Spotlight: Hasan Minhaj’s ‘Homecoming King’ Netflix Comedy Special is a Must Watch

Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King
Available on Netflix

Growing up in America as children of immigrant parents is not easy. It’s hard to explain the cultural differences and struggles of trying to fit in to those that haven’t grown up in similar households.  Hasan Minhaj’s new comedy special on Netflix, Homecoming King, delivers a tale following his childhood experience that mirrors many of those in the Indian and Pakistani communities.

The Daily Show correspondent regales the audience with his upbringing, as he breaks down his relationship with his parents and sister, the cultural divide between the kids and adults, racism, high school, friendships, love, and a prom story that would break even the toughest of hearts. Minhaj is confident and smooth in his delivery as he goes from making the crowd laugh one second into lowering the lights and getting real for a moment in order to reflect and analyze on his journey.

As he tries to find his place in the world, Minhaj finds himself constantly facing cultural and religious hurdles which give him pause. From birthdays, friendships, and phone calls from girls to AIM convos, love, marriage, and his career as a comedian, Minhaj tackles them all – including the most dreaded phrase a brown parent can utter – “Log Kya Kahenge – What will people think?”

Even if you don’t have a childhood that relates to Minhaj’s past, Homecoming King is full of laughs with a story that everyone should experience. Minhaj does use Hindi/Urdu terms to tell his story during bits of his set, but he quickly translates them for the English speakers.

If you are looking for something to watch and have a little over an hour to kill, Hasan Minhaj’s Homecoming King is a fantastic way to spend the time.