In this era of Netflix cancellations (we’re still hopelessly hoping for a third season of Mindhunter), getting in to a show on the streaming service is an emotional gamble. No matter how beloved by the public, numerous shows get the axe. All of this is to highlight how impressive it is that Mo, a series based on the life and times of Houston comedian, Mo Amer, has officially been renewed on Netflix.
Last year, the City of Houston got some primetime love with the latest season of Chef’s Table – filmed almost entirely in the city. Later that year, the city and some of its most interesting characters got another chance to represent with the premier of Mo on Netflix.
The A 24-produced show is based on the real live events of Houston-based comedian, Mo Amer. If the name rings a bell, that’s because the comedian has been well established on Netflix with his two specials: Mo Amer: The Vagabond and Mo Amer: Mohammed in Texas.
Mo, however, tells his story in a different light. As the narrative goes, Amer moved to Alief in Houston as a Palestinian refugee from Kuwait in 1990 during the Gulf War.
Soon thereafter, Amer’s father passed away; in Mo, these traumatic events provide the backdrop to Amer’s pursuit of comedy, wherein over the course of his career, Amer would endure numerous setbacks and sidetracks as well as the necessity for certain hustles – notwithstanding a few sitcom moments along the way.
According to Amer’s interview with Houston Chronicle, its a story he’s been developing for the past 10 years. Its official synopsis, as described by Netflix, reads:
“Mo Najjar straddles the line between two cultures, three languages, and a ton of bullshit as a Palestinian refugee constantly living one step away from the asylum on the path to U.S. citizenship.”
In relating his story, which he describes as a comedy, Amer’s narrative is imbued with an esteem for the city. The soundtrack, while featuring numerous prominent Palestinian artists, features the likes of Houston musicians, DJ Screw and Paul Wall.
Mo also stars actor and Alief rapper, Tobe Nwigwe; Narcos and Round Trip actress Teresa Ruiz; as well as Farah Bsieso and Omar Elba. Houston royalty, and hamburger maestro, Bun B also makes a cameo.
The series’ first season first premiered on Netflix on August 24, 2022 with eight episodes approximately 30 minutes each. There’s no word yet on when the second season of the show will air. If there’s any downside to the news, it’s that Mo will conclude after the second season.