Hulu has released first-look images of its new original scripted series, Deli Boys, set to premiere on Thursday, March 6.
Plot: A Comedy with a Dark Twist
The story follows two spoiled Pakistani American brothers whose lives are turned upside down after their convenience-store tycoon father dies unexpectedly. As they navigate their sudden fall from luxury, they uncover their father’s secret criminal empire and attempt to take over his underworld dealings. Imagine Netflix’s The Gentleman but infused with comedy and centered on the Pakistani American diaspora.
A Breakthrough for Pakistani-Diasporic Stories
It’s refreshing to see more stories from the Pakistani diaspora being brought to the forefront. Starring in the series are comedian Asif Ali (Shrinking, Agatha All Along) and actor Saagar Shaikh (Ms. Marvel) as the two brothers. Based on their previous work, audiences can expect plenty of laughs. The cast also includes Poorna Jagannathan (Never Have I Ever), Alfie Fuller (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), and Brian George (Seinfeld, Big Bang Theory).
Behind the Scenes: A Talented Team
The 10-episode, half-hour series was created by Abdullah Saeed, a Pakistani American writer and journalist. The show’s showrunner is Michelle Nader, and the list of executive producers includes Nader, Saeed, Jenni Konner, Nora Silver, Nisha Ganatra, and Vali Chandrasekaran. Ganatra also directed the pilot episode.
Representation: A Step Forward for South Asians
UCLA’s recent diversity report highlighted that only 2.2% of TV leads in 2023 were Asian, a category that combines East, South, and Southeast Asians. South Asian leads are even scarcer, with just two South Asian women leading TV shows in 2023. Pakistani-diasporic stories are even rarer, though recent successes like Ms. Marvel, We Are Lady Parts, and projects featuring Riz Ahmed and Hasan Minhaj are changing the narrative.
With Deli Boys, Hulu adds another milestone for South Asian representation, this time spotlighting a hilarious and chaotic Pakistani American family caught in the world of organized crime.
