Mo (TV Series 2022– ) Poster

(2022– )

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9/10
Religion, reality and how to read 1 star reviews.
nicolefoss-7288910 December 2022
The negative reviews are little more than religious policing. The one star reviews for Mo are the same one star 'blasphemy' reviews you'll find on The Life of Brian. While Mo isn't a satire - it doesn't mock religion - it works as a comedy because it's about a story of ridiculous contradictions and the distinctly familiar, muddling human attempts to make sense of it all and survive.

99% of the bellyaching reviews are critical of the characters not being Muslim enough, the situations not being true to scripture and strict observance of Islam.

But is this not demonstrably true of most religious people today? Most Abrahamic religions do not adhere to ultra orthodoxy, most seek a modern sensibility because dogma denies the personal purposes of faith. I don't need anachronistic dogma to legitimise my beliefs, in fact I blame it for a lot of problems.

Mo is realistic, modern and deeply funny series that is first and foremost about people. It works because it's about experiences we share as humans regardless of - or because of - politics or religion. It works because it gives a perspective we don't often see but with a humanity that we very much understand.
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8/10
To the negative reviewers.. THIS IS NOT A DOCUMENTARY!!!!!!
ronan7327 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I cant believe how crazy some people get over this comedy. And it is a decent comedy too. Not perfect but a nice change.

The main character is like a normal guy we all know. Down on his luck trying to make ends meet and getting into capers. A few "messages" in there but way less political that most netflix stuff. Ironic considering the negative reviewers.. The nay sayers are upset at how he portrays himself as a muslim...Except this isnt real guys... Its not high brow and its not the funniest thing I have ever seen but it is making fun of subjects we are not allowed to make fun of, just read the negative reviews for proof.

Its a nice light dramedy and personnel journey for MO...again its not real!! Lol.

Its a nice change that the usual tv shows that are written by just out of college Marxist Californians. YAAAAAWN!

Right now everyone is so terrified of upsetting anyone or being accused of an ISM that they go out of their way to prove they are tolerant but we have ended up with a slew of terrible tv shows pushing politics on dressed up as comedies/dramas....but they are not good at all.

Ironically some intolerant reviewers are upset because Islam is shown not to be followed perfectly and the race of some of the characters letting down their race.

They Sounds pretty right wing to me.... Imagine a white guy saying the exact same thing? He would be banned in an instant.

Ill just say this...I live in a part of the UK that has literally millions of south asians, 1st,2nd and 3rd generation. I know plenty and worked with plenty and I also live in a muslim dense neighbourhood.... So lets set the record straight...I see many many muslims drinking heavily, smoking weed and other drugs, womanising, drink driving and fighting in the street over drugs......Thats real life!!!

But guess what? That happens in every race so please just calm down and enjoy a light hearted poke at your religion..join the club, its happened to all of us, well, not all of us anymore.lol Getting upset Makes you look intolerant...Just think of the irony.

To everyone else, watch MO..its not bad. A refreshing insight for some people who know nothing about Islam, Israel, olives and suuurp!!.

If you like this show we have a show in UK called "man like mobeen." By a very funny guy called Guz Khan.

Peace everyone.
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9/10
Hip hop, family, and olive oil
nadimf-3914228 August 2022
Entertaining, funny and real. I have seen Moe's standup show and I enjoyed it. I didn't really know what to expect when I started the series, without even noticing I was already in. It's very short! If there's one thing i'd complain about, I would've loved to see more. For some reason most stand-up comedians when they do fiction it's really bad. Not many comedians can do both stand up and fiction, Mo is officially now one of those few. Also this series gives a voice to a group of people that the world never really was able to empathize with since your voice is hardly heard, and to have that be entertaining in the same time I would call a great success.
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9/10
Endearing drama wrapped in a barrel of unexpected laughs
goolam-dawood24 August 2022
Endearing multifaceted telling of a refugee immigrant family in the US wrapped in a barrel of unexpected laughs

A fun brilliantly-directed expression the ordinariness and complexity of the experience of a refugee/immigrant/Muslim/Palestinian/Arab asylum seeker in the US, who also happens to be thoroughly US American. Told with a touch a humour, lots of nuance, and beautiful insights. A rewatching will reveal tonnes of stuff that can be easily missed. And there are layers that you might only get if you're Palestinian, or Arab, or Muslim, or Brown etc.

While I thought the presentation of a Palestinian, Muslim, Asylum-seeker... Might be difficult to present; the show presents the characters with a charm, honesty and emotional depth. All the cultural peculiarities and challenges along with the contradictions, but not dealt with in a condescending way. The protagonist's own hang-ups allow us to be frustrated but also understand those frustrations.

