ImaginAsian TV, which launched on August 30, 2004, as the nation’s first 24-hour Asian American television network, has announced that it will premiere new original prime-time programs in December. This programming includes the comedy series “Uncle Morty’s Dub Shack” (premiering December 17 at 9 p.m. PST) and an ImaginAsian TV holiday special, “Robert Chu’s Golden Christmas Spectacular” (airing on December 24 at 9 p.m. and repeating on December 25 at 2:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. PST). 

ImaginAsian TV’s first original comedy series, “Uncle Morty’s Dub Shack,” follows struggling rappers Aladdin, Jimbo, John and Trevor as they are hired by their Uncle Morty to dub English over some not-so-classic Asian films. Airing weekly in prime-time beginning in February, the series showcases the hilarious voiceovers the boys perform for the films, while chronicling their trials and tribulations as they rename their rap group, hit on disinterested women, and try to think of money-making schemes.

“We’re poking fun at lesser-known films from everywhere in Asia, turning the sound down, and turning the humor up,” said Jimbo Matison, vice president/creative director at ImaginAsian TV. “There have been shows in the past that allowed us to laugh at old obscure Hollywood films in a similar way, like ‘Mystery Science Theatre 3000.’ ‘Uncle Morty’s Dub Shack’ really pushes it all to a new level of absurdity.” 

ImaginAsian TV’s other original program for this holiday season, “Robert Chu’s Golden Christmas Spectacular,” will air on December 24. Hosted by Robert Chu, host of ImaginAsian TV’s “Asian Reel,” the half-hour retrospective highlights some of the weirder scenes from Asian cinema that have previously aired on ImaginAsian TV. The program features some surprise visits by several ImaginAsian TV personalities, as well as an evil turkey that is trying to turn Robert’s show into a Thanksgiving Special.

ImaginAsian TV has also announced its full line-up of Asian American prime-time television hosts. All English-speaking, these hosts will introduce and provide program background tidbits in a fun and exciting way, keeping the network’s multicultural audience entertained and informed. 

“These programs are an example of how ImaginAsian TV showcases a unique blend of original and acquired programming,” said David Chu, ImaginAsian TV’s vice president of programming and acquisitions. “This is just the beginning of our efforts to get more talented Asian Americans in front of and behind the camera, and to expand on the current crop of entertainment choices on television by introducing cutting-edge Asian American programs into the mix.”

Added Michael Hong, CEO of ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc., “We are thrilled to have such a talented, young and energetic group of hosts on board that is appealing to our diverse audience. Also, we look forward to adding new hosts and talents as our original programming line-up grows.”

ImaginAsian TV’s prime-time hosts include actress Pooja Kumar and media personality Simran Kochar. 

Of Indian background, Pooja writes and co-hosts “Movies for the ImaginAsian,” where she and Jackson Loo introduce movies from Korea, Japan, China, and India in an innovative way. A former Miss India U.S.A. and Video Disc Jockey for Channel V, she is passionate about acting and the arts. She has starred in four feature films: Kaadhal Rojave, an international film in Tamil; Little Magician 3D (The Little Magician); and two independent English films, Night of Henna and Flavors (for which she won the Emerging Actress Award from the Screen Actors Guild). Pooja attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, and has studied Indian classical dance – her first performance at the age of two gave her the confidence to continue to study the beautiful art. Additionally, she has a degree in political science and finance from Washington University in Saint Louis and has worked on Capital Hill for Senator Jim Talent. 

With an MBA in Media and Marketing, Simran has had a colorful career in media that spans from event production to modeling and music videos, scripting productions and hosting shows. While interning at Sony Asia, she was closely involved in the production of events such as the Bollywood Music Awards and Boogie Woogie. She has hosted ESPN’s Super Selector and spearheaded fashion and lifestyle at Wizcraft International India. Simran is also well known for successfully envisioning and creating a number of fashion industry-related events in New York City and India.