“Canadian actors reflect on their experiences as ‘Never Have I Ever’ series wraps up”

“Never Have I Ever”: A Celebration of South Asian Representation

The Legacy of the Beloved Teen Rom-Com

“Never Have I Ever,” the hit teen rom-com from Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, premiered its fourth and final season recently. As the fans bid their adieu to the beloved show, the cast looks back on its legacy, especially its contribution to the representation of South Asians in Hollywood.

Breaking Stereotypes

“Never Have I Ever” is remarkable for multiple reasons. First, it features a predominantly South Asian cast that does not need to bear the impossible task of representing all South Asians. It also defies stereotypes of South Asian characters historically shown in Hollywood. For instance, it features Devi, the protagonist, as a smart, ambitious, and sexually active teenager who struggles to balance her emotions. In addition, the show includes multiple generations of South Asian women in one household. They each have their complex character arcs and come from different backgrounds, confronting unique challenges with nuance.

Depicting Culture Through Specificity

The show is further refreshing due to its specificity, where it depicts Tamil, Hindu Indians living in Sherman Oaks, California, who practice their cultural traditions consistently. From removing shoes before entering the house to praying to the gods before important occasions, the show depicts its characters’ heritage respectfully and accurately. The show includes groundbreaking moments like the family attending a Hindu festival, Ganesh Puja, at Devi’s high school — a festival that has rarely, if ever, been shown in Hollywood.

A Universal Story

While “Never Have I Ever” is a culturally specific story about Indian Americans, it was well-received globally. It is a relatable coming-of-age story about grief, loss, mental health, and family dynamics that anyone can relate to. The show tackles these universal themes in a way that allows viewers of various backgrounds to see themselves in the characters, opening doors to stories that could further explore and dismantle ideas of representation and intersectionality.

The Legacy of “Never Have I Ever”

“Never Have I Ever” has created a path forward for South Asian creatives everywhere, showcasing the need for authentic representation, nuanced storytelling, and specificity. The show demonstrates that beyond the characters’ ethnicities, there is always a story that deserves to be heard. It is a reminder of the power of representation in the media to impact society’s perceptions, where more perspectives bring a more inclusive and diverse world.

Advice for Creatives

South Asian creatives have been inspired by “Never Have I Ever” to continue telling their stories in authentic and nuanced ways. Our advice to them is to continually push boundaries of representation, specificity, and diversity to showcase the range of South Asian experiences and generate more relatable stories.

Conclusion

“Never Have I Ever” is a celebration of South Asian representation and an invaluable addition to Hollywood’s efforts towards inclusivity in storytelling. It creates a blueprint for future creators to celebrate the diversity and richness of South Asian cultures worldwide.