Never Have I Ever is currently the number 1 trending show on Netflix and as far as trendy Netflix shows go, I would say that this one is very well earned. The show starts with *minor spoiler alert* Devi Vishwakumar kneeling to a shrine and praying to Hindu gods with her geometry book getting blessed while the tennis champion John McEnroe narrates her life as the show goes. She has a few wishes which can be pretty much summed up as the goals of typical high school girls; be cool, get hot, snag a boy. Therefore, I naturally assumed that this show would be nothing more than just a “brown knock-off” of average Netflix teen dramas like The Kissing Booth and To All The Boys I've Loved Before where I have to keep my supply of eye-rolls, gag reflexes and cringes ready but the fact that Mindy Kaling spearheaded this project gave me a little hope. Hence, I gave this series a shot and I’m very glad that I did. I rarely liked to be proven wrong but this time, I was delighted.

Source: Netflix

Source: Overblog

The key reason that Never Have I Ever is very special and close to my heart is the representation in this show. As a South Indian, someone who rarely gets represented in the media, seeing a replica of me made me so happy. The little things in the show, like Nalini's wedding necklace also known as thali that looks just like my mother's and the fact that Devi’s father calls her “kanna” as well as the way Mohan said the moped had been blessed in a temple so that there’s nothing to worry about. I love that they spoke Tamil unexpectedly in the midst of casually speaking in English and how none of it is subtitled, it all felt very natural. I love that no one wears shoes inside the house. I love that Devi addresses her uncle as "Periyappa" just like I do. This show represents us in a completely unadulterated and highly authentic way.

Source: Medium

 Never Have I Ever also rightfully represented South Asians, mainly Indians without reinforcing any overused stereotypes. Mohan could be a great example of that. Indian representation in American series and sitcoms has come a long way. We started with borderline offensive Apu Nahasapeemapetilon in The Simpsons who became the pre-eminent Indian face on television during the 1990s, but as time goes, we had a few more representation, but they were all quite similar in a way or two. Heretofore, we’ve only had socially-awkward men trying to figure out their love life like Kumail Nanjiani in Silicon Valley, Aziz Ansari in Master of None and of course, Kunal Nayyar in The Big Bang Theory but Never Have I Ever depicts a confident and loving Indian man who’s not afraid to show his sensitive side. It’s a refreshing departure from the nerdy, socially anxious Indian men to see someone like Mohan. This show is also a massive leap from the unspoken rule that all Indian fathers are only supposed to be strict. Sendhil Ramamurthy played a smitten father who shared his love of tennis and ping pong while passing down his wisdom on gardening to his daughter in the shown flashbacks. Mohan wasn’t overbearing or emotionally distant with his daughter; he was doting, affectionate and warm instead. It was very heartening to witness that.

Source: Lara Solanki/ Netflix

Never Have I Ever beautifully illustrates the Indian community and does not hold back to represent other minority groups as well. The vibrant visual and humorous appeal of the show does not undercut the severe issues of mental health, grievances over the loss of a loved one, loneliness and cultural pressures. Overall, Never Have I Ever is truly an entertaining and emotional show that exhibits real-life problems in its own odd, humorous way. All in all, it’s a great show and very much worth watching and having it narrated by the tennis legend John McEnroe is the cherry on top. It is impossible to watch Never Have I Ever without feeling your heart rate pick up or tearing up at some of the very raw scenes, so I suggest keeping a box of tissue right beside you.