Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Diwali holiday romp has alcohol, language, and a few laughs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hot Mess Holiday
What's the Story?
In HOT MESS HOLIDAYS, best friends Mel (Melanie Chandra, Code Black) and Surina (Surina Jindal) start their Diwali celebration at the Indo-American Center in Chicago. Mel's aunties and cousins ask how her engagement is going with her boyfriend, Rishi. She gives glowing reviews, and after settling in with Rishi to watch the traditional dance performance for the Diwali celebration, her boyfriend dumps her in an epic public scene. The next day, her boss (Chris Parnell) suspends her and things continue to get worse. Luckily for Mel, her best friend Surina is there to pick up the pieces, and they gear up for a raucous weekend where things definitely do not go as planned.
Is It Any Good?
Though there are break out moments in Hot Mess Holiday, most of the funny beats don't have the flow that more subtle performances boast (see: Insecure). Some heartwarming inside jokes are worth a laugh (a spelling bee champion has nerd street-cred among young Indian-American kids who bug him for a selfie), and the cultural family ties-that-bind provide a fun tension for these modern Indian-American women. But the writing feels heavy-handed at times, and the drinking feels a little obligatory.
That said, it's great to see Diwali getting some screen time between the Judeo-Christian holiday programming. Though this show doesn't have the legs to break barriers, it is a festive and fun attempt. It's too edgy for younger teens, but older teens will get a kick out of the friendship themes. Adults might smile at some of the over-the-top spoofs (Ravi Patel kills as a hippie), and the solid representation of Indian-American culture is a welcome holiday treat.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what its like to be a single female Hot Mess Holiday. How does Mel deal with the pressure to get married by her extended family? How do different cultures view dating and marriage?
Characters in this show have graphic conversations about sex. How much sexual content is appropriate for kids? Teens? What works for your family?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 11, 2021
- Cast : Melanie Chandra , Surina Jindal , Tituss Burgess , Chris Parnell , Ravi Patel
- Network : Comedy Central
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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