Deli Boys Stars Two MCU Actors and Is a Hilarious Crime Comedy

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In an unusual turn of events, two actors from the Marvel Cinematic Universe are leading a sitcom, specifically titled Deli Boys. This is no ordinary series, as it’s a crime comedy that airs on Hulu. The stars of this show are WandaVision’s Asif Ali and Ms. Marvel’s Saagar Shaikh. Although they might not have the same level of fame as some other MCU actors, their impeccable comic delivery and intriguing storyline more than compensate for it.

Produced by investigative journalist Abdullah Saeed, who also worked on Bong Appétit, and overseen by Jenni Konner from Girls and Michelle Nader from 2 Broke Girls, the comedy series Deli Boys debuted its first season on Hulu this month. The story revolves around Ali and Shaikh, portraying two brothers named Mir and Raj, who are forced to manage their family business following their father’s sudden demise. To their shock, they discover that their father didn’t only own a chain of convenience stores—he was actually a secret drug lord. Amidst the chaos, these pampered young men find themselves struggling to adapt and maintain control over their newfound criminal empire.

Deli Boys Is A Near-Perfect Melding Of Great Casting And Hilarious Writing

Hulu and FX Productions demonstrated with the unexpected hit “Reservation Dogs” that comedy TV doesn’t need to adhere to conventional (read: white) norms to be successful and side-splittingly funny. Shows such as “Fleabag“, “Insecure“, and “The White Lotus ” have also shown that viewers are ready to venture beyond the familiar territory of traditional sitcoms in search of entertainment, and “Deli Boys” continues this trend. So, if you’ve ever wondered what two pampered, sheltered rich boys might do when they find themselves unexpectedly in charge of a large crime family, “Deli Boys” is here to provide an answer! With a clever concept and laughter-inducing writing led by Feraz Ozel Ellahie, Nikki Kashani, and series creator Abdullah Saeed, “Deli Boys” offers an authentic, gut-bustling comedy that will leave you in fits of laughter.

It’s essential that exceptional writing is accompanied by a talented cast who can bring it to life effectively. Fortunately, the show “Deli Boys” boasts a wealth of such talent. While Asif Ali has gained recognition through his appearances on both “WandaVision” and “Agatha All Along“, he’s actually amassed an impressive resume over the past two decades, starring in shows like “NCIS“, “The Good Doctor“, “Arrested Development “, and “Modern Family“. He can also be found in “Shrinking” and “Ghosts“, and even made an appearance in “The Mandalorian“. With his ubiquitous presence, Asif Ali serves as a compelling contrast to his co-star Saagar Shaikh. After a string of small roles in the 2010s, Shaikh broke through with his portrayal of Kamala’s brother Aamir on “Ms. Marvel“. Since then, he’s voiced Farad Kallob in the Bethesda video game “Starfield“, and reprised his role as Aamir in “The Marvels“. If “Deli Boys” becomes a hit, Shaikh could join Ali as another familiar face on screen.

The TV series, Deli Boys, boasts not only two exceptional leads in Ali and Shaikh, but also an impressive ensemble of seasoned character actors that make it a must-watch. Iqbal Theba, known for his roles in Glee and Community, portrays the boys’ father who is involved in crime, while Poorna Jagannathan from Never Have I Ever takes on the role of Lucky, a woman tasked with guiding the brothers as they assume control of the family business. Add to that Brian George as Ahmad, a character with doubts, Kevin Corrigan as a rival crime boss, Tim Baltz as an FBI chief, and Alfie Fuller as a shaman from afro-futurism, and you’ve got a remarkably skilled cast that brings the wild show to vivid life.

Deli Boys Is Getting The Critical Love It Deserves, But Will Viewers Follow?

Currently, the television series “Deli Boys” boasts a 96% Critics’ Rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 74 from Metacritic. These are exceptionally high scores for any comedy show, but particularly impressive for a half-hour single-camera sitcom with an unusual plotline. The show has garnered widespread acclaim from critics. For instance, Judy Berman from Time magazine heaped praises: “Beneath the broad characters lies a capacity for emotional depth that isn’t common in either sub-Sopranos gangster shows or half-hour action comedies. By making us care about Mir and Dar and their extended family, ‘Deli Boys’ manages to balance brutality with tender emotions.” Similarly, Devan Suber from IGN asserts “Deli Boys stands out as a notable highlight of this year, combining an intriguing criminal plot with a comedic exploration of the Pakistani immigrant experience. Its mix of absurdity and specificity is a successful formula, and Poorna Jagannathan delivers a standout performance.

As for the Deli Boys, it remains uncertain if they’ll manage to draw viewers. Right now, shows like Adolescence, Daredevil: Born Again, Severance, and The White Lotus are dominating the television spotlight. Each of these series is currently the biggest project on their respective streaming platforms. Regrettably, Deli Boys was launched in the same month as Paradise, one of Hulu’s most ambitious original productions to date. Despite being a brief half-hour sitcom with only ten episodes, it can be challenging to foretell what will capture people’s interest.

It might take a while for people to spread the news, but let’s cross our fingers that Deli Boys manages to capture enough attention to secure a renewal for another season. With everyone craving some laughter these days, Hulu could really brighten up our day by reviving this crime comedy for at least one more installment.

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2025-03-22 21:34