While the series does feature some of the cliches of coming-of-age stories, the Pakistani-US background of the main character helps set it apart. But that comes with its own challenges. The show seems to walk a tight rope between pronounced representation and stereotyping and doesn't always get the balance right. The amount of time the word haram gets bandied about becomes almost comical, verging on becoming parody. While exploring important themes such as finding one's own voice and identity at the risk of clashing with familial expectations, the show approaches them in a heavy-handed manner – lacking the deft touch of the comics.
