I'm a brown girl in my late 20s yet this show somehow feels relevant to me. I know exactly her feelings, been there,done that all of it, and I think that what's makes it special. Also, it tackles major issues including suffering the lose of a loving parent as a teen.
Great job!
701 Reviews
Netflix, make more of these
santoshambekar1930 April 2020
Never have I ever is a Netflix original series on teenagers! I had been a little prejudiced to expect this as a typical stereotype of an Indian culture, however this seemed to be so good and realistic, if you leave still some stereotype stuff!
Typically American series or movies show a lot of stereotype stuff on Indians which either isn't true or a thing of the past and often turns out to be artificial!
But not Devi and her family in this one!
Watch it, you will love it!
Binged it and loved it!
poppyemercer28 April 2020
Unexpectedly, I really loved this show! I didn't start it with high hopes, thinking it would just be another classic American cringey high school show with perfect blondes and hunky guys. But I was very pleasantly surprised!
The show follows Devi, an Indian-American girl, which is an angle that I haven't seen on TV before. It was actually informative to me as I'd never really explored the culture before and I really connected with her whole family. I cringed with Devi, laughed with her and even cried with her.
Normally, I don't write reviews for shows but I wanted to give this one a little reward for entertaining me and showing a refreshingly new angle. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and hope it will come back for more seasons!
The show follows Devi, an Indian-American girl, which is an angle that I haven't seen on TV before. It was actually informative to me as I'd never really explored the culture before and I really connected with her whole family. I cringed with Devi, laughed with her and even cried with her.
Normally, I don't write reviews for shows but I wanted to give this one a little reward for entertaining me and showing a refreshingly new angle. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and hope it will come back for more seasons!
Netflix give me more episodes period.
asuptirelu30 April 2020
IT WAS EQUAL PART FUNNY AND EMOTIONAL
anipolet28 April 2020
Mindy Kaling is a genius
jnlurie12 August 2022
Never have I ever ... enjoyed a teen comedy as much as I do this show. Seriously. I'm a 48 year old man who started watching with my family thinking, "I love Mindy Kaling, but there's no way she's winning me over here." I was wrong. So, so wrong.
I think what did it was the John McEnroe 'inner voice' of Devi (the main character). The reasoning not only made her accessible to everyone, but the constant McEnroe delivery raises the humor into literal laugh out loud territory. I still giggle thinking about many of the lines.
Give this show a real chance. It finds its groove a few episodes in and ... and it doesn't stop.
I think what did it was the John McEnroe 'inner voice' of Devi (the main character). The reasoning not only made her accessible to everyone, but the constant McEnroe delivery raises the humor into literal laugh out loud territory. I still giggle thinking about many of the lines.
Give this show a real chance. It finds its groove a few episodes in and ... and it doesn't stop.
Better than expected!
oreillypriya29 April 2020
It wasn't near the oustanding calibre of other shows I've watched but was still was fairly enjoyable. It had it's share of cliches and cringey moments but it managed to portray a touching story of a girl recovering from grief alongside her family. I did infact laugh a few times although some of the jokes were extremely awkward and cheesy. The characters were likeable with the exception of a couple who I found annoying and the plot was very predictable. But overall I binged the whole show and remained interested throughout every episode so I do reccomend.
Surprisingly nuanced and well written teen dramedy.
pablopsaura29 April 2020
Teen drama has never been my genre of choice, I tend quiver at the thought of soapy melodrama. But Mindy Kaling's Never Have I Ever, despite ticking many boxes of an over-exploited genre, it manages breath new life into a tired genre and subvert long-running TV tropes, wisely blending pathos with moments of lightness and witty social commentary.
Enjoyable and Engaging Series With Some Flaws
Bluechinaspecial1 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
First, I love that the young woman they chose as the lead for this series is so relatable. She's a true girl next door. Not too pretty, she looks like one of your friends.
Was every plot line completely predictable from a mile away? Yes. However, that can be comforting. And it was a nice ride.
This show seems to be designed for wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket with snacks and losing yourself in a sweet romcom. Never underestimate that in entertainment!
I could have done without the cousin plot line. Kamala, who is an Indian dream (light skinned and everything, with the requisite head bob) dumped her poor boyfriend once she saw her arranged fiancé looked like an heir from a Bollywood movie.
So. We're against arranged marriage, as a feminist getting a doctorate, unless he's super dreamy as well as super rich? Got it.
Was every plot line completely predictable from a mile away? Yes. However, that can be comforting. And it was a nice ride.
