“Reflections on the Bittersweet Goodbye of ‘Never Have I Ever’ by its Stars”

“Never Have I Ever” bids goodbyes after changing South Asian representation in Hollywood

Editor’s Note: This feature is part of CNN Style’s series Hyphenated, which explores the complex issue of identity among minorities in the United States.

“Never Have I Ever” was a hit teen rom-com series centered on Devi, an Indian American high school student who was grieving the sudden loss of her father and was trying to navigate the complicated relationship with her mother, all while juggling her studies, love life, and sexuality. The show’s fourth and final season premiered on Netflix last Thursday.

Representation at its finest

The show had a significant impact on South Asian representation in Hollywood. It defied the stereotypes that the industry has long perpetuated and allowed its South Asian cast to play nuanced and complex roles.

What made it stand out was that every one of its characters was multi-dimensional, and none was burdened with the impossible task of representing all South Asians. Devi, played by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, was an overachiever, smart, ambitious, and at the same time, bold and brash. Poorna Jagannathan played Nalini, an Indian immigrant dermatologist and single mother processing the death of her husband, while Richa Moorjani played Kamala, Devi’s biologist cousin who dodged an arranged marriage and faced sexism at work, just to name a few.

“When I read the script, it’s really funny and it’s such a great character,” Poorna Jagannathan said. “But they actually go in, and they have these beautiful (and complicated) moments. She has a miscarriage, which is never depicted (but is) such a common experience.”

Specificity in Culture

“Never Have I Ever” depicted the Vishwakumar family and their unique experiences as Tamil Hindu Indians living in Sherman Oaks, California, with specificity, from the way they enter the house to Devi’s way of praying before important events.

Breaking stereotypes was another essential part of the show. It tackled Nalini’s decision to continue wearing her thaali after her husband Mohan’s death, signifying that she had not completely moved on from the loss yet, a move praised by viewers for its authenticity.

Universal storylines

The show tackled universal themes, allowing viewers from various backgrounds to see themselves in the series. Fans became invested in the characters and their trajectories, and the show impacted their lives positively. Even viewers who did not identify with the characters’ cultural backgrounds saw themselves in their experiences.

“The Vishwakumars are that family for so many kids who desire a sense of belonging,” said Poorna Jagannathan during a zoom interview.

Conclusion

The show may have ended, but its legacy will live on and pave the way forward for more South Asian creatives to tell richer and more nuanced stories. With the strides that the show made in South Asian representation, it proves that audiences are ready for diverse stories that are specific and universal in equal measure.