Source: Netflix
The most-awaited return of Devi, the lead character in the Netflix series Never Have I Ever played by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, is finally happening on July 15, as the streaming giant recently announced the official released date of the series’ second season.
It has been more than a year since the premiere of Never Have I Ever on Netflix, and fans of the coming-of-age comedy series have been wondering when the next season will come after the streaming giant announced its renewal for another season last July 2020. The long wait is finally over, and fans of the TV series can’t help but rejoice in the recent announcement from Netflix.
Created by American actress, writer, producer, and director Mindy Kaling, Never Have I Ever season 2 is expected to be sizzling hot and extremely funny, judging from its trailer. Interestingly, Devi will be doing a balancing act between two boyfriends while fending off Aneesa, played by Megan Suri, a much prettier and likable Indian girl who also happens to be the new face in school.
The more interesting twist in the second installment is undeniably Devi’s complicated relationships with Ben (Jaren Lewison) and Paxton (Darren Barnet). As fans of the show may recall, the season finale of the first installment showed Paxton coming to terms with his real feelings for Devi but at the same time sees her kissing Ben. After much deliberation, Devi comes up with a decision that any normal teenager in her situation would most likely do—date both gorgeous high school boys and see where it goes from there.
Seeing the endless possibilities of dating both boys as a reasonable solution to her dilemma, Devi is in for one roller coaster ride this season 2 as she gets the best of both worlds. Or does she? “Ben gets my super-brainy side. Paxton gets my mega-horny side,” Ramakrishnan revealed in an interview.
“She’s still going to pull some crazy high jinks,” shared co-creator Lang Fisher. Fisher also revealed that there is also a faction in the writers’ room as to who is the best guy for Devi. Will it be Team Ben who captures Devi’s heart? Or will Team Paxton be the ultimate winner?
Actor Darren Barnet revealed that season 2 would be a lot like season 1, only that it will be electrifying.
Netflix executives did not have doubts about renewing the series for another season after its phenomenal performance. Within the first 28 days of its streaming, the series was watched by more than 40 million households, according to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Head of Global TV. Seventy percent of the series’ audience was found to be outside of the United States. It became an overnight hit in countries like Canada, France, India, Brazil, and France.
“When it dropped, I was in awe,” Barnet said. “The international success was so great, especially in India, because you take that risk of making a show about an Indian American teenager and not telling it right and having it be offensive or not true.”
Co-creator Mindy Kaling herself was overwhelmed by the world’s response to the series. If anything, it provided the world with an escape and an opportunity to forget the effects of the global quarantine. For Kaling, having achieved such a remarkable feat for a new show like Never Have I Ever brings her so much fulfillment. To be a light in a dark time is such a privilege.
