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.
We review the Hulu series Welcome to Chippendales season 1, which does not contain spoilers.
We have a brand new series inspired by the book Deadly Dance: The Chippendales Murders streaming on Hulu in Welcome to Chippendales. The story follows the life of the founder of the Chippendales, Somen Banerjee, who Kumail Nanjiani plays. Is the series worth checking? I share my review of the series below.
For the longest time, I thought this was a random idea that turned into a global phenomenon. However, this was built from the ground-level idea that turned into millions of dollars made. As each episode progress and we peel back the layers of this empire that was built, you can’t help by 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 they don’t have the right people in place, and that starts with the top. I can’t think of a single person that 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, and 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 Jesus 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 done. My standout from it all had to be Jimmy Lindsey’s work with the color palette of the series. Lindsey better 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. I promise you will add this to your weekly watchlist, as it’s that good. Every single person apart of this project deserves a pat on the back because the show is brilliant.
What did you think of Welcome to Chippendales season 1? Comment below.
