One of the most striking things about Deli Boys is its tone-it’s simultaneously irreverent, dark, and heartfelt. It takes the immigrant comedy framework we’ve seen in shows like Ramy or Master of None, but throws it into a genre blender with Breaking Bad-style crime escalation. It’s not afraid to be weird, political, or profane, and it often is all three in the same scene.
Creator Abdullah Saeed (a former High Maintenance and Vice writer) brings personal insight to the story. The cultural references-from halal delis to Desi family drama and generational clashes-are specific without being over-explained. The show respects its audience’s intelligence and avoids tokenizing its characters.
Its commentary on the American dream, immigrant expectations, and masculinity feels timely and layered-especially when wrapped inside a crime-laced sandwich shop metaphor. The crime caper, humor and hilarious situations all rolled into one make it a very enjoyable watch.
The Storyline
One of the most striking things about Deli Boys is its tone- it’s simultaneously irreverent, dark, and heartfelt. It takes the immigrant comedy framework we’ve seen in shows like Ramy or Master of None throws it into a genre blender with Breaking Bad-style crime escalation. It’s not afraid to be weird, political, or profane, and it often is all three in the same scene.
Is It Worth Watching?Â
There are moments when Deli Boys feels unsure of whether it wants to be a satire, a grounded family drama, or a full-blown crime caper. A couple of episodes in the middle meander, with subplots that don’t land or tonal shifts that undercut serious moments with jokes that feel out of place.
While the leads are well fleshed out, some of the side characters (especially in the criminal world) come off as a bit too cartoonish or underwritten. More time exploring their motivations could’ve added richness to the chaos.
The Characters
Asif Ali shines as the older brother Mir, playing him with a mix of deadpan sarcasm and genuine emotional depth. Saagar Shaikh, as Ramy, brings a nervy energy and charm that balances his brother’s grounded nature. The chemistry between them feels authentic, like actual siblings trying to figure out the world while being dragged into situations they never signed up for.
Poorna Jagannathan delivers a standout performance as a mysterious family friend with hidden ties to the criminal underworld. Alfie Fuller as Detective Marley brings some procedural tension into the mix and adds to the show’s genre-hopping bravado.
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The Conclusion
Deli Boys is a bold, genre-blending ride that offers something rare: a Desi-American perspective that feels cool, unapologetic, and thrilling. It’s not just another “immigrant struggle” story -it’s a smart, unpredictable, and sometimes hilarious commentary on legacy, loyalty, and what happens when culture collides with crime. It is definitely worth watching.
IMDb rating – 7.2/10
Written by Nilesh Shiv