Little America Christian Review
In an age where political conversations often devolve into heated debates about immigration, Little America offers a breath of fresh air. This anthology series, available on Apple TV+, takes a deeply human approach to the complex subject of immigration, telling the real-life stories of individuals who have crossed borders in search of a better life in the United States. But it does so in a way that’s remarkably nuanced, avoiding propaganda and offering a portrait of the immigrant experience that is both moving and deeply relatable.
What makes Little America stand out from other shows dealing with this topic is its approach. Rather than using overtly political rhetoric or framing the narrative through the lens of “us vs. them,” it simply tells stories. And these stories, though centered around the immigrant experience, are more universal than we might realize. At its heart, Little America is a series about the human condition—our shared longing for belonging, for safety, for purpose—and it is in this exploration that the series excels. It offers a Christian viewer the opportunity to reflect on fundamental biblical themes like compassion, love for the stranger, and the value of every human life.
The Heart of Immigration: Human Struggles and Triumphs
One of the remarkable qualities of Little America is its ability to balance the hard truths of immigration with the resilience and hope that comes with it. Each episode focuses on a different immigrant, with their struggles laid bare: the pain of leaving family behind, the difficulty of navigating a new world, and the emotional toll of adapting to a society that may not always be welcoming. These challenges are portrayed without any romanticization, but they are also not depicted as insurmountable.
As a Christian, it’s impossible not to see the connection to biblical stories of exile and wandering. Think of the Israelites in the wilderness, or Joseph’s journey to Egypt—these are stories of people forced to leave their homes, not always by choice, but by circumstance. The Bible is full of such tales, and Little America echoes them, not by mimicking their religious or spiritual context, but by showing the humanity at the heart of every journey. The series reminds us of the deep truth found in Hebrews 13:2, which says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Watching these immigrants navigate their new lives in America feels like a call to reflect on how we treat the “strangers” in our own communities.
The Beauty of Diversity: Celebrating God’s Creation
Another central theme in Little America is the beauty of cultural diversity. Each episode presents a new story, often showcasing a culture, a tradition, or a way of life unfamiliar to many viewers. And yet, these stories don’t just highlight the differences between people—they emphasize our shared humanity. Whether it’s a man who left India to pursue a better life in the U.S., or a woman from Nigeria fighting to make a name for herself, the common thread in each story is the dream of a better future and the determination to achieve it.
For a Christian viewer, this celebration of diversity is a reminder of God’s incredible creativity in designing a world filled with such rich variety. The story of creation in Genesis shows that God didn’t make people all the same; rather, He made each person unique, with their own strengths, cultures, and histories. In this way, Little America mirrors that diversity—each character in the series offers a new facet of the world’s beauty and a reminder that no culture is inferior to another. We are all made in God’s image, no matter where we come from.
Humor and Grace in the Midst of Struggle
There is a surprising amount of humor in Little America, and it’s one of the things that makes it so accessible. It’s not a show that wallows in despair or paints its characters as victims of circumstance. Instead, it shows them with all their flaws, quirks, and humanity—and sometimes, that means laughing at the absurdity of their situations. Cultural misunderstandings, awkward moments, and the daily challenges of adapting to a new country are portrayed with a light touch, allowing the viewer to laugh alongside the characters.
This humor is important. It’s a reflection of the resilience that defines the immigrant experience. It’s a reminder that joy can be found, even in the darkest of circumstances. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine,” and in many ways, the humor in Little America serves as that healing balm for its characters. The ability to laugh, even when life is hard, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. For a Christian viewer, this resonates deeply, echoing the truth that joy and hope are not dependent on circumstances but are gifts from God that can be found even in the most difficult moments.
Testimonies of Hope and Perseverance
Another striking feature of Little America is its commitment to telling true stories. At the end of each episode, the series gives an update on the real-life individual featured in that vignette. This moment of reflection brings a deeper sense of weight and authenticity to the stories being told, reminding us that these are not just characters—they are real people, many of whom have faced immense challenges to make it to where they are today.
The power of personal testimony cannot be overstated, especially from a Christian perspective. Testimonies are central to the faith, serving as powerful reminders of God’s faithfulness and the ways He works in the lives of His people. The stories in Little America are, in a sense, secular testimonies—testaments to the resilience, courage, and hope that drive people to seek a better life. For the viewer, these testimonies serve as a call to reflect on how we, too, can show resilience in the face of challenges and offer hope to those who need it most.
Welcoming the Stranger: A Call to Action
Ultimately, Little America serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of welcoming the stranger. It does not demand that viewers adopt a particular political stance on immigration, nor does it set out to villainize anyone. Instead, it invites us to see the humanity in every individual and to consider what it might look like to welcome those who are different from us.
As Christians, this is something we are called to do time and again. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” The stories in Little America challenge us to put this command into action. They ask us to look beyond labels and see the person in front of us as someone created in God’s image, someone with a story, a family, and dreams.
Conclusion: A Show That Transcends Politics
Little America isn’t just a television show; it’s a cultural conversation starter, a series that encourages us to look beyond our differences and embrace the complexity of human experiences. It doesn’t present simple answers or offer easy resolutions, but it offers something much deeper: a call to compassion, understanding, and love.
In a time when immigration is often reduced to a political debate, Little America offers a refreshing perspective. It asks us to listen, to empathize, and to recognize the shared humanity in every person we encounter.
Rating: 9/10