This show seems to be designed for wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket with snacks and losing yourself in a sweet romcom. Never underestimate that in entertainment!
I could have done without the cousin plot line. Kamala, who is an Indian dream (light skinned and everything, with the requisite head bob) dumped her poor boyfriend once she saw her arranged fiancé looked like an heir from a Bollywood movie.
So. We're against arranged marriage, as a feminist getting a doctorate, unless he's super dreamy as well as super rich? Got it.
its fun and sweet
gouravecs27 April 2020
Seasons 1 & 2 are STILL the best seasons. Period.
ambusched9421 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Seasons 1 and 2 are both the SUPERIOR, BEST seasons of this coming-of-age comedy drama Netflix series. Also, one of Netflix's best teen series that is for all ages and not just for Gen Z and younger.
Seasons 1 and 2 are bingeworthy, engrossing seasons, while Seasons 3 and 4 range from decent to half effort dipping up and down on filler episodes, cringy subplots shoehorned in on supporting characters like Kamala's involvement in wondering if Nirmala and her new boyfriend's relationship is a sham, focusing too much on inessential supporting characters (Margot in Season 4), and discarding focusing on continuous character development from essential supporting characters we've had since the first or second season (Paxton, Aneesa).
While I have mixed feelings about both Season 3 and Season 4 having both good and bad components, such as I love that Season 3 focuses a lot still on Paxton's individual character growth and Season 4 focuses on Devi's college expectations and doubts and her full circle growth from the grief and trauma of her father's sudden death, they just aren't GREAT seasons that continue the same excellence and gripping feeling as the first two seasons. In Season 3, I was not a fan of Paxton's character being written to leave to go to college in a different state because that literally sets up a plot device issue in the following season. Hence where we get Paxton's character growth stunted in Season 4, where he comes back temporarily to work as an assistant gym teacher because he feels lost at college and doesn't feel like it's the best fit for him. And the end of Season 3, yes while I admit Ben and Devi do have chemistry, it's not a tension-filled romantic chemistry that Devi has with Paxton. Sorry not sorry. I didn't like that the end of Season 3 leads to Devi losing her virginity to Ben. These two characters are TOO MUCH ALIKE that I very much prefer them as friends, besties even, but not as a romantic pairing. I'm all for a enemies to lover trope (i.e. Delena from The Vampire Diaries)... just NOT HERE. It feels forced, dull, and cliché especially the end of Season 4, IYKYK.
I feel like the writers (Mindy Kaling especially) didn't have the balls to have Devi get together with Paxton again because they thought that would be a superficial couple (really not); both characters are good for each other and helped each other become better people and grow individually, also I love opposites attract couples and Devi and Paxton easily fit this bill. Or this second option could've instead been part of the series finale: Devi ends up single, focusing on herself and not relying on a relationship to fulfill a void, happiness, etc., which I'm not saying is the case with Devi in any relationship but you get what I mean. This issue and fear of being alone, societal pressure to get into a relationship is a huge factor for a lot of people still when choosing to pursue or get in a relationship in reality and perhaps with some of the characters in this show even if it's not blatantly stated.
I agree with another Reddit user that the writers literally checked all the boxes on rom-com clichés: having most of the characters end up in a couple. It's like the writers think it's not a happy ending for a character unless they end up in a romantic relationship. Eyeroll-inducing bulls**t and how original. Not. Just like writing Paxton to start dating that young teacher whose name I forgot because she's that forgettable lol. Like where's the chemistry? So cringe and forced. Yeah, obviously I'm disappointed that Paxton and Devi didn't end up together but don't shoehorn in a new forced relationship for Paxton. Since he didn't end up with Devi at the end of the series, just leave him single. Also, I can't be the only one but the last Devi/Paxton scene had major romantic tension vibes, it felt like Paxton still had lingering feelings for her (I mean come on they made out in a closet which wasn't just closure IMO). And we can always leave Devi's future romances up for interpretation... who knows if she and Paxton will reconnect down the line and rekindle their romance. Who knows? Ben may be a good relationship for her when she's starting college, but in a couple years it may change.
I recommend Seasons 1 and 2 if you're looking for an entertaining, feel-good comedy drama. Seasons 3 and 4 are optional viewing.
Seasons 1 and 2 are bingeworthy, engrossing seasons, while Seasons 3 and 4 range from decent to half effort dipping up and down on filler episodes, cringy subplots shoehorned in on supporting characters like Kamala's involvement in wondering if Nirmala and her new boyfriend's relationship is a sham, focusing too much on inessential supporting characters (Margot in Season 4), and discarding focusing on continuous character development from essential supporting characters we've had since the first or second season (Paxton, Aneesa).
