“Never Have I Ever,” available on Netflix, is a remarkable show that flawlessly captures the life of character growth and provides an accurate depiction of four years of high school. The series revolves around Devi Vishwakumar, portrayed by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, as she navigates her journey through high school in Sherman Oaks, CA—a part of Los Angeles County.
The show spans four seasons, allowing us to witness Devi’s transformative journey from a freshman to a senior, effectively mirroring the actual four-year experience of high school. Mindy Kaling, the creator of the show, masterfully guides us through Devi’s trials and triumphs.
In the initial season, we see Devi grappling with the challenges of adjusting to high school life while coping with the devastating loss of her father. Over the course of the first two years, she experiences personal growth amidst her romantic cross roads and troubles, including a dreamy boyfriend, Paxton Hall (Darren Barnet), and a clandestine connection with the intelligent Ben Gross (Jaren Lewison). Alongside, Devi engages in flings with the charismatic bad boy Ethan Morales (Michael Cimino) and the attractive and intelligent Indian boy, Des (Anirudh Pisharody). Throughout her journey, her unwavering support system, consisting of her two best friends Fabiola Torres (Lee Rodriguez) and Eleanor Wong (Ramona Young), offers encouragement, endures conflicts, and witnesses mutual growth—a quintessential aspect of high school friendships.
The character development in “Never Have I Ever” is commendable, with the characters maturing remarkably by the end of each season. While some viewers may find the growth displayed in the fourth season slightly rushed, especially after binge-watching the previous three seasons, it remains an authentic representation of the high school experience in a modern-day setting. Although the final season lacks the exhilarating thrill of watching Devi learn from her mistakes, it delivers a heartwarming conclusion that leaves viewers proud of the personal growth exhibited by the characters.
“Never Have I Ever” is a must-watch for its wholesomeness and its ability to accurately depict the highs and lows of the high school journey. As you delve into the final season, you’ll witness the remarkable growth of Devi and her friends, making you reminisce about your own coming-of-age experiences.
Catch the final season of “Never Have I Ever” on Netflix now and reminisce on all past high school trauma, glamorized of course.