No perfect people. Just relatable characters who bring you into their circle and who you genuinely empathise with and relate to and want to see succeed in their interpersonal relationships and their life goals.
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9/10
One of the best I've seen this year
pqnfqgs11 December 2022
I loved it from the start. Loved the character, loved the lead, loved the story and the script. It was so bittersweet and painful to watch this man getting knocked down, but getting right back up and starting over - and over... My mother was a first-generation American, and her mother went through SO much to give her children a good chance at life. I was cheering for Mo every episode. His strength of character was uplifting to see. So many times, disadvantaged people are not 'seen' by the people around them. This show is hella entertaining, but there's a big truth under the humor - the struggle too many people face every day, just to have the necessities the rest of us take for granted.

Watch this show! You'll be glad you did.
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7/10
Great show-please ignore the negative reviews
aishasocial25 August 2022
New prospective to life where I find it relatable to me, I liked how it's an Arab show done right, authentic and real Arab. And the cherry on top is that I recognised Farah (Mo mom) from before when I was a teen, it's so good to see her acting on Netflix.

I liked it and I want more, waiting for season 2!
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9/10
Great show, ignore the low ratings
info-8649828 August 2022
Can the low ratings have something to do with the fact that the series centers around a Palestinian/Arab family? Of course it does. If you know you know. Watch it, great show, great acting. I have to write 600 characters, for it to be long enough. But that was the only thing I wanted to share. Are we there yet? 600? Watch it. It's good. Well acted. Watch it. 600 characters. That's a lot. But I'm gonna keep going. Palestine. Great acting. Love the scene in where the mother makes the olive oil. Great song while at it. 600 characters. Are we there yet? Mo is a good actor. Why does this show scores only a 7? It's obvious. It should get an 7.8-8.2. Are we there yet?
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7/10
Muslims in the West - A Guide & Review
mohannadsalman-1162524 August 2022
Step 1 - Give the show an eponymous title, named after an Arab-American stand up comedian.

Step 2 - Have the lead character struggle to live accordingly to his Muslim principles. Place him in a setting where he must go against these principles to survive. He is ultimately self-destructive.

Step 3 - Provide a diverse supporting cast to comment on different roles of friends/family/genders interacting with the setting around them.

There! There's the template!

As an Arab and a Muslim I like seeing that these shows are being made. I often see online a lot of Muslims getting mad at shows like 'Ramy' and I would assume this one as well for not depicting Muslims "accurately". According to them a Muslim must adhere to their religion perfectly, if not, it's BAD REPRESENTATION. I think what these people miss is that this is exactly the point of these shows. To depict Muslims as people who aren't perfect, who struggle, who are flawed. That is TRUE REPRESENTATION for any ethnic/religious group. Stories need external and internal conflict!

If we want to get to a point where we have more representation, then we need to treat Arab/Muslim characters as we would people of any other group. As people. And people more often than not, are a mess.

I think trailers for these shows (Ramy and Mo) can be misleading. They sell you "Black-ish" for Arabs/Muslims when really it's closer (in theory, not in quality) to something like "Atlanta". Something that challenges characters in relation to their culture, not something that says in neon lights "MUSLIMS ARE PEOPLE TOO".

As for the show itself? It's good. The acting is okay, I like some performances (MO's Mom) but I'm never really convinced when comedians turn to acting; they just play themselves. That being said, Mo handles the more serious scenes very well and I really do like Mo Amer. It's clearly a very personal project and his story is a really interesting one.

SHAMELESS SELF PLUG: If Ramy or Mo see this. I'm also a writer, hit me up! I'd love to write for either of your shows.
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9/10
Really enjoyed it
fprqpp27 August 2022
Interesting view into something culturally different than I am used to. Great pacing, cinematography, and love the H town music influence. Dj screw, and the crews songs are placed nicely throughout the show.

Engaging plot with some pretty funny situations/scenes. Lot's of good actors and especially hats off to Mo.

Went into this with no knowledge of the plot and bo expectations. Really delivered on an enjoyable experience. Unique and flavorful. Highly recommend and hope it is renewed for a second season. Pretty real feeling situations. Believable.

Unique shows are hard to find and I wish Mo and his team all the best.
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7/10
"Ramy" sequel?
stavrockssta25 August 2022
Let's start with the statement: There will be lovers and haters just because of Palestine situation in this series but this is a pure review of this series regardless of politics.

Ramy repeated his show "Ramy" with the same successes and failures. Lazy overall writing with few Well-designed drama moments. The main character "MO" is a good entertainment-show host but his performance dropped when he was needed the most. But some characters were magnificent such as the mother and father, Sameer, Hameed, and the two attorneys.

