Deli Boys, the comedy crime series created by Abdullah Saeed and filmed in Chicago, has emerged as one of Hulu’s most talked-about breakout shows, earning strong critical reviews and attracting a wave of new viewers more than a year after its debut.
The series follows brothers Mir and Raj Dar, portrayed by Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh, whose privileged lives are turned upside down after the sudden death of their father reveals that the family business is much more than a successful chain of convenience stores. Forced into a world of organized crime they never knew existed, the brothers must navigate a dangerous new reality while trying to preserve their family legacy.
Although the story is set in Philadelphia, Chicago has served as the production home for the series, employing local crews, vendors and performers throughout its run. The show’s second season recently completed production in the city, further strengthening its ties to Chicago’s production community.
Since premiering on Hulu following its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, Deli Boys has earned widespread praise for its sharp writing, distinctive voice and fresh take on the crime comedy genre. Critics have particularly highlighted the chemistry between Ali and Shaikh, as well as the standout performance of Poorna Jagannathan as Lucky, the ruthless and unpredictable figure who helps guide the brothers through the criminal underworld.
The series currently holds a 96 percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the highest-rated comedy series on the platform. Recent industry coverage has noted a surge in viewership as audiences continue to discover the show through word of mouth and streaming recommendations.
For Chicago’s film and television industry, the success of Deli Boys represents another example of locally produced content breaking through on a national stage. While viewers may see Philadelphia on screen, much of the work behind the camera has been carried out by Chicago-based craftspeople and production professionals.
As streaming platforms continue to seek original voices and culturally specific storytelling, Deli Boys has demonstrated that a unique premise, strong ensemble cast and authentic perspective can resonate far beyond its initial audience.
With a successful second season and growing recognition among viewers and critics alike, Deli Boys continues to add to Chicago’s expanding list of television productions making an impact nationwide.
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