#1 Happy Family USA
By Sioph W. Leal
#1 Happy Family USA is an adult-animated series from creator Ramy Youssef. It follows the Hussein family – the most patriotic, most peaceful and definitely not suspicious muslim family as they navigate a post 9/11 America. #1 Happy Family USA tries to redefine finding humor in hardship through many different members of the Hussien family as they navigate this new world through different social and educational situations.
At the centre of the Hussien family is Rumi Hussein (Ramy Youssef) who was on the cusp of popularity until the fatal day of 9/11, his sister Mona (Alia Shawkat) and their parents Sharia (Salma Hindy) and Hussein Hussein (Ramy Youssef). Throughout the series the Hussien family struggle to manage societal pressures on their family as well as financial struggles, all on the backdrop to racial bias and unfair stereotypes.
The family dynamics and how they all interlink is one of the strongest plot points in #1 Happy Family USA and when the family are together, it’s one of the more enjoyable aspects of the series. Though Rumi and Mona barely interact, when the two share a scene or two it shows the different dynamics and how each of them copes in their new social dynamics.
There are certain guest stars that help elevate some aspects of the series such as the basketball obsessed teacher Mrs Malcom (Mandy Moore) by offering more of the humour, albeit inappropriate and satirical. Unfortunately, other guest characters such as Dr Riley (Keiran Culkin) whose actor normally brings an abundance of exuberant energy, yet in this role his enthusiasm seems to fall flat.
One of the main issues with #1 Happy Family USA is the lack of focus. Had it been more of an anthology series exploring each family member in their own episode, the plots could have had more of a flow and consistency. When it has a focus, #1 Happy Family USA is its strongest, but the short episodes and only an eight-episode run hinders the series. Though it's not all bad. When the family dynamics are explored as well as the aspirations of the Hussien family is at the focal point, #1 Happy Family USA is at its strongest. With it being set in the early 2000s, #1 Happy Family USA also offers a strange sense of nostalgia for things like the different social media platforms, including privacy and the risk that came with those.
Overall, #1 Happy Family USA does lose focus despite its short run time and limited episodes. When it explores the Hussien family and does not get lost in guest stars, it’s at its strongest. Exploring the complex dynamics of a Muslim family at the height of islamophobia and making it into a satirical comedy is no easy feat. With more consistency with the episodic plots and guest stars that should have brought some energy to the series, #1 Happy Family USA could have been a secret hit.