Deli Boys S01
Director: Episodes directed by a rotating team including Nisha Ganatra, Jeremy Konner, Maureen Bharoocha, Fawzia Mirza, Ahmed Ibrahim, and Jenni Konner
Cast: Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, Poorna Jagannathan, Alfie Fuller, Brian George
Deli Boys – Season 1 is a darkly comedic and action-packed ensemble series that upends the immigrant crime-comedy blueprint. Created by Abdullah Saeed, it follows two polar opposite Pakistani-American brothers in Philadelphia, Mir (Asif Ali) and Raj (Saagar Shaikh), whose lives take a violent turn after their father’s unexpected death reveals an illicit underworld behind his successful deli chain. What ensues is the chaotic and often absurd journey of the brothers thrust into the operation of a cocaine distribution empire masked by deli fronts. EaterWikipediaTheWrapTIME
Lucky Auntie (Poorna Jagannathan) steals early scenes as a formidable figure who nurtures and manipulates the brothers through their initiation into “Dark DarCo”—the hidden criminal enterprise. The sibling dynamic—Mir’s eager ambition versus Raj’s laid-back, stoner charm—fuels much of the humor and tension. EaterMoneycontrolIndia CurrentsTIME
Across ten brisk episodes, the tone is sharply witty and unapologetically violent, mixing high-concept comedic setups with family drama and cultural commentary. South Asian cultural touchstones—like stashing cocaine in achaar jars to avoid detection—are integrated seamlessly, avoiding caricature while inviting cross-cultural laugh lines. Moneycontrol+2Eater+2Vulture+2
Critical response has been overwhelmingly positive. The season holds a 96% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 74/100 on Metacritic, signaling “generally favorable” reviews from critics. Critics lauded the sharp ensemble performances—particularly Jagannathan’s—and the show’s unique voice within the genre. TIME+3Moneycontrol+3Wikipedia+3
Audience reception shares the enthusiasm: Redditers describe it as “a great binge,” praising its humor, character chemistry, and emotional core despite its chaos. Reddit
Themes explored include family loyalty, cultural identity, ambition, and moral compromise—all delivered through a lens that balances absurdity with genuine heart. With bold comedic rhythm, sharp writing, and dynamic performances, Deli Boys emerges as a standout and fresh entry in the crime-comedy landscape.
Deli Boys – Season 1 is a darkly comedic and action-packed ensemble series that upends the immigrant crime-comedy blueprint. Created by Abdullah Saeed, it follows two polar opposite Pakistani-American brothers in Philadelphia, Mir (Asif Ali) and Raj (Saagar Shaikh), whose lives take a violent turn after their father’s unexpected death reveals an illicit underworld behind his successful deli chain. What ensues is the chaotic and often absurd journey of the brothers thrust into the operation of a cocaine distribution empire masked by deli fronts. EaterWikipediaTheWrapTIME
Lucky Auntie (Poorna Jagannathan) steals early scenes as a formidable figure who nurtures and manipulates the brothers through their initiation into “Dark DarCo”—the hidden criminal enterprise. The sibling dynamic—Mir’s eager ambition versus Raj’s laid-back, stoner charm—fuels much of the humor and tension. EaterMoneycontrolIndia CurrentsTIME
Across ten brisk episodes, the tone is sharply witty and unapologetically violent, mixing high-concept comedic setups with family drama and cultural commentary. South Asian cultural touchstones—like stashing cocaine in achaar jars to avoid detection—are integrated seamlessly, avoiding caricature while inviting cross-cultural laugh lines. Moneycontrol+2Eater+2Vulture+2
Critical response has been overwhelmingly positive. The season holds a 96% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 74/100 on Metacritic, signaling “generally favorable” reviews from critics. Critics lauded the sharp ensemble performances—particularly Jagannathan’s—and the show’s unique voice within the genre. TIME+3Moneycontrol+3Wikipedia+3
Audience reception shares the enthusiasm: Redditers describe it as “a great binge,” praising its humor, character chemistry, and emotional core despite its chaos. Reddit
Themes explored include family loyalty, cultural identity, ambition, and moral compromise—all delivered through a lens that balances absurdity with genuine heart. With bold comedic rhythm, sharp writing, and dynamic performances, Deli Boys emerges as a standout and fresh entry in the crime-comedy landscape.