For a long time, there weren't many shows that catered specifically to a South Asian audience, and while there's still work to be done, progress is being made and there has been a rise in representation in TV shows and films — especially over the last year.
Luckily the shows that are out there are the perfect mix of educational and entertaining, and as a result, we've created a roundup of some of these incredible shows for your viewing pleasure. Whether it's the classic American high school experience or a deep dive into post-partition India, this selection has got it all.
A Suitable Boy
Based on the book by Vikram Seth, the show follows the story of a young woman named Lata, who quite frankly just wants to live her life and survive the journey through education. Her very traditional mother, however, has other ideas and is constantly on the hunt for "a suitable boy" for Lata to marry. As a result, she meets a whole host of potential suitors, of course falls in love with all the wrong ones (we know the feeling), and alongside that, there's a bunch of family drama surrounding adultery, interfaith relationships, and female sexuality. It's a must watch.
Check out A Suitable Boy on BBC iPlayer [1] now.
Indian Matchmaking
Despite its negative connotations, Netflix's Indian Matchmaking [2] is a show that explores a tradition that is still very much up and running in India and other parts of the world. It dissects the relationship between matchmaker and family, and possibly without even trying, sheds light on the problematic nature of these old-school processes. It follows a number of singles from different parts of the world as they seek to find a long-term partner with the help of matchmaker Sima Taparia from Mumbai, and as a result, it's quite an eye-opening watch.
Check out Indian Matchmaking on Netflix [3] now.
Masaba Masaba
There are plenty of stereotypes surrounding South Asians and their traditional career paths, but what's great about this show is that it does the exact opposite. Based on a true story, it follows fashion designer Masaba Gupta and her famous actor mother, Neena Gupta, both of whom actually star in the show as themselves. Impressive, right? Exploring the rise and fall of House of Masaba, the story begins with a messy divorce and ends with a pretty substantial career highlight, teaching us plenty of lessons about love, perseverance, and self-belief along the way. Particularly for fashion-lovers, it's a refreshing new look at the life of a modern-day South Asian woman.
Check out Masaba Masaba on Netflix [4] now.
Never Have I Ever
It's official, another season of Never Have I Ever [5] is coming, but for those of you who have yet to see Mindy Kaling's masterpiece (who are you!), allow us to break it down. The show follows a girl called Devi, played by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan [6], and her life in Los Angeles as she struggles to tackle her second year of high school following her father's death. It explores the struggle faced by South Asians growing up in the western world, navigating themes of friendship, family, and culture.
Watch Never Have I Ever [7] on Netflix [8] now.