You need to watch Ramy. Now.

Here are our initial thoughts on the 10-episode comedy series about a millennial Egyptian American Muslim that's long overdue.

Ramy is available now on Hulu: http://hulu.com/start

by Maán Jalal

Entertainment 24 April 2019

Did you read the title of this article? OK. Consider it an order.

But first read this article (and share it please) then get on Hulu and start watching.

Here’s why you should do that.

We are so down to see more Arabs and people of colour represented in the media – especially in cool, fun, poignant and non-caricaturised ways.

Ramy is a 10-episode half-hour comedy series written, executive produced, created by Ramy Youssef, Ari Katcher, and Ryan Welch, and starring Ramy himself. It was released on April 19 and is already creating a buzz online and getting incredibly positive reviews from viewers and critics alike.

No wonder Ramy tweeted this:

What’s the show about?

All the good stuff. Religion, culture, confused issues, soul searching, self-deprecation and humour.

Ramy Hassan is a first generation Egyptian-American living in New York. He’s on a spiritual journey (aren’t we all?) in the politically-divided neighbourhood of New Jersey. He’s trying to figure out who he is as a Muslim, Arab, American, son, brother, friend and a man.

We see him struggle in the intercession of these identities via awkward situations from family dynamics and social interactions within the Muslim community.

Believe me when I saw that show is relatable in so many ways but is also such a fresh perspective to see on screen.

The witty dialogue and dry-ish sense of humour (sometimes a little dark in the best way possible) has an undercurrent of raw, authentic and relevant issues that are relatable whether you’re an Arab / Muslim or simple someone trying to figure out where your fit in.

Ramy definitely explores what it means to be a millennial from a never before seen point of view and one that is way overdue.

Best part is that it feels like a real portrayal of a Muslim, Arab American and not a cliched distortion of what someone thinks a Muslim Arab who grew up in the West should be.

Check out the trailer below:

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the series already holds an approval rating of 100% based on 24 reviews, with an average rating of 8.47/10.

Although there is a lot of positive comments and reviews about Ramy, there are some viewers who found that the show is still pushing muslim stereotypes and narrow representations muslim identity.

I guess you can’t please everyone and although some of the critics might hold water, a show like Ramy is incredibly important not only for diverse vices existing in the media but because it’s good and generating discussion as opposed to making one statement.

But let’s not just read the stats or listen to what I think. What are other people are saying?

Have you seen Ramy on Hulu yet? If you have, let us know what you think!

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