Deli Boys

Looking for something to watch on a boring night of TV? Five hundred channels and nothing on? Give this show a shot. We needed something new to kill time on TV, and remembered the ads for this show. I have to say it did start a little slowly, and there are a few references early on that some people may not "get." But about halfway through the first episode, a lot of that had been put aside and the fun started. A lot of good back-and-forth dialogue that keeps you listening and interested. The storyline takes a few unexpected twists and turns as well. We're 4 episodes in, and we're looking forward to the rest of the season.

Hulu's new 2025 original series, Deli Boys, created by Abdullah Saeed, delivers a fresh, energetic take on a premise that feels both unique and unexpectedly hilarious. With its mix of family dynamics, crime, and dark humor, the show grabs your attention from the very first episode and keeps you invested throughout the 10 episode run.

At the heart of Deli Boys are two Pakistani-American brothers, Mir and Raj Dar, played by Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh, respectively. The pair inherit their father's convenience store empire after his sudden death, only to discover that the business they thought was built on hard work is actually a sprawling criminal enterprise. The juxtaposition of their comfortable, privileged lives against the shocking reality of their father's hidden life creates both comedic and dramatic tension. Mir is the responsible brother trying to live up to his late father's expectations, while Raj is the carefree sibling, perfectly content to enjoy the spoils of their family's success. The brothers' chemistry feels real, and their differing approaches to the chaos they've inherited serve as the emotional core of the series.

Where Deli Boys truly stands out is in its unique execution. The show blends humor with criminal intrigue in ways that feel seamless, striking a balance between laugh-out-loud moments and darker, more suspenseful beats. The series is refreshingly unpredictable, delivering more than just your typical comedy or crime drama. It feels fresh, tapping into unexplored narratives within the South Asian community while embracing the genre conventions of both crime thrillers and family comedies.

The ensemble cast is a standout, with Poorna Jagannathan as Lucky, their father's formidable criminal confidante, bringing a much-needed depth to the series. Her performance highlights the power dynamics that Mir and Raj are suddenly thrust into. Additionally, the inclusion of Tan France, in his acting debut as a London-based gang leader, adds an intriguing layer of tension. France's performance as Zubair is chilling and effective, even though he's known more for his charm on Queer Eye-his willingness to dive into the role of a menacing figure is commendable.

The series is visually engaging, with vibrant settings and quick-witted dialogue that keep the pacing sharp and exciting. The humor can be absurd and sometimes dark, but it never feels forced. There's a natural flow between the comedy and crime, which is part of what makes Deli Boys so compelling. And while there are moments that lean into the absurdity of the premise, the heart of the show remains grounded in the brothers' journey-navigating the high-stakes world they didn't ask for, but now must manage.

The show is not without its imperfections, but its unique storytelling, strong performances, and the undeniable chemistry between the lead actors more than make up for it. Deli Boys succeeds in offering a new perspective, combining an unconventional premise with strong character development and a healthy dose of humor. It's a series that doesn't just rely on its concept but instead builds an emotional, chaotic, and entertaining narrative that feels completely original.

In a crowded landscape of comedy and crime shows, Deli Boys is one of those rare finds that feels refreshing, innovative, and delightfully funny. With its smart writing, standout performances, and a story that uniquely blends humor and crime, it's definitely one to watch.

Deli Boys is available now on Hulu, better go check it out!

I'm Rae Serbeck, I Watch and Review all shows Large and Small!

I can't name many sitcoms that have made me laugh over the last decade, but I can add DELI BOYS to the list. It is so much fun.

DELI BOYS succeeds where so many sitcoms fail. It is genuinely funny, but it has that larger than life situation that helps it be funny. The surprising and shocking twists and turns make it laugh out loud funny.

There's a nice ensemble cast that makes this show work. The cast has really nice chemistry.

With so many comedies that don't work because they are unfunny dramedies or zinger based one liner sitcoms, we really need fun shows like DELI BOYS. I really hope Hulu renews it for a second season.

If you were to cross Schitt's Creek with Pakistani humor and cultural nuances, you'd get Deli Boys-and it DELI-vers! (See what I did there?)

The show is a fresh and hilarious take on the immigrant family hustle, blending sharp wit, fast-paced comedy, and an undeniable sense of warmth. At its core, Deli Boys is not just a comedy about two brothers taking over their late father's business-it's a celebration of family, identity, and the immigrant experience.

The main cast-Asif Ali as Mir Dar, Saagar Shaikh as Raj Dar, and Poorna Jagannathan as Lucky-feels like a real family. The chemistry between them is effortless, bringing an authenticity to their interactions that makes the show all the more engaging. Mir and Raj's sibling dynamic is chaotic in the best way possible-constantly bickering but always backing each other up when it counts. Mir, the ambitious yet slightly naïve brother, and Raj, the more reluctant, level-headed one, balance each other perfectly. Then there's Lucky, their fiery and unfiltered auntie figure, who steals every scene she's in. Poorna Jagannathan's comedic timing is impeccable, and her ability to switch between sarcasm and genuine care for the boys makes her one of the most memorable characters in the series.

What really sets Deli Boys apart is how seamlessly it integrates Pakistani humor into its storytelling. The jokes land because they feel authentic, not forced. The writers don't just sprinkle in cultural references for the sake of representation-they make them an organic part of the characters' lives and conversations. From the way Mir and Raj react to traditional expectations to the way Lucky delivers backhanded compliments with the precision of a desi auntie, the humor feels lived-in and real.

One of the funniest recurring bits is how the brothers navigate their father's legacy while being utterly unprepared for the world he built. Their interactions with the Pakistani mafia-like figures in the business world are both hilarious and nerve-wracking. The show plays with the idea of Pakistani hustle culture-whether it's through negotiating deals, haggling in ways only desi families know how, or finding loopholes in seemingly impossible situations. These moments resonate deeply, especially for anyone who has grown up in an immigrant household where resourcefulness is second nature.

Another highlight is the use of Urdu and English interchangeably. There's something incredibly satisfying about seeing characters switch between languages mid-sentence, the way so many South Asian families do in real life. It adds another layer of authenticity and makes certain jokes land even harder. The show doesn't stop to explain these moments to a non-South Asian audience-it just lets them exist naturally, which makes them all funnier.

In a television landscape that often struggles with authentic South Asian representation, Deli Boys stands out. It doesn't try too hard to explain itself-it just is, and that's what makes it so brilliant. The cast's chemistry, the razor-sharp writing, and the effortlessly woven cultural humor make it a must-watch.

Do not miss this show. It is worth every episode.

I am SO happy to have found this show! It is VERY bingable and immensley entertaining. Deli Boys is a true masterclass in dark comedy without going too dark or too light. I'm just sick to death of these bland, TV-14 sitcoms that take no risks and use the same tired plot hooks over and over.

Deli Boys does an outstanding job of navigating the dark comedy genre without over-relying on excessive gore or violence. Yet at the same time, there is plenty of action, blood, drugs, etc mixed in with a few sweet moments and some satire. Again, if you like the sort of comedy in shows like The Boys, Avenue 5, Future Man, etc then you will be very happy :)

It boasts an all-star, diverse cast who are presented in such a way that it felt very intentional and purposeful. Which is why each character feels 'real' and is believable. Deli Boys seamlessly brings you into the cultural dynamics of the family in addition to the unique issues faced when two different gangs of two very different ethnic backgrounds clash.

This is in stark contrast to how so many of those TV-14 sitcoms I mentioned cast POC these days; as though they realized last minute they needed more diversity and so hastily recast or even created a new role. Of course, this results in characters who are so one dimensional they just as easily could've been Chinese, Ethiopian or English!