Kaling is no stranger to the world of comedy, with writing and acting credits on The Office as unlucky-in-love Kelly Kapoor, considered to be her big break, and her solo endeavour The Mindy Project. With Never Have I Ever she will be collaborating with Lang Fisher, whose producer credits also include The Mindy Project and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Never Have I Ever will focus on Indian American teenager Devi, portrayed by newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, as she navigates high school in the wake of her father’s sudden death. An all-round nerdy over-achiever, Devi has a short fuse which lands her in uncomfortable situations. In the trailer, we see Devi as she prays to the Hindu gods to go to a party with hard drugs and alcohol (which she won’t take but like having the option to refuse), for her arm hair to thin out and to get a boyfriend, and not a nerdy boyfriend but a dumb jock.
Kaling didn’t want to base the series entirely on her own life, specifically the generational differences had the series been set in the 80s
Speaking to Variety, Kaling spoke about how she didn’t want to base the series entirely on her own life, specifically the generational differences had the series been set in the 80s: "I wasn't as interested in telling a period piece about an Indian girl growing up in the '80s, but I told them I'd love to do a show about a 15-year-old Indian girl now."
Kaling found the majority of the cast via social media, calling for young South Asian American actors to submit their interest in auditioning. The series is also narrated by tennis legend John McEnroe, who Kaling personally called to ask if he’d like to narrate the series.
With Kaling and Fisher’s successful record, Never Have I Ever is likely to be a hit for the streaming platform as audiences will be able to enjoy Kaling’s awkward and relatable humour.
