Ritesh Sharma
Created by Abdullah Saeed, Hulu’s ‘Deli Boys’ is a comedy series that follows the lives of two Pakistani-American brothers — Mir Dar (Asif Ali), who is the dutiful son, and Raj Dar (Saagar Shaikh), an entitled hipster playboy. Their world is turned upside down after the sudden death of their father, Baba (Iqbal Theba), a convenience store magnate. They discover that their father led a secret life as an organized crime boss. As they grapple with this revelation, they attempt to navigate and take over his underworld operations. Blending sharp humor with crime and family drama, ‘Deli Boys’ uses its urban setting to highlight the culture clash and moral dilemmas the brothers face. The series features a strong supporting cast, including Poorna Jagannathan, Alfie Fuller, and Brian George, bringing depth to this fast-paced and darkly comedic exploration of identity, legacy, and reinvention.
Deli Boys Filming Locations
Despite being set in Philadelphia, ‘Deli Boys’ is filmed entirely in Chicago, Illinois. While this choice might seem unusual at first, Saeed had a clear rationale behind it. In an interview, he explained, “It was important to us that the show looks like Philly, and Chicago really does. Not just visually, but vibe-wise. It’s a working-class city that loves its sports teams, and very down-to-earth.” Production for the debut season kicked off in January 2024 after facing delays due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Filming lasted a few months before officially wrapping up on April 5 of the same year.
Chicago, Illinois
‘Deli Boys’ has shot all the sequences of its inaugural season in Chicago, Illinois. The city’s vibrant South Asian community, diverse architecture, and established film production infrastructure make it a fitting stand-in for Philadelphia. Various neighborhoods and local businesses across Chicago contribute to the authentic feel of the series, blending real locations with studio settings. One of the primary filming locations is Essence of India, located at 4601 North Lincoln Avenue. This popular Indian restaurant provides an atmospheric setting, adding to the cultural richness of the show. The production team selected this location for its warm, inviting interiors and its connection to Chicago’s South Asian dining scene, aligning with the show’s themes.
Another significant filming spot is Devon Avenue in Rogers Park, specifically around 2500 West Devon Avenue. Known as the heart of Chicago’s South Asian community, Devon Avenue offers an immersive environment filled with grocery stores, restaurants, and businesses that cater to Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi residents. The show captures the hustle and bustle of this vibrant street, lending authenticity to its storytelling. The area has previously appeared in movies and TV shows that highlight cultural diversity, including ‘The Big Sick,’ which features scenes filmed in Chicago’s South Asian neighborhoods.
The production also utilizes a private residence in Oak Park, situated at 825 North Euclid Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois. This suburban home serves as a crucial setting, providing a contrast to the urban landscapes seen in other parts of the series. Oak Park has been a favored filming location for its historic homes and charming streets, appearing in iconic films like ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ and ‘Uncle Buck.’ Another key location is 2330 West Wilson Avenue, where exterior and interior shots are filmed. This address is selected for its classic Chicago residential look, adding depth to the visual narrative. The crew strategically frames shots to maintain continuity with the Philadelphia setting, making use of local signage and background details to enhance realism.
In addition to these sites, filming takes place in the McKinley Park neighborhood, focusing on 3550 South Western Boulevard. This area’s urban landscape, with its mix of industrial and residential elements, provides a dynamic backdrop for several pivotal moments in the series. The cinematographers utilize the neighborhood’s architecture to create a sense of depth and texture, reinforcing the show’s setting. McKinley Park and surrounding areas have also been used in productions such as ‘Shameless,’ which was frequently filmed in South Side neighborhoods to depict the gritty realities of working-class life.
For controlled indoor scenes, the production relies on Cinespace Studios in North Lawndale, located at 2621 West Fifteenth Place. This well-known studio space allows for seamless filming of interior sequences, ensuring high production quality and flexibility. The studio’s resources enable the team to recreate specific environments while maintaining continuity with the on-location shoots. Cinespace Studios is a major hub for Chicago-based productions and has hosted shows like ‘Chicago Fire,’ ‘Chicago P.D.,’ and ‘Empire.’
By utilizing a combination of real locations and studio setups, ‘Deli Boys’ transforms Chicago into a believable Philadelphia setting. Each filming spot contributes to enhancing the authenticity of the show by blending cultural elements with the city’s diverse landscapes. Over the years, Chicago has amassed a fine reputation as a filmmaking destination and has served as the shooting site of shows and movies such as ‘The Dark Knight,’ ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon,’ and ‘The Bear’ all of which highlight the city’s cinematic appeal.
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