Abdullah Saeed’s ‘Deli Boys’ is a darkly comedic take on the American dream
Creator Abdullah Saeed and stars Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh on owning their creative voices as Muslim Americans and how the show breaks stereotypes
From left, Saagar Shaikh, Asif Ali, Poorna Jagannathan and Brian George in "Deli Boys."
Courtesy of Hulu
Words by Rasha Goel
In the upcoming series, Deli Boys, we follow two Pakistani American brothers Mir and Raj, played by Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh, respectively, as they uncover the shocking truth that their late father’s thriving business empire is actually a front for a criminal enterprise.
For creator Abdullah Saeed, the show has been a passion project five years in the making, and marks his first foray into scripted television. The 10-episode series delivers unexpected twists in each installment, weaving a darkly comedic narrative that feels both outrageous and oddly relatable.
Drawing from his personal experiences, Saeed highlights the absurdities of life while crafting a story that breaks away from traditional portrayals of Pakistani Americans. Rather than leaning into familiar stereotypes, Deli Boys introduces a broad and diverse range of characters, offering a fresh perspective on identity, family, and ambition.
The series—which premieres on Hulu on Thursday—also features an impressive supporting cast, including Poorna Jagannathan (Never Have I Ever), Iqbal Theba (Advanced Chemistry), Brian George (Wayfinder), and Alfie Fuller (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). And in an exciting twist, Queer Eye’s fashion expert Tan France makes his dramatic acting debut.
JoySauce recently spoke with creator Saeed, Ali, and Shaikh about owning their creative voice as Muslim Americans, changing the narrative with female characters, and how the show is a dream come true. Saeed also shared an exclusive heartfelt moment on the driving force of completing this script. Check out the interviews below.
Published on March 5, 2025
Words by Rasha Goel
Rasha Goel is a journalist and three-time Emmy-nominated host/producer. Her beats include entertainment and human interest. Rasha is curious about life and finds her greatest joy in telling stories of marginalized communities. She is also a Reiki practitioner and enjoys sharing her healing gifts with people. Follow her on Instagram at @rashagoel.