Who doesn't love Mindy Kaling?????? ?????? ?? ?????? ????? ?????? Not only does she sprinkle fully realized and diverse characters into everything she touches, but also, she's funny as heck.
The 40-year-old has acquired numerous directing, acting, writing, and producing credits over the last couple of decades and even found the time to write a couple of best-selling memoirs. She's now co-writing the script forLegally Blonde 3, so, yes, you could say she's been busy.
Though there's no firm release date yet for Kaling's next project, many of her films and TV shows are available for streaming right now. Whether you're looking to revisit some of her greatest hits or discover her lesser-known projects for the first time, we're here to let you know where you can watch them — and why you should.
1. Late Night
Credit: E Aragones/Amazon/Kobal/Shutterstock Mindy Kaling co-stars in Late Nightalongside Emma Thompson, who plays Katherine Newbury, a longtime talk show host faced with the challenge of revamping her show if she doesn't want to be replaced by someone younger and "cooler." To up her game, Newbury hires the inexperienced but optimistic Molly Patel (Kaling) as the first female and non-white person to sit at the writer's table. Katherine is resistant to change, but with Molly's help, maybe she can find a way to stay fresh and raise her ratings.
With a relevant premise, a feminine perspective, and a terrific cast, Late Nightmanages to set itself apart from the average comedy-drama. Kaling wrote and co-produced, so you can expect her vibrant humor to shine through.
Where to watch:Late Nightis now streaming on Amazon Prime.
2. The Office
Credit: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Mindy Kaling had her own Late Nightexperience in her mid-20s when she became the only female writer in a group of eight who set out to adaptThe Office for American audiences.
The iconic sitcom follows the everyday lives of the employees who work at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, managed by over-the-top leader Michael Scott (Steve Carell).
While Kaling is known for playing the youthful, bubbly Kelly Kapoor on the sitcom, some of her best work happened off-camera, where, in addition to being a writer, she served as an executive producer and director. Some of Kaling's most notable episodes include Season 2's "The Injury" (the one in which Michael burns his foot on the George Foreman Grill) and Season 6's "Niagara" (the double-episode in which Pam and Jim get married).
Where to watch: The Office is now streaming on Netflix.
3. Never Have I Ever
Credit: LARA SOLANKI/NETFLIX Never Have I Everpremiered on Netflix on April 27 as Kaling's first coming-of-age narrative. The comedy-drama, which is inspired by Kaling's own experiences growing up as an Indian American, follows 15-year-old Devi Vishwakumar as she tries to reinvent herself sophomore year.
During her first year at high school, Devi dealt with the death of her father and temporarily lost the use of her legs. Though she's still struggling to relate to her mother, stand out next to her gorgeous cousin, fit in with her friends at school, and lock down a boyfriend, she's sure ready to try.
The Kaling-created show blends lighthearted humor with a tinge of darkness and breaks South Asian stereotypes in the process. That's a win all-around.
Where to watch:Never Have I Everis now streaming on Netflix.
4. Inside Out
Credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock Kaling is no stranger to the Disney brand. She first voiced Vanellope's archnemesis Taffyta Muttonfudge in Wreck-It Ralph and later starred alongside Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon in the less-than-successful film adaption ofA Wrinkle in Time. In between these movies, she voiced Disgust in Pixar's Inside Out.
The 2015 comedy-adventure follows an 11-year-old girl named Riley who moves from a charming town in Minnesota to the bustle of San Francisco after her dad gets a new job. Though she tries to make the best of the situation, leaving her old life behind is difficult — especially since two of her core emotions, Joy and Sadness, get swept away from her mind's headquarters and struggle to find a way back. This leaves Disgust, Anger, and Fear to process the big move for Riley, and no, they're not good at it.
Kaling is joined by other comedy greats, including Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, and her Officeco-star Phyllis Smith.
Where to watch:Inside Out is now streaming on Disney+.
5. Four Weddings and a Funeral
Credit: Hulu The Hulu miniseries Four Weddings and a Funeral isn't the British '90s rom-com film of the same name, but it wasn't trying to be. Co-created and executive-produced by Kaling, the 2019 romantic comedy series tells of a group of American friends who gather in London for a wedding. Upon reuniting, they get entangled in romances of their own and must figure out how to unite despite differences, thrive in their respective careers, and overcome multiple heartbreaks.
Four Weddings and a Funeral isn't particularly deep. As implied by the title, there are far more marriages happening than funerals. But it is cute, heartwarming, and fun. Though it suffers from a handful of genre clichés, its modern take on love and its diverse cast make it a pleasant watch.
Where to watch: Four Weddings and a Funeralis now streaming on Hulu.
6. The Mindy Project
Credit: Kaling International/Universal Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock The Mindy Projectis perhaps the most Mindy Kaling show around. After all, she created it, produced it, starred in it, and wrote 25 of the show's more than 100 episodes. Backdropped by a medical practice in New York City, the series combines the sugary elements of a rom-com with the expected snarkiness of the cringe comedy genre.
The Mindy Project follows OB-GYN Mindy Lahiri on her journey to find love in the city after her ex-boyfriend finds his happy ending with someone who is nother. With the support of her eclectic group of co-workers (including the frustrating Danny Castellano), Mindy finds that applying movie romance rules to real life isn't such a great idea.
Where to watch:The Mindy Projectis now streaming on Hulu.
7. Champions
Credit: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Though the Kaling-produced-and-created Championsran for a single season on NBC, it was nonetheless a funny, heartwarming romp about a Brooklyn gym owner named Vince whose free (and very single) life gets flipped around after his high school girlfriend shows up with their 15-year-old son, Michael. Though Vince had plans to head to Florida, he must instead step into the role of parent. The immature bachelor struggles to find common ground with his motivated, theater-loving teenager who — on the surface — seems nothing like him.
Kaling shows up in five of the 10 episodes as Michael's mother. Her spirited presence leaves its welcome impact.
Where to watch: Championsis now streaming on Netflix.