Never Have I Ever is a coming of age comedy drama that takes us on a journey through the eyes of a desi teenager. The show has finally found a solid footing in season 2 as a more mature & more witty narrative is presented to the audience. Mindy Kaling, the creator of the series, explores NRI culture and paints an uplifting picture of South Indian women through characters from different generations.
Season 1 dissects the plot of the series by providing us a background of the characters. From Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) losing her father to sharing a chaotic relationship with her mother, Nalini (Poorna Jagannathan), we were left wanting more. Watching Devi stumble through her high school escapades & the romantic interests that come with it, we find ourselves either on #TeamBen or #TeamPaxton by the end of it. While season 1 shows Devi’s approach to grief, this season explores her relationship with anger.
Season 2 is a refreshing take on this desi drama, with funny and relatable anecdotes from the lives of the Vishwakumars. Narrated by John McEnroe and Gigi Hadid, we see a profound development of all the characters intertwined with the plot of the series. Just like every other teenager, we find Devi making immature decisions forgetting that her actions will have consequences. From a reckless approach towards shifting to India to becoming spiteful as Aneesa (Megan Suri) enters Sherman Oaks as Devi 2.0, we once again witness Devi go through her rollercoaster of emotions.
Her bestfriends Eleanor (Ramona Young) and Fabiola (Lee Rodriguez) chaperone her through choosing between Ben (Jaren Lewison) and Paxton (Darren Barnett) while Nalini explores single parenthood as a working woman and cousin Kamala (Richa Moorjani) combats sexism as a woman scientist.
Mindy Kaling has an unparalleled ability to create American Indian representation on the big screen through the eyes of an immigrant mother and a first generation Indian-American teenager. Aspects, good & bad, of the Indian culture become a crowning moment for the series, from relatable taunts of brown parents to appreciating the importance of family, the Indian audience will feel right at home.
Never Have I Ever has a peculiar way of storytelling that is both funny and realistic at the same time. Season 2 has a knockout script with an outstanding cast that breathes the characters to life & takes the viewers along on their journey of self discovery and heartbreak, making one feel for those with unrequited love. With this season also ending on a cliffhanger, we can’t wait for Season 3.
Season 2 of Never Have I Ever is now streaming on Netflix.
