Mo

You find truth in the mundane, and as a series Mo is a bountiful and fascinating landscape in which to spend time and learn. ... Mo is also just a fun watch. Amer as Najjar is charming and entirely at ease on camera. He’s incredibly natural leading the series.

The series elevates a familiar set-up by filling itself with material that is, even just by virtue of its existence, quietly radical. At the same time, however, some of its shortcomings feel like the result of adhering too closely to the contrived conventions of its genre. There may be promise in this regard, though, since “Mo” has already proven itself confident enough to sidestep the pressures that loomed over it from the outset and find its own step.

Fans of Ramy shouldn’t go in simply expecting more of the same, but Mo tells a sharp, funny and often quite moving story that more than deserves to be heard.

You will want to put a fist through the screen at several points on fiercely loving and frustrated Maria’s behalf. All while laughing with them. It’s a wonderful thing.

Mo’s devoted relationship to his family is immediately believable and clear, as is his breezy dynamic with best friend Nick (Tobe Nwigwe) and close bond with Maria (played with grounded charm by Ruiz).

Over eight half-hour episodes, the dramedy keeps itself afloat through a likable sense of humor and an eye for clever details, even as it frequently wades into deep, heavy waters.

Despite these minor bumps in the road, “Mo” remains an innately compelling show, due in no small part to that thrilling dissonance between Mo’s gregariousness and the deep wells of historical pain hidden underneath.