Summary
Welcome to Chippendales is a drama-filled series with some of the best work in front of and behind the camera that you will see all year.
Welcome to Chippendales is inspired by the book Deadly Dance: The Chippendales Murders. The story follows the life of the founder of the Chippendales, Somen Banerjee, who is played by Kumail Nanjiani.
For a long time, I thought this was a random idea that had turned into a global phenomenon. However, this was built from the ground-level idea that turned into millions of dollars made. As each episode progresses and we peel back the layers of this empire that was built, you can’t help but be impressed with what Somen really did here.
How he did it, what he went through, and fought for, all of it comes to a head in this series that teaches you a history lesson and makes you appreciate his hard work.
The series doesn’t work if the right people aren’t in place, and that starts at the top. I can’t think of a single person who would’ve been better cast in the role of Somen than Kumail Nanjiani. I walked away from this series with a whole new appreciation for Nanjiani and his acting ability. To begin with, Somen was very around the edges with a little reservation because of where he came from.
However, when he started to find his groove in the business world, you began to see him thrive as a person. At times, you are rooting for Somen, and other times, you are rooting against him, but ultimately, it all comes down to how buyable the character is. With Nanjiani’s layered work in the role, it was easy to invest my time.
The supporting pieces of the series can’t be overlooked either, starting with Murray Bartlett. Nick isn’t a good guy, and neither was Somen, so it was kind of a match made in heaven with these two. Bartlett was equal parts sleazy, sexy, and brilliant in the role of Nick.
I can’t tell you how many times Bartlett and Nanjiani had me locked in on the show in their battles with each other; it was two very good actors going toe-to-toe, and I ate it up. Annaleigh Ashford, Juliette Lewis, and Robin de Jesús all played their parts in making this show great.
Now that I raved about the acting, let’s dive into the rest of the series. From the opening credits to the costume designs to the production design, they NAILED the authenticity of this era and its vibes.
Sometimes I would rewind certain aspects of the show because I was in awe of the work that had been done.
My standout from it all had to be Jimmy Lindsey’s work with the color palette of the series. Lindsey should be in the conversation next Emmy season for Best Cinematography in a Limited Series, or I will riot.
Overall, Welcome to Chippendales is one of the best-written shows of 2022. I am not sure I have a single bad thing to say about the series. It’s a crisp eight episodes that never feels like it overstays its welcome.
Every single person involved in this project deserves a pat on the back because the show is brilliant.