While I have mixed feelings about both Season 3 and Season 4 having both good and bad components, such as I love that Season 3 focuses a lot still on Paxton's individual character growth and Season 4 focuses on Devi's college expectations and doubts and her full circle growth from the grief and trauma of her father's sudden death, they just aren't GREAT seasons that continue the same excellence and gripping feeling as the first two seasons. In Season 3, I was not a fan of Paxton's character being written to leave to go to college in a different state because that literally sets up a plot device issue in the following season. Hence where we get Paxton's character growth stunted in Season 4, where he comes back temporarily to work as an assistant gym teacher because he feels lost at college and doesn't feel like it's the best fit for him. And the end of Season 3, yes while I admit Ben and Devi do have chemistry, it's not a tension-filled romantic chemistry that Devi has with Paxton. Sorry not sorry. I didn't like that the end of Season 3 leads to Devi losing her virginity to Ben. These two characters are TOO MUCH ALIKE that I very much prefer them as friends, besties even, but not as a romantic pairing. I'm all for a enemies to lover trope (i.e. Delena from The Vampire Diaries)... just NOT HERE. It feels forced, dull, and cliché especially the end of Season 4, IYKYK.
I feel like the writers (Mindy Kaling especially) didn't have the balls to have Devi get together with Paxton again because they thought that would be a superficial couple (really not); both characters are good for each other and helped each other become better people and grow individually, also I love opposites attract couples and Devi and Paxton easily fit this bill. Or this second option could've instead been part of the series finale: Devi ends up single, focusing on herself and not relying on a relationship to fulfill a void, happiness, etc., which I'm not saying is the case with Devi in any relationship but you get what I mean. This issue and fear of being alone, societal pressure to get into a relationship is a huge factor for a lot of people still when choosing to pursue or get in a relationship in reality and perhaps with some of the characters in this show even if it's not blatantly stated.
I agree with another Reddit user that the writers literally checked all the boxes on rom-com clichés: having most of the characters end up in a couple. It's like the writers think it's not a happy ending for a character unless they end up in a romantic relationship. Eyeroll-inducing bulls**t and how original. Not. Just like writing Paxton to start dating that young teacher whose name I forgot because she's that forgettable lol. Like where's the chemistry? So cringe and forced. Yeah, obviously I'm disappointed that Paxton and Devi didn't end up together but don't shoehorn in a new forced relationship for Paxton. Since he didn't end up with Devi at the end of the series, just leave him single. Also, I can't be the only one but the last Devi/Paxton scene had major romantic tension vibes, it felt like Paxton still had lingering feelings for her (I mean come on they made out in a closet which wasn't just closure IMO). And we can always leave Devi's future romances up for interpretation... who knows if she and Paxton will reconnect down the line and rekindle their romance. Who knows? Ben may be a good relationship for her when she's starting college, but in a couple years it may change.
I recommend Seasons 1 and 2 if you're looking for an entertaining, feel-good comedy drama. Seasons 3 and 4 are optional viewing.
Devi, Get Help!
vailbass19 July 2021
This is a show about a teenager with a terrible personality disorder. It may have been triggered by the sudden death of her father.
Devi has a habit of treating other people like objects or tools that she manipulates to feel good about herself. She's not exactly a sociopath- she does inevitably feel guilty and confess, but she almost immediately does it again.
She also has major anger issues.
If there is another season it should consist of her being on a psych ward and receiving intensive therapy to help her live in society without hurting people.
Devi has a habit of treating other people like objects or tools that she manipulates to feel good about herself. She's not exactly a sociopath- she does inevitably feel guilty and confess, but she almost immediately does it again.
She also has major anger issues.
If there is another season it should consist of her being on a psych ward and receiving intensive therapy to help her live in society without hurting people.
I binged it
igeurinckx27 April 2020
So ridiculously good!
jessiebellavia29 April 2020
I shocked that this doesn't have a higher rating here. This is some of the best TV I've seen in a while. Great storylines, casting, humor and heart. By the end, I was weeping. I hope everyone does themselves a favor and goes and watches this asap. Thank you, Mindy Kaling, you wonderful delightful absurdly talented weirdo!
I thought S3 was going to suck just because a lot of shows do
hadzsocial15 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I have loved this show since the first minutes of season 1 and always live in fear of its cancellation along with so many other great shows that have been axed lately. I guess I have cancellation trauma. Kidding aside, a lot of shows also tend to lose steam after a few seasons and I'm so glad S3 was fantastic, it's probably my favorite season yet.
