Set against the backdrop of Taiwan’s vibrant culinary scene, ‘Fired Up!’ blends heartfelt relationships, personal ambitions and family conflicts with mouthwatering local flavors, offering viewers not only an engaging drama but also a taste of Taiwanese culture.
ERIC Chou and Angela Yuen in ‘Fired Up!’
The cast of the Taiwanese series Fired Up! believes that while its story is packed with drama, romance, mystery and rivalry, it is the show’s distinctly Taiwanese identity that will leave the biggest impression on international audiences.
During a virtual media conference, the stars shared that beyond the twists and emotional conflicts, Fired Up! serves as a celebration of Taiwan’s food culture, language and the values that bind its characters together.
Lead actor Eric Chou said the series is built on themes that audiences everywhere can relate to.
“There’s friendship, there’s love, there’s revenge and business rivalry,” he told DAILY TRIBUNE, noting that the story brings together several universal elements that transcend borders.
What sets the drama apart, however, is its authentic portrayal of Taiwan.
Chou revealed that the production invested significant effort in presenting Taiwanese cuisine as convincingly as possible, making the food almost a character of its own.
“I think what makes our show special is the Taiwan culture and the food that we make,” he said. “The team put in a lot of effort to make the food look really good, so I think it’s definitely the Taiwan culture that stands out in this TV series.”
Actress Yu Wei echoed the sentiment, saying viewers will be immersed in Taiwan through the show’s carefully recreated settings, familiar scenery and everyday atmosphere.
She added that audiences will experience the country’s culture through its food, music and environments, allowing them to feel as though they are walking through the streets of Taipei while watching the series.
For Cosmos, the show’s emotional core lies in the friendships shared by the characters.
“Everyone has a lot of difficult things, but because of our friendship, we can overcome them,” she said, adding that every character carries a unique story that becomes stronger when they come together.
She described the bond among the characters as the “Jing Lai spirit,” emphasizing the importance of teamwork and supporting one another despite personal struggles.
Angela, meanwhile, believes international viewers will connect not only with Taiwan’s culture and language but also with each character’s personal growth.
She said the emotional journeys portrayed throughout the series are designed to resonate with audiences regardless of where they come from.
Sean pointed to the underdog narrative as one of the drama’s strongest appeals.
He shared that he was drawn to the story because it follows ordinary people taking on a much larger company, allowing viewers to witness the characters’ determination, growth and pursuit of justice.
Ben also highlighted the role of Taiwanese cuisine in the series, expressing confidence that audiences would appreciate the country’s signature dishes through the show’s restaurant-centered storyline.
Set against the backdrop of Taiwan’s vibrant culinary scene, Fired Up! blends heartfelt relationships, personal ambitions and family conflicts with mouthwatering local flavors, offering viewers not only an engaging drama but also a taste of Taiwanese culture.
Fired Up! is available to stream on HBO Max.
