Deli Boys

What happens when "Fargo" crashes into "Dumb and Dumber"-but with a generous serving of spicy masala? You get "Deli Boys", a fresh and frenetic crime-comedy that's as unpredictable as it is entertaining.

At the heart of the series are two brothers: one flamboyant and reckless, the other naïve yet ambitious. Their father, a successful businessman who deliberately kept them out of his empire, suddenly dies-leaving them to inherit not just his legacy but also the shady dealings hiding beneath it. As they fumble through legal and financial chaos, a whirlwind of colorful characters enters (including FBI) the picture, none more magnetic than Aunt Lucky (Poona Jagannathan), who effortlessly steals every scene.

Clocking in at around crisp 23 minutes per episode (sans credit roll), Deli Boys delivers tight, well-paced storytelling, a rarity in today's era of overlong streaming series. The humor is sharp, unforced, and refreshingly authentic-never pausing to over-explain inside jokes, especially those rooted in South Asian (particularly Punjabi) culture.

Goofy yet organic, Deli Boys blends smart writing with strong technical execution. It may not reach cult-classic status, but it's a solid, standout comedy that will resonate with South Asian audiences for years to come.

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 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!

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.