Hulu’s upcoming drama “The Season” highlights a growing trend in streaming where hyper-local settings like Hong Kong serve as central characters to drive global engagement. Produced by PCCW Media and SK Global, the series utilizes authentic locations and international co-production models to reach audiences across Hulu, Viu, and Now TV.
Why are specific urban identities becoming central to streaming hits?
Streaming platforms are increasingly moving away from generic backdrops in favor of “character cities” that offer a sense of place. According to cast member Karina Lam, “The Season” utilizes an outsider’s lens to view Hong Kong through real locations, rather than relying on studio sets.
This approach mirrors the strategy used by SK Global, the production company behind Crazy Rich Asians, which leveraged the specific cultural and visual textures of Southeast Asia to achieve massive international success. By treating a city as a living entity, creators can tap into both local pride and global curiosity.
Toby Stephens, who plays the power broker Christopher Hext, noted that the show’s setting is inseparable from its narrative. “This show could only take place in Hong Kong,” Stephens said, suggesting that the city’s unique social layers provide the necessary tension for high-society dramas.
How do unique filming environments impact actor performance?
Production environments that lack traditional comforts can force a level of immersion that studio settings cannot replicate. For the cast of “The Season,” much of the production took place at sea, presenting significant logistical hurdles.
Toby Stephens described the reality of filming on a boat, noting the absence of standard amenities. “Normally when you’re filming, you can go back there, and at lunchtime you can have a little snoozy,” Stephens said. Instead, the lack of trailers forced the cast to find stillness on deck.
While these conditions can be relentless, actors often report that the shared hardship builds cast chemistry. Jessie Mei Li, who plays the character Cola, noted that the crew and cast relied on one another to get through the fifty-day shoot, describing the experience as filled with “belly laughs” despite the humidity and floating sets.
The challenge of “masking” in high-stakes roles
The physical environment often mirrors the psychological state of the characters. For Stephens’ character, the performance focuses on the gap between public status and private fear. He described the goal as portraying characters who are “all masking”—using wealth and power to hide human vulnerability.
What is driving the rise of hybrid cultural casting?
As streaming reaches a globalized audience, casting is shifting toward “hybrid” actors who can navigate multiple languages and cultural nuances. This trend is evident in the casting of “The Season,” which features a diverse international ensemble.
Karina Lam, who has worked in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Canada, described herself as a literal hybrid. She noted that English acting requires different “muscles” than Cantonese acting, particularly regarding how meaning is expressed in the spaces between words. This linguistic complexity is becoming a hallmark of high-end international drama.
Conversely, Jessie Mei Li faced the challenge of “assimilating” into the diverse accents of her co-stars. Playing an American in a production featuring Australians, Brits, and a Chilean director, Mei Li reported that her own accent would occasionally “mutiny” during scenes.
Will high-society “asshole” characters remain a popular trope?
The “lovable asshole” archetype continues to be a staple in prestige drama, provided the character has enough depth to prevent them from becoming a caricature. Chris Pang, who plays Andrew Fung, described his character as “unapologetically an asshole” who says outlandish and horrible things.
Pang stated that his mission was to find a balance where the audience “can’t help but love” a character who is otherwise exhausting. This tension—between a character’s obnoxious behavior and their underlying humanity—is a key driver of engagement in serialized storytelling.
According to Pang, director Marialy Rivas encouraged him to push these boundaries, often testing how far a character can go before losing the audience’s empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I stream “The Season”?
The series will be available on Hulu, with international streaming via Viu in Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa, and on Now TV in Hong Kong. - Who are the main stars of the show?
The cast includes Toby Stephens, Karina Lam, Jessie Mei Li, and Chris Pang. - Who produced the series?
The show is produced by PCCW Media in partnership with SK Global. - How many episodes are in the first season?
The series consists of six episodes.
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