Never Have I Ever -

Premise:
“Never Have I Ever” is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that follows the life of Devi Vishwakumar, a high school sophomore navigating the typical challenges of adolescence, alongside the specific complexities of her Indian-American identity. Devi grapples with school, romance, friendships, and a strained relationship with her mother, all while mourning her father’s recent death. The series is both a humorous and poignant look at the teenage experience, made unique by its diverse lens.

Main Central Characters:

Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan): The intelligent but socially awkward protagonist, whose impulsive nature often lands her in complicated situations.
Nalini Vishwakumar (Poorna Jagannathan): Devi’s overprotective and traditional mother.
Kamala (Richa Moorjani): Devi’s cousin, a PhD student who’s trying to balance modern American life with her traditional Indian upbringing.
Paxton Hall-Yoshida (Darren Barnet): The popular jock who Devi has a crush on.
Ben Gross (Jaren Lewison): Devi’s academic rival who eventually becomes a more complex figure in her life.

Themes:
The series delves into themes of identity, family, and the search for belonging. It explores how a teenager comes to terms with her dual cultural identity and navigates the challenges of adolescence. The portrayal of friendship, academic pressures, familial expectations, grief, and self-discovery all offer a multifaceted look at the teen years.

Critical Consensus and Rating: 4.5/5
“Never Have I Ever” has received widespread acclaim for its authentic representation of the Indian-American experience, sharp wit, and strong performances, particularly that of newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. Some criticisms focus on the occasionally cliché elements of the high school experience, but these do not significantly detract from the series’ overall quality.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:
The series is rated TV-14 for its language, sexual references, and thematic elements.

Broadcast Information:
“Never Have I Ever” is a Netflix original, premiering in 2020.

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