Okay, so I'll admit going into this series I wasn't too excited about how it's going to turn out and thought it was going to be generic. But luckily, all my negative thoughts were blown away during the first few episodes of the first season. The story is about an Indian-American teenager named Devi Vishwakumar trying to navigate her life through the last four years of high school while also processing the sudden death of her father. It is basically another story where the protagonist is trying to rise up the social ranks at her high school but it was just so much more than that. It tackles themes of family, friendship, love, loss, grief and acceptance and how it's okay to let go of the pain that has been haunting you for a long time and move on.
The characters were extremely likeable and charming. Devi starts off as an annoying teen but as the story progresses we learn more about her past and her relationships which makes her more likeable and relatable for someone who has lost a loved one and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan gives a beautiful performance. Her relationship with her mother Nalini, played wonderfully by Poorna Jagannathan, and her besties Fabiola ( Lee Rodriguez) and Elenor ( Ramona Young ) are the heart of this series. Other characters like Devi's Boyfriends Ben ( Jaren Lewison) and Paxton (Darren Barnett) her cousin Kamala ( Richa Moorjani) and her grandmother Nirmala (Ranjita Chakravarty) are extremely fun to watch. All of these characters are very much relatable in their own ways and have their personal struggles which is showcased beautifully throughout the 4 seasons which makes them all well rounded and well developed characters. You laugh with them, you cry with them, you feel their pain and struggles and by the last season you're so emotionally invested that it's hard to say goodbye.
One of the strongest aspects, aside from the story, cast and characters, which really elevates this series for me is the representation of Indian Culture. Hollywood media usually undermines minority cultures but Never Have I Ever proudly showcases Indian Culture in a way that's never before seen in other Hollywood media. It felt less stereotypical and more authentic. As an Indian myself, I can't tell you how happy it makes me feel seeing so many Indian/ Indian-American actors on the screen getting recognition in American media.
Now considering this is also a teen rom-com, it did feel a little cheesy and cringey at some points but that isn't a huge problem.
Overall, Never Have I Ever is a light-hearted comedy series filled with emotions, likeable characters, heart and humour topped off with a beautiful portrayal of friendship, grief and acceptance and an overall positive message about moving on. Highly recommend it.
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