In the bustling neighborhood of West Hollywood, a new comedy series with a fresh perspective is making waves. Abdullah Saeed, an emerging screenwriter who transitioned from journalism, stumbled into creating “Deli Boys” while searching for a new career direction. With his documentaries struggling to sell, Saeed decided to craft a comedy pilot on a whim, without the burden of capturing his entire community’s essence in his work.
Saeed’s journey began in 2019 when he penned a sample script, hoping to secure a writers’ room position. In his own words, “Nobody was buying my documentaries.” Finding himself free from constraints, he decided to write from his own perspective, aiming for a project as lighthearted as his own nature. “The pressure was off,” Saeed noted. “I didn’t think it was going to be a TV show. I was just like, ‘OK, whatever, I think that’s funny.’”
His work caught the attention of well-known television writers and producers, Jenni Konner and Nora Silver, who were drawn to the script’s originality and comedic flair. Enthralled, they opted to bring it to life, with Konner praising its uniqueness, saying, “It was so unique and so funny and fresh.” They enlisted Michelle Nader to serve as the showrunner, adding to the talented team behind the scenes.
“Deli Boys,” a Hulu original from Onyx Collective, is set to debut this Thursday, featuring a stellar cast including Saagar Shaikh, Asif Ali, and Poorna Jagannathan. The show centers around two Pakistani American brothers, Raj and Mir, who face unexpected life challenges after their father’s sudden death. The siblings soon discover their late father’s convenience store empire was a front for illicit activities, forcing them to navigate a world they scarcely understand.
Saeed drew inspiration for the show from unconfirmed stories around smuggling he encountered during his time as a journalist covering music and recreational drugs. “It’s just lore,” Saeed explained, “but in this show, we can borrow all that stuff.” Thus, themes of stealth and drug smuggling are woven into the narrative.
The comedy revolves around the contrasting siblings: the free-spirited Raj and the responsible Mir, who strive to balance their personal aspirations with the criminal activities they’ve inherited. Shaikh expressed his excitement at portraying a character that breaks away from typical stereotypes, noting the rarity of seeing nuanced portrayals of similar communities on-screen.
Ali, who plays Mir, shared his enthusiasm for a role anchored in comedy rather than identity exploration. “It’s something that I have never seen our community have before. Just straight-up crazy comedy,” he said. The cast is rounded out by Jagannathan, who portrays Lucky, the formidable family caretaker. Initially conceived as a male character, Lucky’s portrayal introduces a strong female presence, inspired by Saeed’s experiences and influences.
Jagannathan describes Lucky as both nurturing and formidable, adding unexpected developments that enhance the narrative’s dynamic. Moreover, the series features Alfie Fuller and Brian George, with notable appearances from guest stars like Tan France, who adds his unique flair to the show. Konner and Saeed hope to welcome more South Asian talent in future seasons, bringing a fresh spin to television comedies.
In creating “Deli Boys,” Saeed and the creative team aim to inspire laughter while exploring diverse stories in innovative ways. The series holds promise for offering a unique comedic take on identity and self-discovery, wrapped in hijinks and humor, for audiences who crave something new and vibrant.
