"#1 Happy Family USA" tackles serious subject matters with adult humor

The Reel Perspectives

April 17, 2025

"#1 Happy Family USA" is Prime Video's new hilarious adult-animated series following the maniacally upbeat Husseins - the most patriotic, most peaceful, and most definitely, not suspicious (or PG 13) Muslim family in post-9/11 "Amreeka." The series premiered today, featuring all eight 30-minute episodes.

Created and executive produced by Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe winner Ramy Youssef along with South Park's Pam Brady, A24 produces the series and introduces us to the Husseins, completely unfiltered who live in New Jersey as they encounter discrimination post 9/11 terror because they are Egyptian immigrants. Youssef anchors the series, voicing both Rumi Hussein and his father, Hussein Hussein, with a delicious, wicked sense of humor.

The series tackles the family's obstacles in misguided cultural assimilation with hilarious results in an attempt to blend in, taking a mature approach using satire and colorful language to highlight their struggles. The series is surprisingly heartfelt and pointedly authentic, highlighted by Rumi's struggles at school as he learns to "code switch" aided by his friend, Marcus. Meanwhile, his father's desperation to appease his terrified neighbors addresses serious issues with humor. A relative sent to Guantanamo Bay, a daughter duplicitously dealing with her sexuality, and a rigid grandmother sticking true to her faith are some of the gems the series offers with a healthy dose of capitalism.

The series stars:

• Ramy Youssef as Rumi Hussein / Hussein Hussein

• Alia Shawkat as Mona Hussein

• Salma Hindy as Sharia Hussein

• Randa Jarrar as Grandma

• Azhar Usman as Grandpa

• Chris Redd as Marcus

• Akaash Singh as Dev

• Whitmer Thomas as Garrett

• Mandy Moore as Mrs. Malcolm

#1 Happy Family USA remains just as relevant today as it was in the immediate aftermath of post 9/11 as our current immigration climate reminds us that individuals who do not fit America's traditional image of what a "real" American is suppose to look like, face the same discrimination as they do now. The series offers refreshing accuracy on the Islamophobia facing certain immigrants and their desperate need to fit in, even if it means painting your home red, white, and blue or pretending to drink beer with your FBI neighbor.

"#1 Happy Family USA" poignantly depicts the perpetual fears of immigrants as they navigate a culture that often confronts them with racism and negative stereotypes that force them to adapt to a society that is unwilling to accept them. Rather than take offense, the series, with its colorful music numbers, offers a rich and enlightening narrative, making it an instant classic.

All eight episodes of #1 Happy Family USA are now available to stream on Prime Video.