What happens when expats return to the United States, adjust and unexpectedly leave the U.S. again to settle into a new culture on another continent?
For Kynon and Juanita Ingram and their two children, it’s an unforgettable journey.
‘EXPATS’ SERIES
“The Expats: International Ingrams” documents the lives of a Black expat family. At first, the Ingrams lived in London for five years and traveled throughout Europe before moving back to Carmel, Ind., U.S.A.
The children are doing well in school, and Ingram is thriving in her career as an attorney and as the producer of a new legal talk show, “Legal Notion.” She’s also finishing up an international book tour.
Family life takes yet another major turn when Kynon Ingram’s employer asks the pharmaceuticals executive to pack up again and move his family to Asia.
“Being African-American and choosing to live abroad is always steeped in change and navigating through the unexpected,” says Juanita Ingram, the show’s executive producer, attorney and creator in a news release.
“This series tackles tough and relatable issues in an educational yet entertaining way,” she says, “all while breaking stereotypes and increasing a more inclusive representation of expats of color.”
JUANITA INGRAM AS A TRAILING SPOUSE
Moving internationally can also put pressure on a marriage. The series documents Juanita Ingram making career changes to follow her husband.
Being African-American and choosing to live abroad is always steeped in change and navigating through the unexpected.
“As a trailing spouse, reinvention and flexibility are a must,” she says. “Trailing spouse syndrome/depression is real and navigating through it is a journey!”
The show covers an array of challenges the Ingram family faces. They grapple with raising Black Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and addressing issues such as colorism, global social justice, and pandemic-related grief.
A highlight of Season 2 is when the series documents how the Ms. World Corporation crowns Juanita Ingram as Mrs. Universe in 2022, making her the first Black woman to hold the title.
The series has received many awards, including being the Official Selection in 2022 at both the Diversity in Cannes Short Film & Web Series Showcase and the 30th Annual Pan African Film Festival.
As a trailing spouse, reinvention and flexibility are a must.
Juanita Ingram independently produced the reality show through her 501(3)C production company. According to a news release, Dress for Success Greater London and Dress for Success Chattanooga are designated as recipients of portions of the streaming proceeds. Both charities help women find economic freedom and combat poverty for families.
Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Check out the trailer below.
