You should watch Never Have I Ever if you missed the Netflix show this spring

Why you should watch Never Have I Ever if you missed the Netflix show

Netflix released Never Have I Ever on April 27, 2020. You may have missed it because, let’s face it, there was a lot going on right then.

After weeks of staying home and unashamedly binge-watching to our heart’s delight, even the most diehard couch potatoes were ready to “get back to normal” (or whatever little bit of it they could), and give their eyeballs a break.

It’s completely understandable if you missed Never Have I Ever. It’s okay. There’s no time like the present to catch up and here’s why you should, especially if you’re a tennis player, have unresolved issues from your coming of age days, or just in general like romantic comedies.

Speaking of catching up, if you do decide to watch Never Have I Ever, be forewarned that its binge-ability rating is high. Prepare to put off doing anything else you may be thinking of or needing to.

I’m going to be very frank with you. I’m a nearly 50-year-old woman married to a 52-year-old man. We’re neither teachers nor parents. We’re probably not the demographic this show would expect to appeal to, but it did.

We started watching on Saturday while we ate dinner. After dinner, we were going to go for a walk. Did we? Nope. We binge-watched four more episodes before we fell asleep, probably because we’re “old people” but also because we didn’t eat dinner until like 8 p.m.

Anyway, the next morning we were going to go for that post-dinner walk we didn’t take the night before, but it was pouring and thunder storming.

So, we decided to binge-watch the rest of Never Have I Ever, which we did.

The episodes are about 30 minutes long, which also adds to their binge-ability. It also helps that they’re just the right dose of heartwarming dramedy.

Leave it to Mindy Kaling to blend her wit with parts of her real life to create a show with incredibly relatable characters you can’t help but laugh and cry with.

Make no mistake, Never Have I Ever is funny, but it is also extremely touching. If you’ve got a sensitive heart, have that box of tissues at the ready for the last episode. You’ve been warned!

Never Have I Ever trailer

In the Netflix show, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan stars as Devi, a typical teenage girl. At least, she wants to be. She’s first-generation Indian American trying to navigate her family and culture’s expectations while trying to fit in and cope with the sudden death of her father.

Even though Devi’s ethnicity does pose additional conflicts, her struggles are universal. From trying to be a good daughter and friend to navigating the awkward waters of first romantic relationships, there’s never a shortage of dilemmas in Devi’s life.

But what makes her character even more appealing is she’s both super intelligent and a hothead. She’s a lot like a modern-day version of Anne of Green Gables.

And then there’s tennis legend John McEnroe, Master of the Meltdowns, narrating each episode. Say what? A man like that narrating a teenage girl’s coming of age story?

Both my husband and I thought it was weird at first, yet also funny, because Devi plays the harp, not tennis. Why McEnroe? However, in flashbacks, we learn of her dad’s love for the game and its players, especially McEnroe.

Although Andy Samberg also narrates one episode, for Devi’s arch-nemesis, Ben, played by Jaren Lewison. Then it’s right back to McEnroe, who also makes a special appearance at just the right moment. This is also when you sensitive types will want your tissues handy.

I’m now going to invoke my psychic powers and say, “You’re welcome.” I already know you’ll thank me for this tip about watching Never Have I Ever and adding some feel-good fun to your life.

Speaking of Andy Samberg, there’s a new movie on Hulu called Palm Springs that stars Sandberg and Cristin Milioti. It’s truly is perfect for this moment in history. It’s not a coming of age, but if you’re looking for another rom-com with heart, watch it!

Never Have I Ever is coming back for season 2 at Netflix!