Review: Mindy Kaling’s Not Suitable for Work Is Serving Friends Vibes for a New Generation

Not Suitable for Work: The Next Big NYC Sitcom

This Article contains spoilers.

The first three episodes of Mindy Kaling’s newest sitcom have dropped on Hulu, and people are absolutely loving it. Following a group of twenty-somethings navigating post-grad life in Murray Hill, Not Suitable for Work is shaping up to be Hulu’s next hit. If you’re like me and have been craving a new, relatable sitcom, this show is absolutely perfect for you. Set in NYC, think of it as a modern-day Friends. While the group doesn’t all start out as friends, they slowly begin intertwining themselves in each other’s lives.

We start off strong with our trio: Kel, Josh, and Davis. Davis (Will Angus), the bridge between the two, grew up with Kel (Nicholas Duvernay) and went to college with Josh (Jack Martin). The three of them showcase the dichotomy of being in your twenties. We have Davis, the lovable investment banker who is desperate for love; Kel, the charming aspiring actor who just dropped out of medical school and is trying to figure it all out; and finally Josh, the slightly annoying but impossible-not-to-love nepo baby who was just dumped. The three of them have a very wholesome friendship that viewers will love. 

Now add in their neighbors, Abby and AJ, and talk about a fun dynamic. AJ (Ella Hunt) just moved to NYC and landed a job at the same firm as Davis, but gets a rude awakening when she realizes the hookup who ghosted her in college is her new neighbor. In classic Mindy Kaling fashion, I can spot a good enemies-to-lovers storyline from a mile away, and these two have the perfect history to kick off what could become an iconic relationship, one fans are already obsessed with. There also is room for a love triangle between the neighbors, another classic trope that Kaling writes well. 

Last but not least, we have Abby (Avantika), a styling assistant trying to break through in the fashion industry while navigating a new celebrity relationship. Will she put her job on the line for her handsome new employer or will she give the charming Kel a chance? Put them all together and you have a chaotic, relatable, and hilarious group.

From Never Have I Ever, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and The Mindy Project, it’s no secret that Mindy Kaling has the skills to produce another hit show. After only three episodes, I’m already hooked and wanting more. Kaling hits the nail on the head every time, creating characters you can see yourself in and can’t help but root for, despite their constant ability to find themselves in outrageous situations. She also knows how to build a strong ensemble cast with chemistry that practically jumps off the screen.

With cameos from comedian Zarna Garg, musician Questlove, SNL star Ego Nwodim, and model Gigi Hadid, along with recurring roles from Constance Wu, Victor Garber, and Michael Benjamin Washington, Kaling has crafted a perfect on-screen dynamic. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and hope we’ll be seeing a lot more from my new favorite Murray Hill residents!

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