For comedian Mohammed Amer, highlighting his upbringing in Houston while honoring his Palestinian heritage proved a clear goal when creating the television series that bears his name. Created and produced by Amer and Golden Globe-winning comedian Ramy Youssef, the second and final season premiered on Netflix on Friday, quickly reaching the lineup of the top 10 television shows on the platform. The series follows a fictionalized version of Amer’s real life, including his family’s quest for asylum in the United States, which is jeopardized when Amer is unwillingly taken to Mexico.
“Mo” tackles with grace some of the most contentious issues in the public discourse, including the immigration crisis at the southern border and the occupation of Palestine. Over the course of the series, “Mo” navigates multiple challenges with the immigration system, highlighting similarities between migrants from Latin America and refugees from the Middle East. Even in the show’s darkest moments, Amer finds lighthearted ways to break the ice with his impeccable comedic timing brought about by his time as a standup comic, including the awkward yet heart-wrenching moment where upon returning to the U.S., Amer finds his romantic interest has moved on.
One quote that stands out in the show’s second season comes in the second episode when an immigration officer tells Mo, “You could be in Guantanamo with your friends.” While likely a racist reference to the history of detainment on the base, the comment rings particularly poignant in an era where the Trump administration has revealed plans to transfer deported immigrants to the site.
Guest stars, including Houston native Liza Koshy, Tobe Nwigwe and comedian Matt Rife, compliment the show’s seasoned cast, who demonstrates a natural chemistry that reflects the diversity of the city it’s set in. In the span of five minutes, the show interweaves the perspectives of Arab, Jewish, Nigerian and Hispanic characters that reflect the melting pot of the larger city.
Littered with cultural and historical references to Houston and the Gulf Coast region, audiences will appreciate the care and respect that “Mo” deals with in telling the story in the city. Signature Houston-area landmarks like Alief, Mattress Mack and Westheimer Street are subtle hints throughout the series that prove the creative team behind the series truly understands Houston culture.
Although the show is worthy of acclaim just for its comedic and dramatic efforts, the Peabody-winning series is also notable for its incredible effort to present Palestinian culture in a world that continues to challenge Palestinian identity. As the first Palestinian-led TV show in America, “Mo” carries the heavy weight of representing a nation of people with class and dignity. Its depiction of some of the most pressing issues in society brings humanity to groups often demonized and excluded from media narratives.
5 bottles of olive oil out of 5
