Hulu Cancels 'Deli Boys' After 2 Seasons

Hulu has canceled the crime dramedy series 'Deli Boys' after two seasons due to ratings. The show, which centered on Pakistani-American brothers, earned positive reviews for both seasons, with a 98% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

The series starred Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, and Poorna Jagannathan, and was produced by Disney's Onyx Collective and 20th Television. Fred Armisen joined the show in its second season, playing the role of Max Sugar, a legendary gambling savant.

'Deli Boys' was unique in that it centered South Asian characters, with the series creator Abdullah Saeed and the core three lead actors being of South Asian descent. The series boasted representation for the community with many behind-the-scenes jobs.

## What changed The audience for season two of 'Deli Boys' fell short of what it needed to continue, despite the addition of new cast members, including Andrew Rannells. The show's cancellation is a setback for Onyx Collective, which had made 'Deli Boys' a priority.

## Why it matters The cancellation of 'Deli Boys' highlights the challenges faced by TV shows that prioritize representation and diversity. Despite earning positive reviews, the show failed to attract a large enough audience to secure a third season. The show's representation of South Asian characters and creators was a rare example of diversity in Hollywood, and its cancellation may be seen as a missed opportunity to showcase underrepresented voices.

The show's creator, Abdullah Saeed, had brought a unique perspective to the series, drawing on his own experiences as a Pakistani-American. The show's cast, including Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, and Poorna Jagannathan, had also praised the show's representation and diversity.

The cancellation of 'Deli Boys' may also raise questions about the role of streaming platforms in promoting diversity and representation. While Hulu's Onyx Collective had made a commitment to showcasing underrepresented voices, the cancellation of 'Deli Boys' suggests that ratings and audience size remain a key factor in determining a show's success.