Hello, everyone! How are you all doing? I’m here today to share my thoughts on the series Deli Boys, a comedy-crime show that humorously yet touchingly explores the lives of two Pakistani-American siblings who uncover that their dear father’s chain of convenience stores was merely a cover for something much more sinister.
This 10-episode show debuted on Hulu on March 6, 2025, and has already received positive acclaim from critics. Created by Abdullah Saeed, this Onyx Collective series has half-hour episodes that expertly blend familial dysfunction with criminal antics. A delectable crime escapade where humor takes the lead, Deli Boys delights with the amusing dynamic between Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh, alongside a scene-stealing performance by Poorna Jagannathan, making it one of Hulu’s most enjoyable new releases.
The series delves into themes of identity, familial pressures, and the American Dream gone awry, all while providing laugh-out-loud moments that never lessen the emotional impact of two sons dealing with their father’s hidden past. It’s a blend of Breaking Bad and Arrested Development with a unique Pakistani-American twist that feels both universally relatable and charmingly distinct.
From Entitled Heirs to Unwilling Crooks
After their convenience store tycoon father passes away, two spoiled Pakistani-American brothers lose everything and must confront their father’s secret criminal life as they attempt to take on his role in the underworld. What begins as a typical inheritance tale quickly veers into absurd criminal territory when Mir and Raj uncover their father’s network of convenience stores was actually a sophisticated drug operation.
Following their wealthy father’s unexpected death, the diligent Mir (Asif Ali) and the carefree Raj (Saagar Shaikh) find themselves thrust into Dark DarCo, their father’s drug empire they were completely unaware of. The siblings couldn’t be more different in their reactions to this startling discovery. Mir, the responsible one, aims to legitimize the business, while Raj sees a chance for easy money and thrills.
The brilliance of the show lies in its subversion of typical crime drama clichés. Instead of seasoned criminals, we see two wholly unprepared sons learning the ropes while grappling with grief, familial expectations, and their own personal flaws. Each episode raises the stakes as they delve deeper into their father’s world while trying to keep up the facade of running simple convenience stores.
Mir: The Unwilling Leader with Morals
Asif Ali shines as Mir, the elder brother who finds himself suddenly responsible for both his family’s legacy and their survival. Mir embodies the child of first-generation immigrants who has strived to do everything right, only to discover his foundation was built on deceit.
Ali adds depth to a role that could have been a thankless straight-man character. Mir’s inner struggle between wanting to honor his father’s memory and being appalled by his methods creates genuine tension. He’s always trying to apply legitimate business strategies to an illegal enterprise, leading to both humorous and poignant moments.
The character’s growth throughout the season is impressive. Mir begins as someone who believes he can manage and clean up the situation, but gradually realizes that some stains are indelible. Ali’s portrayal captures both the comedy of his character’s naivety and the tragedy of his lost innocence.
Raj: The Party Guy Finding Meaning
Saagar Shaikh exudes vivacity as Raj, the younger brother who has coasted on charm and family wealth. Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh, portraying brothers in Hulu’s Onyx Collective comedy “Deli Boys,” often audition for the same roles, but their on-screen chemistry shows they were perfectly cast as siblings.
Raj’s transformation from a carefree partygoer to someone who genuinely cares about the family business offers some of the series’ most rewarding character arcs. Shaikh uncovers the humanity in Raj’s seemingly self-centered exterior, presenting a young man who has never been asked to step up but rises to the occasion when given the chance.
The interplay between the brothers forms the backbone of the entire series. Their quarreling feels authentic, their affection for each other sincere, and their utter incompetence at managing a criminal enterprise wildly amusing. Shaikh and Ali have crafted one of television’s most engaging sibling relationships.
The Criminal Network
Poorna Jagannathan as “Lucky,” Alfie Fuller as “Prairie,” and Brian George as “Ahmad” complete a supporting cast that adds richness and vibrancy to the brothers’ new environment. Jagannathan particularly stands out as Lucky, a character who becomes both mentor and potential adversary to the naive siblings.
Brian George, known for numerous comedic roles, lends gravitas to Ahmad while maintaining the show’s humorous tone. The supporting characters never feel like mere plot devices; each has their own motivations and connection to the brothers’ father that add intricacy to the central mystery.
The series excels at expanding the ecosystem surrounding the convenience store operation, showing how many individuals relied on their father’s business and now find themselves dependent on his inexperienced sons.
Success on Hulu
Deli Boys premiered at Sundance 2025 in January before finding its streaming home, and the festival exposure clearly paid off. The series has been lauded for its genuine depiction of Pakistani-American family dynamics while delivering the kind of crime comedy Hulu audiences have come to anticipate from their original content.
The show benefits from Hulu’s dedication to diverse storytelling through their Onyx Collective initiative, giving creator Abdullah Saeed the platform to narrate a story that feels both culturally specific and universally relatable. Two young Pakistani-American men embark on a riotous journey from spoiled brats to criminal figures perfectly captures the show’s blend of coming-of-age narrative and crime caper.
Critics have particularly praised the series’ knack for finding humor in dark situations without trivializing the genuine repercussions of criminal behavior. It’s a delicate balance that the show maintains throughout its 10-episode run.
If you’re drawn to stories about family secrets, cultural identity, and siblings learning to work together despite their differences, Deli Boys is the perfect series to binge on Hulu. It’s a show that proves the best crime comedies are ultimately about family, even when that family legacy involves a body count.
A brilliantly crafted series that uses convenience store crime as a backdrop for a deeper story about family, identity, and the complex legacy parents leave their children.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 10
Platform: Hulu (US) / Disney+ (International)
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Genre: Crime Comedy
Protagonists: Asif Ali (Mir), Saagar Shaikh (Raj)
Antagonist: The criminal underworld and family legacy (systemic/internal conflicts)