Never Have I Ever Showcases Why Representation Matters

August 29, 2022 Natalie Gelman Review, Netflix, tv show

Boyfriends and broken hearts.

Those are the two words that capture the essence of Netflix’s comedy show Never Have I Ever.

Created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, the show follows 17-year-old Devi Vishwakumar, a confident first-generation Indian American teen, who is trying to find herself.

Throughout the show, Devi struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and sleep paralysis after witnessing her dad die in front of her from cardiac arrest. Her trauma, which she carries as she navigates through high school, is relieved by her therapist, friends and family.

Her journey teaches viewers a valuable lesson: It’s okay to seek help and have bad days.

But more importantly, the show sheds light on how first-generation teenage Americans navigate mental health issues.

When people don’t see themselves in mainstream media, they can feel isolated and lonely. Never Have I Ever lets underrepresented teens know they aren’t alone.

Devi’s discussions about her mental health issues during the show highlight the reality that our conversations about mental health aren’t inclusive enough. We must do better for future generations to come.

The show has also served as an empowerment tool for minority representation.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan—the Canadian actress that plays Devi—said in an interview on YouTube with On Demand Entertainment that it hit close to home to see a South Asian lead be desired for the first time in an industry that is heavily Eurocentric.

The show also does a good job of referencing popular culture topics that are relatable to anyone regardless of age. That relatability factor is notable for promoting greater inclusivity.

The third season of Never Have I Ever premiered on Netflix on Aug. 12. A fourth season is scheduled for release in 2023.

As we watch Devi figure out her life, we reminisce about the times we’ve been through something similar and we learn that it’s okay to make mistakes and struggle to find our purpose in life.