I'm not sure I like the enemies to lovers situation between Devi and Ben but I guess if you're "too much" then you deserve someone who also is "too much". That algorithm created by a Nobel Laureate from MIT probably is genius.
Also, really love the character development here. They spent less time on non-essential characters and gave more time to flesh out Darren Barnet's character, his bromance with Trent, all the love interests of Fab and Trenor (Trent + Eleanor, sorry made that up). Devi has also truly grown, she no longer has tantrums! I'm just sorry Paxton had to be the catalyst for her evolution and receiving end of her trauma. Those eyes are to DIE for.
I don't know who to ship. I think I lean more towards Team Paxton but since he's headed to ASU, I guess that's the end for his character unless he flunks out of college or something, which wouldn't be great. If he doesn't show up in S4 (should there be one), I'm not sure the show's going to be the same without Darren Barnet!
I'm not sure I like the enemies to lovers situation between Devi and Ben but I guess if you're "too much" then you deserve someone who also is "too much". That algorithm created by a Nobel Laureate from MIT probably is genius.
Also, really love the character development here. They spent less time on non-essential characters and gave more time to flesh out Darren Barnet's character, his bromance with Trent, all the love interests of Fab and Trenor (Trent + Eleanor, sorry made that up). Devi has also truly grown, she no longer has tantrums! I'm just sorry Paxton had to be the catalyst for her evolution and receiving end of her trauma. Those eyes are to DIE for.
I don't know who to ship. I think I lean more towards Team Paxton but since he's headed to ASU, I guess that's the end for his character unless he flunks out of college or something, which wouldn't be great. If he doesn't show up in S4 (should there be one), I'm not sure the show's going to be the same without Darren Barnet!
Adorable and fun.
ms_crazy_dude27 April 2020
This is my first review.
I binge-watched the entire series in one go. I can't wait for the next season. The characters are so sweet and relatable. If you like teen comedies/dramas, I highly recomend it. I think it's realy good to have an Indian lead for once. I don't wanna spoil anything, just go and watch!
I binge-watched the entire series in one go. I can't wait for the next season. The characters are so sweet and relatable. If you like teen comedies/dramas, I highly recomend it. I think it's realy good to have an Indian lead for once. I don't wanna spoil anything, just go and watch!
its alright
Lemongrrass26 April 2021
Thank god for Netflix, this needs to be binged.
sarahelainetrotter28 April 2020
I could not stop watching.
This series is so funny, has so much heart, and builds to a beautiful finish. Devi is a sympathetic main character who is believably oblivious to her own deeper emotions and trauma as she navigates high school and grief. Her support system is made of fully realized characters with lives and issues of their own. The romantic subplots (my favorite kind) go from superficial to grounded, much like teen romance goes.
I was tearing up by the last few episodes. This series made me laugh, made me cry, made me think. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to see more. That said, this is a full story and if no more were made I'm happy with where Devi and her crew ended up.
A good start over
Manofmarvel27 April 2020
WT...F
beniaminboruta21 July 2021
Ive never cringed so hard in my life
karthikeyan-3727129 May 2020
Honestly, this was one of the the worst shows I have ever watched! The main character, Devi, is so straight forward and I found her behaviour annoyingly selfish. She doesn't respect her parents (there was one scene where she called her mother a bitch) and she doesn't respect her culture. She is so obsessed with finding a 'boyfriend' and it just makes me sick to my stomach.
Great storyline and humor.
gzm_8818 June 2023
Just finished watching the last seaon of "Never Have I Ever" on Netflix.
Honestly, I have started it because I wanted to watch something fun, I did not have high hopes, but, this show turned out so much more than that and I am glad that it did, it was a delightful experience. I really connected with Devi and her whole family. It was sweet and funny! I'll miss them. The best teen show I've seen in a while.
It was a lovely journey, gave me good times, and I am very glad that I watched it. The series has a great storyline and humor. Also, the detail of John McEnroe, the 'inner voice' of Devi, was so good.
Honestly, I have started it because I wanted to watch something fun, I did not have high hopes, but, this show turned out so much more than that and I am glad that it did, it was a delightful experience. I really connected with Devi and her whole family. It was sweet and funny! I'll miss them. The best teen show I've seen in a while.
It was a lovely journey, gave me good times, and I am very glad that I watched it. The series has a great storyline and humor. Also, the detail of John McEnroe, the 'inner voice' of Devi, was so good.
Finished in one go
raza_2627 April 2020
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