Outsourced: The One-Season Sitcom That Deserved More

In 2010, NBC introduced Outsourced, a workplace sitcom with a unique premise set in an Indian call center. While the show offered fresh cultural comedy and a talented ensemble cast, it struggled to find its footing with critics and audiences, leading to its cancellation after just one season. Despite its short run, Outsourced remains a hidden gem for fans of workplace comedies looking for something different.

A Fresh Take on Workplace Comedy

Based on the 2006 indie film of the same name, Outsourced followed Todd Dempsey (Ben Rappaport), an American manager who is sent to India to run a call center for Mid America Novelties, a company selling quirky American gag gifts. Todd, unfamiliar with Indian culture, must navigate the challenges of training his new employees while adjusting to life in a country vastly different from his own.

As Todd learns the customs and traditions of his new home, he develops friendships with his team, including the eager-to-please Manmeet (Sacha Dhawan), the socially awkward Rajiv (Rizwan Manji), and the kind-hearted Asha (Rebecca Hazlewood), with whom he shares a budding romance. The show explored themes of culture shock, adaptation, and global business, all while delivering lighthearted humor.

A Talented and Diverse Cast

One of Outsourced’s strengths was its diverse cast, which included both American and Indian actors who brought authenticity and charm to their roles:

• Ben Rappaport as Todd Dempsey, the well-meaning but often clueless American manager.
• Sacha Dhawan as Manmeet, the flirtatious and fun-loving call center worker.
• Rizwan Manji as Rajiv, Todd’s ambitious assistant manager who hopes to take his job.
• Rebecca Hazlewood as Asha, a warm and intelligent employee who becomes Todd’s love interest.
• Parvesh Cheena as Gupta, the eccentric and talkative employee who provides many comedic moments.
• Anisha Nagarajan as Madhuri, a quiet yet insightful worker.

Why It Was Canceled

Despite strong performances and a fresh setting, Outsourced faced backlash for relying on stereotypes and cultural misunderstandings for humor. While some viewers appreciated the show’s attempt to blend cultures, others felt it leaned too much on outdated tropes. Critics were divided, with some praising the show’s heart while others felt it lacked depth.

Additionally, Outsourced aired during a time when NBC was struggling with its sitcom lineup, leading to its cancellation after just 22 episodes.

Why It’s Worth Watching

Though short-lived, Outsourced offered a different take on the workplace comedy formula. It wasn’t just about the jokes—it also explored cultural adaptation, cross-cultural friendships, and globalization in a way that was rare for network television at the time.

For fans of shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation, Outsourced provides a unique setting with a similar mix of humor and heart. While it may not have had the chance to fully develop its potential, it remains an enjoyable watch for those looking for something lighthearted and different.

If you missed Outsourced during its original run, it’s worth revisiting to see what made it a standout, even if it only lasted one season.