🎬 Never Have I Ever (2020)


Trailer provided by Rotten Tomatoes Trailers via YouTube

              


⭐ Rating: 4.3/5
📅 Release Date: April 27, 2020
🎭 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Coming-of-Age
🎬 Creators: Mindy Kaling, Lang Fisher
🕴️ Stars: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani

Review:

Never Have I Ever is a refreshing and hilarious coming-of-age series that dives into the complicated life of Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), a first-generation Indian-American teenager navigating the challenges of high school, family, and her own personal struggles. The show, created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, balances heartfelt drama with sharp wit, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

At the heart of Never Have I Ever is Devi, a smart, ambitious, and occasionally impulsive teenager who has just returned to school after the death of her father. Devi’s journey is one of self-discovery as she juggles academic pressures, her strained relationship with her mother, and the complexities of teenage romance. Devi’s often hilarious but very real internal struggles make her character instantly relatable to viewers of all backgrounds.

The show’s strength lies in its unique voice and how it handles cultural representation. Devi’s Indian heritage is portrayed authentically, without it feeling like an afterthought. From family dynamics to cultural expectations, Never Have I Everexplores the immigrant experience with humor and sensitivity. It also highlights universal themes of loss, identity, and belonging, making it not only relatable to Indian-American viewers but to anyone who’s ever felt out of place.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s portrayal of Devi is stellar, perfectly capturing the character’s wit, frustration, and vulnerability. The supporting cast, including Poorna Jagannathan as Devi’s mother Nalini, adds depth and emotional weight to the story. The chemistry between Devi and her friends, particularly her best friend Fabiola (Lee Rodriguez) and the awkward but charming Paxton (Darren Barnet), provides much of the show’s comedic energy.

What Worked:

✅ Strong central performance – Maitreyi Ramakrishnan shines as Devi, bringing charm and complexity to the character.
✅ Cultural authenticity – The show is a breath of fresh air in how it portrays the immigrant experience, blending humor with meaningful cultural insight.
✅ Relatable themes – Themes of identity, loss, and growing up are universal and make the series resonate with a wide audience.
✅ Great pacing and humor – The series is sharp and funny, with a perfect blend of lighthearted moments and emotional depth.

What Didn’t Work:

❌ Occasionally one-dimensional characters – Some supporting characters, like Devi’s love interest Paxton, could have been developed more deeply.
❌ Predictable romantic arc – While the romantic tension is fun, some may find the love triangle plotline a bit predictable.

Where to Watch:

Never Have I Ever is available to stream on Netflix.

Final Verdict:

Never Have I Ever is a delightful and insightful coming-of-age series that mixes humor with poignant moments about growing up, cultural identity, and navigating loss. The show offers a refreshing portrayal of the teenage experience, blending family dynamics, friendships, and romance in a way that feels both honest and entertaining. With an excellent lead performance by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and an inclusive, culturally rich narrative, Never Have I Ever is a must-watch for anyone looking for a feel-good, relatable series.

💬 Comments
🗨 TeenDramaFan: This show really got it right! Devi’s journey is hilarious and heartfelt.
🗨 CultureVulture: The cultural aspects of the show are portrayed so well. It’s refreshing to see such authentic representation.
🗨 RomComLover: I’m obsessed with the love triangle! It was so much fun to watch.
🗨 RealTalk: The show balances humor and real emotion perfectly. It made me laugh and cry!

Leave a comment below! What did you think of Never Have I Ever? 👇