Alisha Dhillon and Quentin Lee, celebrated for their work on the Canadian Screen Award-winning show 'Comedy Invasion,' are reuniting to launch a brand new vertical series titled 'Unleeshed.' This exciting collaboration will see Dhillon both writing and starring in the show, which is scheduled to premiere globally on Asian American Movies (AAM.tv) around Thanksgiving 2026. The series promises a deep dive into the dynamic and competitive sphere of stand-up comedy and roast battles in Los Angeles, exploring themes of ambition and overcoming personal challenges.

Dhillon and Lee Team Up for 'Unleeshed' Vertical Series

In a highly anticipated announcement on July 14, 2026, entertainment figures Alisha Dhillon and Quentin Lee confirmed their joint venture into a new vertical series, 'Unleeshed.' This marks a significant reunion for the duo, who previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed 'Comedy Invasion,' where Dhillon's episode 'Woman of Ganja,' created and directed by Lee, secured the Canadian Screen Award for Best Comedy Special in 2024. The upcoming series, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles's bustling stand-up comedy scene and its cutthroat roast battles, will feature Dhillon as its lead writer and star. The narrative of 'Unleeshed' Season 1 centers on a South Asian stand-up comic and aspiring actor who postpones her career aspirations to care for her ailing father. As she navigates this challenging period, she discovers that her most formidable adversary is not the audience, but her own deep-seated self-doubt. Principal photography for 'Unleeshed' is scheduled to commence in August, with Lee's Margin Films producing the project. The completed first season is set to be AAM.tv's inaugural original vertical series, making its worldwide debut exclusively on the platform in November 2026.

Quentin Lee, serving as co-creator, executive producer, and director, expressed his immediate connection to the narrative, praising Dhillon's authentic portrayal of lived experiences. He highlighted the growing potential of vertical storytelling as an innovative medium, seeing 'Unleeshed' not just as engaging entertainment but also as a foundational concept for future seasons. Dhillon, reflecting on her creative process, shared that she penned 'Unleeshed' to serve as a powerful reminder that true confidence is forged through action, and that self-imposed limitations are often the most significant barriers. She hopes the series will resonate with viewers, encouraging them to find humor and strength even in life's most arduous moments. Dhillon's impressive comedic background includes being a finalist at the 2025 San Francisco Comedy Competition and a runner-up at the Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Competition, alongside performances at prominent festivals like SF Sketchfest, JFL Northwest, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She also appeared in Prime Video's docu-series 'Comedy Invasion' and holds the title of the Bay Area's Roast Battle champion. Lee, with over a decade of experience directing and producing more than ten features and four television series, including 'Comedy Invasion,' established Margin Films in Los Angeles in 1996. The company celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, having debuted its first feature, 'Shopping for Fangs,' at the 1997 Toronto Film Festival. AAM.tv, the platform broadcasting 'Unleeshed,' offers a diverse selection of diasporic Asian films, documentaries, shorts, and series globally, accessible through iOS, Android, and Roku devices.

This collaboration between Dhillon and Lee highlights the evolving landscape of digital content creation, particularly the rise of vertical series tailored for mobile viewing. Their previous success with 'Comedy Invasion' sets a high bar for 'Unleeshed,' which aims to blend compelling storytelling with a format that resonates with contemporary audiences. The series’ focus on a South Asian comic navigating personal and professional challenges offers a unique and relatable perspective within the comedy genre, emphasizing the universal struggle against self-doubt. It's a reminder that authenticity and personal narratives can deeply connect with viewers, regardless of the medium. The strategic release on AAM.tv also underscores the importance of niche platforms in providing diverse content to specific cultural demographics worldwide.