The last episode is a total disaster the crew should've settled with only 7 and called it a season, why it should be 8?
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10/10
Extraordinary! Yalla, Season 2 Now!
ninakis25 August 2022
This show seriously exceeded my expectations. For some reason, I expected the usual stereotypes and cringe-inducing humor that comes at the price of Arab-American dignity BUT instead found a brilliant, funny, poignant human story told with grace and subtlety. So many laugh-out-loud moments (Sameer is the breakout comic star for me!) alternating with heartbreaking sob-caught-in-my mouth moments. Although I'm not Palestinian, I am Arab, so I found the depictions of music, family, culture, identity powerful and deeply resonant - I'm curious to know if non-Arab audiences will feel the same heart-strings tugged? Either way, I'm convinced there's something in this show for everyone. Pure genius. Bring on Season 2 Ba'a!!
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7/10
Push Play
amethystjones25 August 2022
Loved the unique plot and interesting solid characters. Man Tobe was a natural had no idea an actor. I have never seen main character Mo before and just pushed play and was not disappointed.
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5/10
Too much nonsense drama
alexneves-8839426 August 2022
It's a excellent premise, storyline has potential to be fantastic however it's too much drama, forced and nonsense complications.

I tried to like this show but it lost me after five episodes.
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10/10
Worth it!
nvannas-4433724 August 2022
Finally, a show that does not sugarcoat the reality of many people who struggle throughout their lives to fit in, chase a dream, show their perspective on the constant challenges throughout the show, the reality, is this will make you laugh, cry and feel happy that evolution of different cultures can be displayed, with no warrant of aggression, but showing a case of love and unity while hoping not to be causing too much criticism from extremist groups. I am excited to see the new up-and-coming season and hope that more networks would learn from what Netflix does right!
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10/10
Great
seherb-6412220 December 2022
Mo is a great show.....

Mo Amer and Ramy Youssef have managed to transform the horrors of having to flee your homeland and live in a new place and try to get registered onto the system into something really entertaining and funny.

The serious parts are cut with humour without detracting anything from the seriousness of the situation. And there are lots of feelgood moments about the importance and value of friendship, family and love.

It would be amazing if netflix would renew it for a season 2. I'd definitely wait for it eagerly!

Possibly the best new netflix original I've seen this year...
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6/10
Good start, hope it gets better
baka_land28 August 2022
Some of the things culture/religion wise are bit exaggerated, not really true. Still it's fun to watch and there is humor and succeed in showing some part of culture in a right way. Maybe in the same fun way they can do better, pointing out all the stereotypes for muslims constructed by the western media for decades and correcting them and showing our real culture/religion and why it's beautiful. Love to see Maria's side of the story, hispanics portrayed in a realistic way, instead of the cartel stereotype. How similar our values are, muslims and hispanics, from living with our families to loving food (roti/tortilla) etc.
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10/10
Let me wanting more ....
bobmcglone25 August 2022
This is another one of hose shows that in the middle of season 1 ....I am already hoping there will be a season 2. This show came out of nowhere but was very enjoyable - lots of laughs - likeable characters - left me wanting more.
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7/10
Mo down than Up
ruthiecreative25 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Watching this show, I was really hopeful. I get to learn about different cultures and it's great, even wishing for the mother to start a business selling her olive oil. I didn't give it a 10, I gave it a 7. And the reason being that this show is stressful. By episode 8 I'm thinking can ANYTHING GOOD happen to this family? They're being fired, getting bullied, breaking up, even the kid can't make a home run on the game. Its like ALL misfortune. It's like every episode I'm rooting for them but the writers just want to hold them down. Even up to immigration. I'm sure something good, even little blessings will happen, but then it doesn't. It's frustrating to watch one thing after the other and it's always a miss. I'm aware not everything in life is perfect. Especially in an immigrant situation. But even little moments we can be grateful for this family's experiences are the biggest things too. Can we smile with happy tears sometimes? Just asking. It would be inspiring to base it on real life conquests of Arab families. Nothing too big. But important. We keep rooting for them yet our team never wins. Just one here and there please?
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10/10
SWAT done right.
alidortaj25 August 2022
I'm a SWAT old school OG, and this show really ties cultural differences together tight like a pair of broken in shoes. So much different cultures and in the backdrop of the 3 largest US city and Southern like comfort. Comedy and Drama really portrayed well, with culture and class. Nice music, please add ESG swaggin and banging. Lol Fun Plex. That guy got shot at the food town next to my house on Wilcrest.
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7/10
Good show
MasterLil27 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Its fun to watch, but the problem is they should focus in the story line and make it feels like it's real.

Hameed character funny but in my opinion I see it over acting.

Sameer and Yusra Characters funny and there act its make me feel like it's real so bravo Omar Elba and Farah Bsieso.

When they go to the Hookah place and the Palestinian and the jewish guy fighting I laughed so hard.

Last episode when he go to Mexico I think they ruined the story line a little bit, its funny but not realistic and I don't see it following the story line correctly.

