Let’s set the bar here: Not Suitable for Work is Mindy Kaling’s version of Friends. The show presents us with five 20-somethings navigating life and love in contemporary New York City. They even have a pair of comically well-appointed apartments, despite employment issues. As with the earlier series, such notions of realism must be set aside; the point is to laugh in recognition at the exaggerations of our current age.
In this, Kaling’s writing has the requisite sharpness and observational ability to sell us on the concept. The stakes of her show are relatively low, but the specific slices of life we see are also enjoyable enough. To really make it work, though, a show like Not Suitable for Work relies on its cast’s ability to bounce off one another in entertaining ways. Sure, this is Sitcom 101, but it’s also difficult to achieve. After Kaling’s efforts, about 50 percent of the actors make an impression. The standouts are Ella Hunt, given the best storyline as hardworking transplant AJ, while the most difficult character to play, nepo-baby Josh, is ably carried by Jack Martin. The others do what they can with the material (Will Angus and Avantika elevate, Nicholas Duvernay tries his best). The supporting roles are equally all over the map, with, for example, Victor Garber on fire and Harry Richardson dragging behind. To a certain extent, this is to be expected, as Kaling’s show finds its footing in the first season and presumably grows more confident in a subsequent run.
The monolithic success of Friends is ultimately impossible to recreate. Despite Kaling’s best efforts, this show will live or die on Hulu and, more than likely, never become a cultural touchstone. There’s no shame in that. I can honestly say I’d watch a second season to see what happens to this merry band. The show is indeed a pleasant distraction.
“Not Suitable For Work” premieres on Hulu on Disney+ in Canada on Tuesday, June 2.
