Is Netflix’s ‘Never Have I Ever’ Based on a True Story?
She has two totally amazing guys falling in love with her, but Devi’s life isn’t perfect. This character faced several challenges as a first-generation Indian-American teenager.
Is Never Have I Ever based on a true story? Here’s what we know about this Netflix original series.
Netflix’s original series, ‘Never Have I Ever,’ is not entirely based on a true story
Devi is a first-generation Indian-American teenager. Aside from the challenges of being a super smart and competitive student, this character struggled with her identity and her relationship with her mother. Of course, there were also some challenges when it came to boys.
After approaching the hottest guy in school, Paxton Hall-Yoshida, Devi found herself lying to keep up appearances. This Netflix original series featured plenty of relatable moments, but it’s not exactly based on a true story. There are, however, some aspects of the show that were inspired by the creator, Mindy Kaling’s real life.
“I loved the experience of creating this show,” Kaling told The Hindu. “And if people watching it can say, ‘Oh my gosh, yes, I too before my SATs have to pray in front of two gods, only two of whom I know what their deal is’—that is a rewarding feeling.”
Mindy Kaling drew inspiration from her childhood while creating ‘Never Have I Ever’
This Netflix original series doesn’t just follow the experience of Devi. There’s also her two best friends Eleanor and Fabiola. They make TikToks together but also navigate relationships and their sexualities. When it comes to Devi’s school and home experience, some inspiration was drawn from Kaling’s childhood.
“I grew up Indian and Hindu in a predominantly white community, and I did not feel comfortable with my Hinduism,” Kaling told Netflix in an exclusive interview. “It’s so overtly colorful, and it’s kind of inherently confident, even when I didn’t feel confident. I think for the character of Devi, we wanted her to feel the same way in these surroundings.”
Netflix’s ‘Never Have I Ever’ returned for its second season
After plenty of boy drama, friendship problems, and family reunions, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan reprised her role as Devi for the second season of this Netflix original series. Kaling is a creator in this second season, as well.
She faced the death of her father and patched up her relationship with her mother. Now, Devi is facing new challenges. There’s another Indian girl at her school who is practically perfect in every way. She’s still juggling two boys and, with pros and cons to each one, it’s hard to choose where her heart lies.
Seasons 1 and 2 of Never Have I Ever are available for streaming on Netflix. To learn more about this streaming platform, visit their website.
