Creator of “The Big Bang Theory” introduces new TV show about a Nigerian immigrant

Chuck Lorre is bringing his take on immigrant life in America to CBS, and claims it has nothing to do with President Donald Trump’s hardline stance on the crisis at the southern U.S. border.

The creator of such hits as “The Big Bang Theory” and “Young Sheldon” told a TV critics  that “Bob Hearts Abishola” is about the greatness of first-generation immigrants and the hard work and focus they bring to their new lives in America.

On the surface, the show resembles a romantic comedy in the vein of Lorre’s hit “Mike & Molly,” which co-starred Billy Gardell, who plays one of the title characters in the show debuting Sept. 23.

But Lorre said the romance is merely a way to get into the story of Bob, a middle-aged compression sock salesman from Detroit, who falls for his cardiac nurse, a Nigerian immigrant, while recovering from a heart attack.

Folake Olowofoyeku, a Nigeria native, plays Abishola. Producer Gina Yashere, a Brit whose parents are Nigerian, was brought in to help Lorre and fellow executive producer Al Higgins with authenticity. Yashere quickly asked the name of the nurse. Higgins said they were thinking Lupita, inspired by actress Lupita Nyong’o.

Yashere pointed out Nyong’o was born in Mexico and grew up in Kenya. She gave Lorre and Higgins a list of Nigerian names and they chose Abishola, which she said means to guide.