‘Master of None’ Wins big at the Critics’ Choice Awards

Finally, a show that represents South Asians and their life as immigrants in America through humor is being celebrated.

[Photo Source: twitter.com/AzizAnsari] 

Aziz Ansari is on a serious roll. His original Netflix series, “Master of None,” dropped in November 2015 and won the hearts of audiences everywhere. And now, last week, it won the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Comedy.

No need to consult @Yelp. The Best Comedy Series is @MasterofNone! #CriticsChoice pic.twitter.com/pmgAWENQd9

— Critics’ Choice (@CriticsChoice) January 18, 2016

This prestigious win is an achievement not only for the wonderful show but also for what it represents. As a form of acceptance and recognition, a show that represents South Asians and their life as immigrants in America through humor, is being awarded and celebrated.

Show creator Alan Yang, who went up on stage along with the cast of Master of None, acknowledged this with a joke in his acceptance speech: “Thank you to all the straight, white guys who dominated movies and TV for so long now, that stories about anyone else seem kind of fresh and original now.”

Ansari and Yang created this show at the right time. Diversity is expanding on television with engrossing shows like “Empire,” “Jane the Virgin,” and “Fresh off the Boat.” “Master of None” speaks to millennials—you know, the whole “Netflix and Chill” generation. It speaks to immigrants—not just Indians, but from everywhere. It speaks to the parent-child relationship (Ansari’s real life parents portray his on-screen parents too, and do a fantastic job!). It speaks to the modern romantic fairytale in the city and the complexities that arise because of careers and friendships and children. It speaks to anyone who wants to watch ten episodes to simply have a good laugh.

[Read Related: “Aziz Ansari’s ‘Master Of None’ is a Smart, Real and Hilarious Triumph“]

Though the show sounds like the usual rom-com, what makes this Critics’ Choice win special is that a few years ago, a show that featured two South Asians talking about issues such as immigration, parents, romance, careers, race discrimination, and feminism—like two normal white dudes in New York City—probably wouldn’t have become as famous as “Master of None” did.

Celebratory Arnold hug! pic.twitter.com/gUIhzjMRi4

— Aziz Ansari (@azizansari) January 18, 2016

The incredible success of the show, along with its subsequent win, also renders a second season obvious—ten more episodes of “Master of None” would open up even more avenues for South Asians to leave their mark. This past year alone has already been a step forward in that direction:

• Priyanka Chopra’s “Quantico” has also been a breakout hit with Chopra winning the People’s Choice Award for Best Actress in a new show, another remarkable achievement.

• Mindy Kaling’s show, “The Mindy Project,” got picked up for two straight seasons by Hulu and she introduced her kooky, adorable parents who, much like “Master of None,” defy the Indian-parents stereotype.

• On “New Girl,” Hannah Simone’s Cece Parekh took the marriage plunge with Schmidt, and the season 5 opener featured an excellent and funny rendition of popular Bollywood song “Ooh La La.”

• Arjun Gupta has broken norms with his roles on shows like “Nurse Jackie” and “How to Get Away with Murder”—and will now be seen in a sci-fi show called “The Magicians.”

• “Sense8,” another Netflix original, showcased beloved Hindi film actors such as Anupam Kher, Purab Kohli, and Tina Desai—and their parts were even based in Mumbai.

• Ravi Patel’s documentary on arranged marriages, “Meet the Patels,” was recognized for its novel approach and won awards at various film festivals.

And then there is “Master of None.”

No official renewal announcement for a second season has been made—however, Netflix knows that viewers are not very patient.

Everyone who is asking about what’s up with @MasterofNone Season 2: https://t.co/Ofi2qreNBF

— Netflix US (@netflix) January 17, 2016

Speaking at the Television Critics Association last week, Ansari said he would be more than happy to do another season.

“I need some time to refill my head. The first season was so personal and I want to make sure that whatever we do for season two lives up to what we did for season one. We’d love to do it; we’re figuring it out. [There were] things that happened to me years ago, like the Indians on TV [episode] — that was something that definitely happened to me when I was starting out in my career. Alan [Yang] and I are not holding anything back … the well is empty but hopefully, it will be refilled.”

“Master of None” is a triumph in its own standing, especially because of its diverse representation—but also because of the stunning acting of all its cast members, the progressive storylines, and just the right amount of humor and emotion. We cannot wait to see what it will bring up our alley next season!