The Mindy Project | TV Review
*article originally written in 2015*
The Mindy Project
Created by: Mindy Kaling
Starring: Mindy Kaling, Chris Messina, Ike Barinholtz, Ed Weeks, Adam Pally
The Mindy Project follows Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling), a doctor in New York City, as she navigates her way through her personal and professional life, narrating the ups and downs of her journey.
I personally love the show, especially for the way it showcases an Indian woman as the main protagonist on American television. It’s a demographic that is often overlooked, and although Mindy’s character is a departure from typical portrayals of Asian women, it’s refreshing to see someone for that group to relate to in some way.
Mindy is unapologetically open and honest, with very little filter. Her loud and sometimes garish personality is paired with her intelligence and education, making her character unique and lovable. She might be brash at times, but there's also an authenticity to her character that makes her very real.
What stands out the most about the show is the way Mindy deals with life’s challenges. She leads a cosmopolitan, Sex and the City-like existence, but the show presents it in a quirky and realistic manner. Mindy makes plenty of mistakes along the way, and watching her navigate through them is something that makes the show easy to connect with. It’s refreshing to see someone on screen who is not airbrushed, both physically and emotionally.
The show tackles many important topics, from feminism to interracial relationships and societal expectations. It mixes these themes into the storylines, often with a sharp, insightful humour that resonates well with its audience.
The romance between the characters is also a huge part of what draws me in. Although Mindy’s character may appear superficial, the show’s deeper themes and humour balance that out and make it much more thoughtful than it might first appear. It’s not just about the relationships, but also about the personal growth of the characters.
Overall, The Mindy Project is a fantastic show. It has that mature, witty humour that I enjoy, and I believe it really understands its target demographic. It's not for everyone, but with its diverse casting and relatable characters, I think anyone who watches will find someone they can connect with.