Collider is launching a brand-new behind-the-scenes video series, and they're kicking things off with a bang by taking fans inside Hulu's breakout crime comedy Deli Boys. In the premiere episode, host Michael Zimmerman gets an exclusive, no-holds-barred set tour from stars Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh, who serve up a heaping platter of hilarious memories and insider stories.
The series, which has quickly become a fan favorite on Hulu, follows the misadventures of two bumbling deli employees who stumble into a world of organized crime. But according to Ali and Shaikh, the real chaos happened off-camera. During the tour, the duo revealed that the show's authentic, gritty deli set was so convincing that a crew member once tried to order a sandwich from the prop counter. “We had to tell him, ‘Sorry, man, that’s not real pastrami,’” Shaikh joked.
Ali, who plays the fast-talking, perpetually anxious Ravi, shared that his character’s signature nervous energy was inspired by his own first day on set. “I was genuinely terrified I’d mess up the deli slicer,” he admitted. “The prop master had to give me a full safety demo. That fear just kind of stuck.” Shaikh, who portrays the more laid-back but equally hapless Vinny, revealed that the cast bonded over late-night improv sessions between takes, many of which made it into the final cut.
The behind-the-scenes series promises to give viewers an unfiltered look at how their favorite shows are made, and Deli Boys is the perfect launchpad. The show’s blend of high-stakes crime and lowbrow comedy creates a unique atmosphere on set, one that Ali describes as “controlled chaos.” He added, “Every day felt like we were shooting a heist movie, but with more mayonnaise.”
For fans of crime dramas, Collider’s new series offers a fresh perspective. If you’re craving more gritty storytelling, check out why Matthew Rhys' 'Perry Mason' is the HBO noir crime drama you need to binge. And for those who love a good true-crime twist, Michael Bay's underrated true crime epic 'Pain & Gain' hits Paramount+ this June.
Shaikh also teased that Season 2 will delve deeper into the deli’s criminal underworld, with even more outrageous set pieces. “We have a scene involving a meat grinder that I’m not sure is legal in some states,” he said with a grin. Ali chimed in, “And let’s just say the deli counter will never look the same again.”
The tour also highlighted the show’s attention to detail, from the vintage soda machine to the handwritten specials board that changes every episode. “The art department is insane,” Ali said. “They put so much love into making this place feel lived-in. I half-expect to find a real rat in the back room.”
As Collider’s new series rolls out, fans can expect more exclusive access to the sets of TV’s biggest hits. For now, Deli Boys is serving up a perfect blend of laughs and thrills—and if Ali and Shaikh have anything to say about it, the best is yet to come.
