‘Deli Boys’: A Philly-Inspired Crime Comedy You Need to Watch
A new crime comedy, Deli Boys, on Hulu/Disney+ follows two Pakistani-American brothers who suddenly inherit their father’s questionable business empire.
Playing out on Philadelphia streets, Deli Boys digs into the city’s diverse culture.
Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh star as brothers, Mir and Raj Dar, pulled into a dark underworld. Illinois tax incentives brought the show to film in Chicago nd not Philly.
“The tax break was a significant factor,” said executive producer Jenni Konner to Block Club Chicago.
Like Breaking Bad and Good Girls, this show blends crime drama with family dynamics.
Former Temple student Abdullah Saeed came up with the idea from his time covering drug operations as a reporter for Philadelphia Weekly. His real-world experience helped make each episode feel authentic and raw.
Leading the show is Michelle Nader, who grew up in South Philly and is a University of Pennsylvania graduate. She adds genuine local touches to the writing, ensuring every character and location feels true to the city’s character.
The incredible Poorna Jagannathan brings aunt Lucky to life, while Queer Eye star Tan France shows up as a hardcore South London gang boss.
Between ducking the police and dealing with rival gangs, the brothers try to keep their secret life under wraps. Their clever aunt becomes their guide in this dangerous new world.
Every episode is packed with Philly-centric shoutouts to SEPTA, Pat’s, Bradley Cooper, and Tastykake. There’s even an entire episode set at a Super Bowl party with the Eagles playing!
One of my favorite scenes is the opening of episode 4, when a mobster named Chickie Lozano is explaining to another associate the relationship between Philly and its famous sandwich. “The cheeseteak is Philly. The ingredients may seem run of the mill- you’re steak, your cheese, your onions, mushrooms if you are a $%#@&, but it’s the way you bring it all together that matters. Something greater than the sum of its parts. The thing of it is if you try to change one thing in that formula, you ruin the whole thing.”
All ten 30-minute episodes are available to binge on Hulu and Disney+ now. No word on if the series will be picked up for a second season at the time of publication.
Sources: apnews.com; phillyvoice.com
