HBO Max Orders Lisa Ling-Led Asian Restaurant Doc

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HBO Max has given a six-part series order to the original Take Out, a docuseries that follows journalist Lisa Ling as she learns about the lives of the people and families who run some of America’s over 45,000 Asian restaurants.

In Take Out, Ling explores the storied and complicated journey of the Asian community, past and present, at a critical time, while traveling across the U.S. and celebrating the joy that the little white take-out box can bring. The docuseries is produced by Part2 Pictures.

Ling said: “It is time that we learn about a community that has been integral to America’s development but has largely been ignored by American history. My own family’s path to their American dream started in a Chinese restaurant, and I cannot wait to learn the stories of those whose journey paralleled mine throughout different parts of this country.”

Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, said: “With Take Out, we will pay tribute to the hard work and countless contributions of Asian Americans whose restaurants helped shape the cultural tapestry and cuisines of America. Lisa is one of a few storytellers who could paint the trials and triumphs of a community as told through the lens of a restaurant.”

Part2 Pictures’s David Shadrack Smith added: “This has been a long-standing passion project that feels as relevant as ever. It’s a chance to join Lisa on an especially personal exploration—and build on our long relationship together delving deep into the dynamics of America through the people that make it diverse and complex.”