Mindy Kaling is expanding her television empire once again, and she’s bringing a fresh-faced cast of rising stars along for the ride. Her new Hulu comedy, “Not Suitable for Work,” has officially announced its main cast, and it’s a lineup that’s sure to get people talking. The series, which centers on a group of ambitious twenty-somethings navigating work and life in New York City, is shaping up to be another signature Kaling project, blending workplace humor with relatable millennial and Gen Z struggles.
Source: People.com
After the massive success of shows like “Never Have I Ever” and “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” Kaling has a proven track record of creating binge-worthy content that resonates with audiences. With “Not Suitable for Work,” she’s teaming up with longtime collaborator Charlie Grandy (“The Office,” “The Mindy Project”), so you know the writing is going to be sharp, witty, and full of heart. The show was first announced back in February 2025, and this casting news is the first major update we’ve gotten since. So, who are the new faces joining the Kaling-verse? Let’s break it down.
Meet the Cast of “Not Suitable for Work”
The ensemble cast features a mix of familiar faces and up-and-coming talent, a classic Kaling move. Here’s who you can expect to see when the series drops on Hulu.
Ella Hunt as AJ Pascarelli
Source: Deadline.com
Leading the cast is Ella Hunt, who will play AJ Pascarelli, a “charming but intense first-year analyst at the most prestigious investment bank in New York.” Hunt is no stranger to television, having starred as the beloved Sue Gilbert in Apple TV+’s “Dickinson.” More recently, she wowed critics with her portrayal of Gilda Radner in the 2024 film “Saturday Night,” proving she has the comedic chops to lead a Kaling production.
Avantika as Abby Chilukuri
Source: NBC News
Fresh off her role as the delightfully dim-witted Karen in the “Mean Girls” musical movie, Avantika is set to play Abhinaya “Abby” Chilukuri. Her character is described as a “fashion-obsessed, savvy assistant to a demanding celebrity stylist.” Avantika also had a memorable guest role in Kaling’s other hit series, “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” so she’s already part of the family.
Nicholas Duvernay as Kel Washington
Source: Marie Claire
After making a splash in the third season of HBO’s “The White Lotus,” Nicholas Duvernay is joining the cast as Kel Washington. Kel is a “charming, slightly anxious medical student struggling to ace his exams while plotting his big break as an actor.” Duvernay has been on a roll, with recent appearances in “Bel-Air” and the Netflix film “Purple Hearts,” and this role is sure to continue his hot streak.
Will Angus and Jack Martin Rounding Out the Cast
Source: IMDb
Rounding out the main cast are Will Angus and Jack Martin. Angus, known for his work in the “The Real Bros of Simi Valley” franchise, will play Davis Beau Bradley Barrett III, a “high-energy finance bro” who’s secretly a softie. Martin, who has appeared in “La Brea” and “The Rookie,” will play Josh Teitelbaum, a “smart, idealistic, and occasionally sanctimonious New Yorker.”
Source: IMDb
What to Expect from “Not Suitable for Work”
The series is described as centering on “five work-obsessed twenty-somethings striving for professional success and, if they have time, personal happiness in Manhattan’s most glamorous neighborhood, Murray Hill.” This premise feels like a natural evolution of the themes Kaling has explored in her previous work, from the messy dating lives of doctors in “The Mindy Project” to the chaotic college experiences in “The Sex Lives of College Girls.” With “Not Suitable for Work,” she’s tackling the cutthroat world of post-grad life in the city, a topic that is ripe for comedic exploration.
The show’s title itself suggests a workplace comedy that isn’t afraid to get a little edgy, which is exactly what you’d expect from the creative team behind it. The combination of Kaling’s signature humor and Grandy’s sharp writing, which has been honed on some of the most iconic comedies of the last two decades, is a recipe for success. For Hulu, this series is a major get, as it continues to build out its slate of original comedies and further solidifies its relationship with one of television’s most prolific creators.
Why This Show is Already Generating Buzz
Even before a single scene has been shot, “Not Suitable for Work” is already one of the most anticipated comedies of the upcoming television season. The combination of a powerhouse creator, a talented and diverse young cast, and a relatable premise has all the makings of a hit. Kaling has a knack for identifying and nurturing new talent, and this cast is full of actors who are on the verge of breaking out in a big way.
Fans of Kaling’s work will undoubtedly be tuning in, as will anyone who has ever struggled to find their footing in the professional world. With its blend of humor, heart, and a healthy dose of workplace drama, “Not Suitable for Work” is poised to be the next great binge-watch. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one as more details emerge, but for now, the future of television comedy looks bright, and it’s all thanks to Mindy Kaling and her ever-expanding universe of hilarious and heartfelt stories.
