LONDON: The new TV series “Mo,” currently one of Netflix’s hottest shows, has received overwhelming acclaim from fans on the web for its ability to bring laughs and empathy to a Palestinian experience rarely acknowledged on the small screen.
The humorous and heartbreaking offering from American-Palestinian comedian Mohammed Amer is a heavily autobiographical tale about identity, belonging and displacement. It tells the story of a refugee Palestinian family in Texas who deal with the challenges of being undocumented, lacking both health insurance and working papers in today’s America.
The Netflix series, created by Mohammed Amer and Egyptian-American comedian Ramy Youssef, and produced by entertainment company A24, was released on the platform on Friday and has immediately captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers worldwide.
Many took to social media to share their thoughts about the show, described by American writer and critic Caroline Framke as “a comedy with a fast-talking lionheart at its center, and as such, even this incredibly stressful time can vibrate with frissons of the ridiculous.”
One user said of the sitcom: “One of the most brilliant series I’ve seen in a long time, spoke to parts of me I didn’t know existed. Can’t wait for season 2!”
One of the most brilliant series I’ve seen in a long time, spoke to parts of me I didn’t know existed. Can’t wait for season 2!
— OvereducatedCatLady (@LovesJustice2)
Another viewer praised the acting and the show’s originality. “The storytelling and character build is so delicious, I haven’t seen anything on screen like it. Halfway in I’m hoping ‘Mo’ gets picked up for a second season.”
the storytelling and character build is so delicious, I haven't seen anything on screen like it. Halfway in I'm hoping MO gets picked up for a second season.
— GTG (@goodtimegreggy)
The show has also been widely acclaimed for its ability to put Palestinian Americans on the cultural map.
Guardian’s columnist Arwa Mahdawi, who is of Palestinian heritage, described it as “a groundbreaking piece of television,” saying it managed to lift Palestine out of its negative connotation and bring it into pop culture.
Amer’s ability to engage with complex and often difficult topics in a funny, punchy and often resonant way is what really makes this show unique and worthy of the wave of positive critique.
As Mahdawi said: “I can’t tell you how significant it is to see being Palestinian treated with humanising humour. Mo of this please.”
Read Arab News' in-depth review of 'Mo' here.
