Second Jen‘s Isabel Kanaan has begun production on the new satirical comedy series she co-created and will star in, focusing on her experience as a Filipino immigrant.

The 12-part, 30-minute-episode Abroad – produced by Toronto-based Longhope Media Inc. in association with OMNI Television – is the first sketch comedy for the latter, a division of Rogers Sports & Media.

The series is written by Kanaan in collaboration with Longhope co-founder Kevin Wallis and Wayne Testori (Air Farce). Lucy Stewart executive produces, while Wallis is also showrunning. Kara Harun (The Parker Andersons/Amelia Parker) and Carly Heffernan (Second Jen) will direct and Vanesa Millado (English Teacher) is the director of photography. The writers also include Byron Abalos, Monica Garrido, Nour Hadidi, Mona Hersi, Josette Jorge Aliya Kanani, and Paloma Nûnez.

Abroad is slated to air in spring 2022 on OMNI Television.

From Rogers Sports & Media, Nataline Rodrigues is the director of original programming for Citytv and OMNI Television, Hayden Mindell is VP of programming and acquisition, and Julie Adam is president of news and entertainment.

“While the immigrant experience is unique to each person, the universal feeling of being on the outside resonates with everybody,” said Lucy Stewart, co-founder, Longhope Media, in a statement. “With strong representation in front of and behind the camera, guided by Isabel’s unique POV, we look forward to introducing audiences to the comedic world of Abroad.”

Starring alongside Kanaan are Aldrin Bundoc, Joy Castro, Nicco Garcia, Justin Santiago, Carolyn Fe, Jon Blair, Natalie Metcalfe, Sharjil Rasool, Nile Seguin, Christian Smith, and Jillian Welsh.

“Isabel is one of Canada’s fastest-rising comedy stars with her work garnering a loyal fanbase on social media given her authentic voice. OMNI is proud to be working with Isabel and the talented creative team and cast, to bring this fresh brand of comedy to viewers,” said Rodrigues, in a statement.