering a relatable and inclusive lens on modern family life.[14] Reviewers noted the family humor as a highlight, with relatable absurdities of suburbia and strong ensemble chemistry led by Andrew Phung's energetic performance as the stay-at-home dad.[55][22] Some critiques addressed early concerns over inauthenticity in cultural depictions, which the cast and crew actively worked to resolve in later seasons through renewed focus on lived experiences.[56] User feedback occasionally pointed to inconsistent writing and one-dimensional characters, particularly in serialized elements that sometimes lacked depth or conflict.[57] The show's 2024 cancellation after three seasons was widely lamented by critics, who argued it cut short its potential to further normalize Asian excellence and inclusive storytelling amid industry challenges.[35]Accolades
Run the Burbs has received notable recognition from Canadian industry awards, accumulating 25 nominations and 1 win across various bodies by 2025.[58] The series earned 21 nominations from the Canadian Screen Awards over its three seasons, including annual nods for Best Comedy Series from 2023 to 2025.[58] In the 2025 ceremony, it secured 12 nominations, such as Best Lead Performance in a Comedy Series for Andrew Phung, who won the award for season 3; and Best Ensemble Performance, Comedy.[59][60][61] The Directors Guild of Canada awarded the series four nominations for outstanding direction and editing, including a 2024 Craft Award nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Production Design on the episode "Phright Night" by Pat Mills and Michelle McLeod, and Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Comedy Series for Mills' work on "Morning Phrenzy."[58][62] Earlier, in 2022, Melanie Orr was nominated for directing the episode "Raccoon Fever."[63] A 2023 nomination went to Mills for directing "Morning Phrenzy."[64] At the Writers Guild of Canada, showrunner Anthony Q. Farrell received the 2022 Showrunner Award for his leadership on season 2.[31][14] Following the series' cancellation after season 3 in 2024, its accolades—including four Canadian Screen Award nominations that year—were highlighted in discussions of CBC's funding challenges and their impact on Canadian content production.[36][35]Episodes
Season 1 (2022)
The first season of Run the Burbs consists of 12 half-hour episodes, which aired weekly on CBC Television from January 5 to April 13, 2022, with a brief hiatus in February.[46] The season introduces the core dynamics of the Pham family—a young Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian household led by stay-at-home dad Andrew and entrepreneur mom Camille—as they tackle everyday suburban challenges, including parenting their kids Khia and Leo, running the bubble tea business Bubble Bae, and navigating quirky neighbor interactions.[65] Throughout the season, the narrative arc centers on establishing the family's routines and ambitions, such as Andrew's pursuit of further education and Camille's business expansions, while weaving in humorous conflicts with neighbors like the retired Hudson and the meddlesome Barb and Ramesh. This setup highlights themes of cultural identity, work-life balance, and community bonds amid entrepreneurial pressures.[66] The episodes were directed by a team including Aleysa Young, Peter Wellington, Joyce Wong, Melanie Orr, and Justin Wu.[7] Writing was led by creators Andrew Phung and Scott Townend, with contributions from the team such as Brandon Hackett, Rakhee Morzaria, Zlatina Pacheva, and Nelu Handa across episodes.[67] Production occurred primarily in Hamilton, Ontario, adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols that included daily health screenings, weekly testing for cast and crew, and staggered department schedules to minimize contact.[30]Episode list
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original release date | Prod. code | Short summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Blockbuster | January 5, 2022 | 101 | Camille seeks a permit for a neighborhood block party while Andrew asks an elusive neighbor to perform as a musical guest; at Bubble Bae, Khia discovers new feelings for Mannix.[68][69] |