In general the show is good, funny and give some good vibes but In future I hope they fix this problems.
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10/10
Finally !!
Faristuta1 September 2022
The story of Mo is the story of many Palestinians all over the world who had to behave their homes and even get harassed for telling their story and the story of their ancestors.

For so long it's been an unwritten rule to portray Arabs as either villains or complete helpless pour victims saved by whatever good-willed westerner. Mo portrays Arabs (Palestinians specifically) as normal humans, a normal family with its dysfunctions and contradictions. As an Arab I can finally relate to this show. I didn't like certain aspects of it but I'm not supposed to endorse everything in it. Mo is neither an awesome guy nor a villain. Just normal. Finally !
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7/10
Don't Expect YOUR Experience to be Represented
xoraxora18 September 2022
To our fellow Muslims and Arabs: don't expect this TV series or ANY other to ever represent the "average" Arab (Muslim or other) or Muslim (Arab or other) immigrant experience.

For starters there is no monolithic profile for the Arab/Muslim immigrant. We run the gamut from complete rejection of roots and heritage, to rigid adherence to a way of life that is not even practiced in the country of origin anymore. And, BTW, the same can be said of any Arab or Muslim population in their homeland. It's just the that the distribution shifts to the latter.

Most of us are somewhere in between. Most of us are probably even "more" Muslim or "more" Arab than Mo, the character, or the real one.

More likely than not, educated, slightly above average income, family-oriented, socially conservative, etc. Yeah, most of us are probably like that. But not all of us. Not by a long shot.

Mo, the series does not attempt to be an accurate portrayal of the average Muslim/Arab American. But there is truth in it. Sure, it skews towards the seedy, and the dysfunctional. But we've all experienced, or wrestled, with those aspects, that some reviewers find so objectionable, to a lesser extent, at least.

It does not represent you. But it is funny. And, the thing is, only you, with your life experience, that this show does not represent, only you can get some of the jokes.
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2/10
I'm tired of bad representation
pinksk1es3 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I know a lot of people have been praising this show because Mo Amer is the main guy behind the whole thing and is a Palestinian and a Muslim? Yikes. I've watched only one episode, and it's the same bland thing over and over - only difference is that the people behind the scenes are actually Palestinians and Muslims degrading their culture and religion to fit in and appeal to everyone else.

I'm tired of stories where people sell out their cultures and faith after living in the US. Just a few things: Mo is dating. He also goes by "Mo", which leaves a bitter taste in most Arabs' and Muslims' mouths. He has a tattoo. He curses and uses really vulgar language. Foul music plays in the episode. He drinks alcohol and smokes (though the smoking is actually a little accurate for Arabs).

I don't even think I've gathered all that's wrong with this type of representation, and by looking at other reviews, it doesn't seem to get any better.. especially if it's accurate that Mo makes confession to a Catholic priest (which takes you out of the fold of Islam).

When are we finally going to see some representation where a Muslim actually preserves their faith and culture instead of sacrificing it to "flourish" in America? Mo having that background does not make this show any better. In fact, I think it makes it worse.

I'd rather not have any representation than having this sellout nonsense.

EDIT: I can acknowledge that some people might still find this relatable. Even though this is honestly a sad truth, it also doesn't change the fact that this show only adds to the massive pile of this repetitive type of representation. There is no uniqueness in it, and I'd still frankly rather not have celebrations of this nonsense. I'd encourage anyone that relates to this to reassess their position with their culture and religion.
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10/10
Very good show. Ignore the 1 star reviews
bmpnhbw2 September 2022
If you read any of the 1 star reviews, you can tell they are just butthurt Muslims claiming they don't want to be seen like the main character in the show. Please ignore all of those as they have no relevance to whether the show is good or not. Is the main character perfect? No. But he's a human, and it has a very real human element to it. He shows the ups and downs in life and dealing with adversity. The show manages to maintain a good balance between the comedic and the real.

I enjoyed the show Ramy as well (2 of the same creators) and this show was very well acted, very funny in parts, and keeps you interested. I binged the entire series back to back in the span of a few hours and I really hope they come back with a season 2.
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10/10
I love it
yigu-5468927 January 2023
Chinese immigrant here. I love the show so much that I signed up for IMDB to write this review. My husband, an eastern European immigrant, likes the show too.

Mo, you are great, but Maria's acting is phenomenal. The show has just the right amount of everything for a good drama. East Asian director, learn a thing or two from this show, PLEASE! But... I wonder if a Palestinian immigrant who watches the show may have the same feeling as when I watch the TV show fresh off the boat. The storyline is that we can't become lawyers and doctors, so we started to sell yummy dumplings. That's okay!

Anyway, keep up the excellent work! I am waiting for season two.
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