Hello, folks! Hope you’re all well. Today, I’m here to talk about the show Deli Boys, a comedic yet touching crime series featuring two Pakistani-American siblings who uncover that their cherished father’s convenience store empire was merely a facade for something much more sinister.
This 10-episode series debuted on Hulu on March 6, 2025, and has already received positive feedback from critics. Created by Abdullah Saeed, this Onyx Collective show offers episodes lasting about 30 minutes each and skillfully blends family dysfunction with criminal mayhem. A delicious crime story where humor takes center stage, Deli Boys is hilarious thanks to Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh’s goofy chemistry and Poorna Jagannathan’s scene-stealing performance, making it one of Hulu’s most enjoyable new additions.
The series explores themes of identity, family pressures, and the American Dream gone awry, all while providing laugh-out-loud moments that never undermine the emotional journey 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 universal and refreshingly specific.
From Privileged Kids to Hesitant Criminals
Following the death of their convenience store tycoon father, two spoiled Pakistani-American brothers lose everything and are forced to confront their Baba’s secret criminal life as they attempt to continue his underworld legacy. What begins as a typical inheritance story rapidly escalates into bizarre criminal territory when Mir and Raj discover their father’s chain of convenience stores was actually a sophisticated drug operation.
After their multimillionaire father’s unexpected passing, diligent Mir (Asif Ali) and fun-loving Raj (Saagar Shaikh) are plunged into Dark DarCo, their father’s drug empire they were oblivious to. The brothers couldn’t be more different in their responses to this startling revelation. Mir, the responsible one, seeks to legitimize the business, while Raj views it as a chance for easy money and excitement.
The brilliance of the show lies in its subversion of typical crime drama clichés. Instead of seasoned criminals, we have two utterly unprepared sons who must learn the ropes while grappling with grief, family expectations, and personal flaws. Each episode raises the stakes as they delve deeper into their father’s world while trying to maintain the pretense of running simple convenience stores.
Mir: The Unwilling Leader with a Conscience
Asif Ali delivers an exceptional performance as Mir, the elder brother who unexpectedly assumes responsibility for both his family’s legacy and their survival. Mir embodies the first-generation immigrant’s child who has strived to do everything right, only to find his foundation was built on deceit.
Ali adds depth to what could have been a thankless straight-man role. Mir’s inner struggle between wanting to honor his father’s memory and being appalled by his methods creates genuine dramatic tension. He’s constantly trying to apply legitimate business practices to an illegitimate enterprise, leading to both comedic and poignant moments.
The character’s growth throughout the season is noteworthy. Mir starts as someone who believes he can control and clean up the situation, but gradually realizes that some stains can’t be erased. Ali’s portrayal captures both the comedy of his character’s naivety and the tragedy of his lost innocence.
Raj: The Party Boy Finding His Path
Saagar Shaikh injects infectious energy into Raj, the younger brother who has coasted through life on charm and his family’s wealth. Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh, who portray brothers in Hulu’s Onyx Collective comedy series “Deli Boys,” are always auditioning for similar roles, but their on-screen chemistry proves they were perfectly cast as siblings.
Raj’s transition from a carefree party boy to someone who genuinely cares about the family business provides some of the series’ most gratifying character development. Shaikh uncovers the humanity in Raj’s seemingly selfish exterior, revealing a young man who has never been asked to step up but rises to the occasion when given the chance.
The relationship between the brothers anchors the entire series. Their squabbling feels genuine, their affection for each other authentic, and their complete ineptitude at managing a criminal enterprise absolutely hilarious. Shaikh and Ali have created one of television’s most entertaining sibling dynamics.
The Criminal Network
Poorna Jagannathan as “Lucky,” Alfie Fuller as “Prairie,” and Brian George as “Ahmad” complete a supporting cast that adds depth and color to the brothers’ new world. Jagannathan particularly shines as Lucky, a character who becomes both mentor and potential threat to the inexperienced siblings.
Brian George, known to audiences from numerous comedic roles, brings gravitas to Ahmad while maintaining the show’s comedic tone. The supporting characters never feel like simple plot devices; each has their own motivations and connection to the brothers’ father that add layers to the central mystery.
The series excels at expanding the ecosystem surrounding the convenience store operation, illustrating how many people relied on their father’s business and now find themselves at the mercy of his inexperienced sons.
Success on Hulu
Deli Boys premiered at Sundance 2025 in January before finding its streaming home, and the exposure from the festival clearly paid off. The series has been lauded for its genuine portrayal of Pakistani-American family dynamics while delivering the type of crime comedy that Hulu audiences expect from their original programming.
The show benefits from Hulu’s dedication to diverse storytelling through their Onyx Collective initiative, giving creator Abdullah Saeed the platform to tell a story that feels both culturally specific and universally relatable. Two young Pakistani-American men embark on a wild journey from spoiled brats to criminal figures, perfectly capturing the show’s mix of coming-of-age story and crime caper.
Critics have particularly praised the series’ ability to find humor in dark situations without ever trivializing the real consequences of criminal activity. 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 brothers learning to cooperate 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 comes with a body count.
A brilliantly crafted series that uses convenience store crime as a backdrop for a deeper story about family, identity, and the complicated 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)