There’s a new show coming to Hulu that is a rare occurrence – Ramy. It’s a superb comedy created by comedian Ramy Youssef. The show centers on Ramy, a first generation Muslim American hailing from Egypt. Yes, he’s an Arab and no, he’s nothing like the stereotypes we’ve seen on TV previously
In the first few episodes, we see Ramy explore life. He’s a millennial living in New Jersey. He’s also a dedicated Muslim who frequents his local Mosque for prayers. He’s just a young guy trying to see where his religion and purpose fit in his life. Ramy’s struggles see him straddling conflicting ideals and that makes for the perfect recipe for this not-to-be-missed comedy.
He’s also in the dating pool and spends time with his close friends Ahmed (Dave Merheje), Mo (Mohammed Amer) and Steve (Played by Ramy’s real-life best friend Steve Way) Conversations with these guys center on when to send dick pics or not and partying. One situation sees Ramy being offered drugs to make the experience even more trippy, but he refuses, he also doesn’t drink, but he still knows how to have a good time. The jokes flying back and forth between them are funny. They’re bros, all navigating through life as Ramy wants his religion and culture to be a fundamental part of his life as he balances every other struggle.
What makes Ramy such a fine watch is he takes us inside the world of Islam, the washing ritual before prayers, the abstaining from alcohol, the importance of family, the ultra-racist family member. Ramy and his sister Dena (May Calamawy) still live at home. Hiam Abbass plays his mom who attempts to set her single son up with a Muslim girl and dinnertime conversations show the different cultural perspectives between the generations. And so you see it’s not such a foreign world. Dating apps, job loss, are all universal themes and relatable themes that transcend barriers. It’s a show about representation and it’s important as Ramy reflects on American identity. It’s a show that leads a much needed and frank conversation between two cultures without preaching at the audience.
As the series goes on, there are episodes that go beyond Ramy’s own reflections, but follow his mother and his sister. In the episode examining his mother’s journey, she becomes a rideshare driver and learns about self-discovery. In another episode, Ramy gets high on edibles and talks frankly about mortality with Steve’s mother. It’s a powerful scene showing where he puts his foot in his mouth without much aforethought.
Hulu releases the entire series on April 19 and it’s an exciting show following Ramy and how he handles the world, telling his story and shining a light on diversity offering a spotlight on a family we rarely see on TV.
