I like to think that even if Mindy Kaling wasn’t brown, I would have still ended up watching “The Mindy Project.” It’s a smart, witty show that’s basically a half-hour romantic comedy. Mindy is funny and likeable as the lead. She’s girly, but not in the annoying, contrived way that Zooey Deschanel’s character is in “New Girl.” Luckily, the show has just been renewed for a second season, so if you’re not watching it already, below is a list of six reasons why you should start watching Mindy.
1. Danny Castellano
For those of you who’ve seen “Julie and Julia,” you were probably introduced to the utterly swoon worthy Chris Messina for the first time, and like me, fell in love with him. He’s cute, funny, and Mindy in real life admits to having a crush on this adorable 38-year-old man. He plays Mindy’s sarcastic, wise-cracking co-worker who we’re all pretty sure she’s gonna end up with, unless they pull one over on us.
2. Morgan the Nurse
Morgan the Nurse is played by the hilarious Ike Barinholtz of MADtv fame. But he doesn’t just bring the comedy — he’s also a writer on the show. His character could be seen as one-note, but his one-liners, non-sequiturs, and advice to Mindy during her times of need make him more endearing than annoying.
3. The Many Guest Stars
I don’t know if this is because everyone loves Mindy or she just has a lot of famous friends, but there is a famous guest star at least every other episode. Notably, she’s had two stars from “Saturday Night Live,” Bill Hader and Seth Meyers, “Girls” star Alison Williams did an episode arc, and Seth Rogen appeared last week. Also, Chloe Sevigny is also set to guest on the show as Danny’s ex-wife. For a show in its first season, this is pretty cool.
4. Mindy’s Awesome Rapper Little Brother
If you saw the very funny “Pitch Perfect,” then like Mindy, you were smitten by the cute brown boy in glasses who played rapper/dancer Donald in an a capella music group. After seeing him in the movie Mindy decided she had to have him on her show as her little brother who drops out of college to pursue a rapping career. Now, he’s only appeared in one episode so far, but he’s too funny for the producers to not bring him back eventually. Hopefully, maybe one day as a series regular? And before you continue, stop and watch this video of Utkarsh Ambudkar showcasing his rap skills.
5. Mindy’s Character is Based on Her Actual Mother
Did you know that in real life Mindy’s mom Swati was an OB/GYN? Mindy has often described her mom as her best friend and her show is her love letter to her mom in a way. Sadly, Swati passed away last year due to pancreatic cancer around the same time Mindy’s pilot was greenlit.
6. Mindy’s Kooky Outfits
(Above: Mindy on last week’s episode. Middle: Mindy milling about Los Angeles in casual business attire. Below: A picture of Mindy rocking a pleather skirt at her show’s launch party that I had to include.)
Mindy sees herself as a fashionista and sometimes it’s hard to tell if her outfits are what her character is supposed to like and think is hot, or a reflection of what Kaling herself actually wears and thinks is hot. Either way it seems Mindy really tries to emulate her pal Zooey Deschanel and Rachel Berry from “Glee” and while personally, I don’t find poufy, high-waisted skirts the most flattering on her, it’s fun to see her mix and match colorful patterns and take fashion risks every week. (Or every other week. This show seems to take a lot of mid-season breaks.)
Tune in March 19 for the newest episode “Mindy’s Birthday”, airing at 9:30 on Fox.
Komel Vikaas is a 21-year old college student living in Philadelphia. She watches a lot of television.
