Aziz Ansari dazzles in new project, “Master of None”

Best known for his role as Tom Haverford in “Parks and Recreation,” Aziz Ansari has since traded in small town Pawnee, Indiana for the big apple in his newest project, “Master of None”— a delightful comedic series in which he truly shines.

Ansari plays the lead role of Dev Shah, a 30-year-old actor who, after catching his first break as the star of a Go-Gurt commercial, sets out to make it big in New York City. Armed with indecision and a colorful collection of friends, Dev guides viewers through the hurdles of securing love, friendship and a solid career path in the modern day.  Charming and true to life, “Master of None” is everything I could have hoped for in a sitcom and then some.

Perhaps the show’s best quality is that it feels much like a romantic comedy — one that the intended audience might actually find relatable. In the first episode, Dev has a one night stand with a girl named Rachel, who the audience later learns is a publicist in the music industry.  Though the night ends awkwardly for the two of them, Rachel turns out to be Dev’s primary love interest throughout the first season. Their relationship is portrayed in an honest and refreshing manner that raises the question on the mind of many millennials today — are we really meant to be with one person forever?

But romance isn’t the only thing “Master of None” has to bring to the table. The show is also successful in starting dialogues about other important issues, such as the underrepresentation of minorities in pop culture platforms.  

Dev’s friends are also successful in helping to bring about broader conversations on race and sexuality. Brian, for example, is Dev’s best friend who also happens to be the child of Taiwanese immigrants.  Denise is another friend who is both African American and lesbian. Together, along with a slew of other well-written characters,  they help to paint a more accurate image of what America looks like today, making “Master of None” all the more enjoyable.

Funny, raw and overall pleasant, “Master of None” is a series that truly hits the nail on the head. I would recommend it to anyone in search of their next Netflix binge.