| 2 | 2 | Heatwave | January 12, 2022 | 102 | Camille and Andrew are invited to the new neighbors' pool but must cancel on Hudson first; at Bubble Bae, Khia paints a mural and seeks validation; Andrew struggles with Leo at overnight camp.[70] |
| 3 | 3 | Carol the Conqueror | January 19, 2022 | 103 | Andrew competes with his sister Carol as Camille worries about Ramesh online dating; Khia enlists Leo's help with chores at home.[71] |
| 4 | 4 | Let's Go to the Movies | January 26, 2022 | 104 | Andrew and Khia play matchmaker for Sebastian; Camille struggles with a firing spree at work, and Ramesh helps Leo unclog his "mind palace." |
| 5 | 5 | Independence Day | February 23, 2022 | 105 | Andrew tests Leo's ability to walk to school alone; Camille takes Khia bra shopping; Ramesh takes a stand at Bubble Bae over his customer status. |
| 6 | 6 | First Date Date | March 2, 2022 | 106 | Andrew and Camille try to relive their very first date as Sam babysits Leo; Khia struggles with what to write in Mannix's birthday card. |
| 7 | 7 | Phamily Matters | March 9, 2022 | 107 | Khia's guidance counselor helps Andrew make a big decision about school; Camille struggles to cater an event; Hudson and Ramesh help Cathy with her taxes. |
| 8 | 8 | Raccoon Fever | March 16, 2022 | 108 | When a group of raccoons starts tormenting the neighborhood, Andrew ignores his schoolwork to deal with them; Camille and Barb team up to sell more product at Bubble Bae; Khia and Mannix go on a double date.[72] |
| 9 | 9 | Li Xi | March 23, 2022 | 109 | Celebrating Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Andrew worries about his parents' relationship; Camille pitches her business to Andrew's mother, and the kids get into trouble with their startup. |
| 10 | 10 | Phamily Games Night | March 30, 2022 | 110 | Andrew and Camille use games night to help Hudson; Ramesh worries Barb doesn't think he's expressive enough; Khia plans a movie night for Mannix. |
| 11 | 11 | Forever Young | April 6, 2022 | 111 | Andrew and Camille prove they're cool with a night out; Leo helps Hudson face the music; Ramesh and Sebastian play backgammon. |
| 12 | 12 | This Is Your Day | April 13, 2022 | 112 | Andrew unites the neighborhood as his graduation plans are threatened; Camille wants to quit her job; Khia gets bad news from Mannix.[73] |
Season 2 (2023)
The second season of Run the Burbs consists of 13 episodes that build on the first season's foundation by intensifying interpersonal family dynamics and introducing broader community interactions, airing weekly on CBC from January 4 to March 29, 2023.[46][47] The narrative explores the Pham family's evolving challenges in their suburban life, blending humor with cultural authenticity while expanding the scope to include neighborhood events and personal growth opportunities.[74] Central arcs highlight Khia's navigation of teenage milestones, such as recovering from a romantic breakup and learning to drive, which strain her relationships with parents Andrew and Camille.[75] Camille faces entrepreneurial obstacles, including launching her business amid focus groups, online criticism, and financial pressures, while balancing family heritage issues like her Indian identity during a cousin's visit.[75] Andrew's storyline emphasizes neighborhood expansions through job pursuits in community development, DIY projects that affect neighbors, and organizing cultural festivals, fostering deeper ties beyond the immediate family.[75] A notable shift in the season comes from the introduction of new showrunner Anthony Q. Farrell, whose background on shows like The Office brings a heightened emphasis on authentic cultural representation and serialized storytelling elements, allowing for more interconnected episode narratives compared to the standalone format of prior episodes.[31][74]| Episode | Title | Air Date | Logline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2x01 | In Phocus | January 4, 2023 | Andrew interviews for a community development job while Camille conducts a focus group for her business launch.[75][46] |
| 2x02 | Phamily Ties | January 11, 2023 | Camille grapples with her Indian identity during a cousin's visit as Andrew investigates a cold case and Khia returns early from Paris.[75][46] |
| 2x03 | Phamily Emergency | January 18, 2023 | Andrew and Camille clash over supporting Khia after her breakup, while Sam teaches Ramesh golf to impress Barb.[75][46] |
| 2x04 | Phriends and Enemies | January 25, 2023 | Andrew's homemade speed bump causes neighborhood trouble, and Camille battles internet trolls.[75][46] |
| 2x05 | Phestival of Life | February 1, 2023 | The Phams console a neighbor's adult child after a loss, but Barb interrupts Ramesh and Leo's bonding time.[75][46] |
| 2x06 | Phamily Budget | February 8, 2023 | Camille hosts a high-profile menu tasting event as Andrew turns down financial aid from his parents amid money woes.[75][46] |
| 2x07 | Phresh Start | February 15, 2023 | Camille opposes Ramesh's plan to sell her childhood home, while Andrew revamps Hudson's office space.[75][46] |
| 2x08 | Morning Phrenzy | February 22, 2023 | A snowstorm complicates Andrew's efforts to get the kids out the door for Camille's livestream.[75][46] |
| 2x09 | Culture Phest | March 1, 2023 | Andrew plans a Lunar New Year festival disrupted by an unwelcome guest, as Camille ignites a curry competition.[75][46] |
| 2x10 | Phlashback | March 8, 2023 | The family aids relatives in house hunting, prompting Camille and Andrew to disagree on memories of buying their home.[75][46] |
| 2x11 | Turn Lepht | March 15, 2023 | Andrew and Camille offer conflicting driving lessons to Khia, while Sam leverages Leo for career connections.[75][46] |
| 2x12 | Phamily Affair | March 22, 2023 | Family tensions erupt at a wedding for Andrew and Camille, who sought a simple getaway.[75][46] |
| 2x13 | Phriendship | March 29, 2023 | Camille's TV audition reveals a strain with Sam, as Andrew decides on his professional future.[75][46] |
Season 3 (2024)
The third and final season of Run the Burbs consists of 13 episodes and aired weekly on CBC Gem from January 9 to April 2, 2024.[49][46] The series was canceled by CBC shortly after the season concluded, with co-creator and star Andrew Phung announcing the news on April 25, 2024, confirming no fourth season would be produced.[34] This decision allowed the season to deliver narrative closure to the Pham family's story, wrapping up ongoing threads from prior seasons in a manner that resolved key tensions while maintaining the show's comedic focus on suburban absurdities.[36] The season's central arc builds on the family's evolving dynamics, emphasizing growth through major life decisions such as career shifts for Andrew and Camille, romantic developments for their children Khia and Hudson, and the integration of extended family with Ramesh—Camille's father—moving in as a permanent housemate.[49] This setup heightens the meta-commentary on suburban living, satirizing themes of community expectations, intergenerational clashes, and work-life balance in a diverse Canadian neighborhood, culminating in heartfelt resolutions that underscore the Phams' resilience and unconventional approach to family.[33]Episode List
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 1 | Phor Sale | January 9, 2024 |
| 27 | 2 | Phamily Doctor | January 16, 2024 |
| 28 | 3 | Cottage Phever | January 23, 2024 |
| 29 | 4 | Phree Throws | January 30, 2024 |
| 30 | 5 | Phunky Town | February 6, 2024 |
| 31 | 6 | Phright Night | February 13, 2024 |
| 32 | 7 | Unphased | February 20, 2024 |
| 33 | 8 | Stress Releiph | February 27, 2024 |
| 34 | 9 | Phavourite Child | March 5, 2024 |
| 35 | 10 | Phirst Love | March 12, 2024 |
| 36 | 11 | Holi-Day Phun | March 19, 2024 |
| 37 | 12 | Vas Dephrens | March 26, 2024 |
| 38 | 13 | Summer Phorecast | April 2, 2024 |
- "Phor Sale": The annual yard sale brings an unexpected moral dilemma for Andrew, as Camille deals with Ramesh's overbearing presence.
- "Phamily Doctor": Andrew and Camille embark on a quest to find a new family doctor, while Khia meets her ex's new girlfriend.[76]
- "Cottage Phever": Andrew struggles to create a core Canadian memory on the Phams' first cottage getaway.[76]
- "Phunky Town": Camille wages a war on her noisy neighbors, while Andrew tries to start an early hours nightclub at Bubble Bae.[77]
- "Phirst Love": On their long-awaited date day, Camille and Andrew meddle to prevent Hudson and his ex from rekindling their romance.[78]