Ramy Youssef’s venture into animation with Prime Video’s #1 Happy Family USA draws from his own middle school experiences, creating a narrative that’s both personal and relatable. Youssef shared his insights during a conversation at Deadline Studio, where he described the wealth of untold stories from that time period. He stated, “I had all these stories from this period of time that felt really unexplored,” suggesting that the animated format was the perfect medium to bring them to life.
The series, set in the early 2000s, revolves around the Hussein family, a Muslim-American household navigating the complexities of life in a post-9/11 world. Co-creator Pam Brady highlighted the show’s ability to comment on contemporary issues without overt political commentary, explaining how it allows for a deeper exploration of the family’s experiences. “It was a way to talk about where we are now, without being ham-fisted,” she explained.
A key theme of the series is code-switching, which is the practice of changing one’s behavior or speech depending on the social context. Youssef elaborated on this concept, explaining how the family’s experiences outside their home can serve as a metaphorical portal to different identities. To visually convey this idea, art director Mona Chalabi and the team opted for an animation style reminiscent of dial-up internet, reflecting the era and the awkwardness of the transition between identities.
Chalabi emphasized the emotional nuance desired in the animation, aiming to capture the frustrations associated with code-switching without making it feel overly painful. Youssef noted that while the story centers on a Muslim-American family’s specific experiences, the concept of code-switching is universal, stating, “Everybody has that code-switch… It’s about that emotional experience of who you are at home and who you think you have to be.”
This blend of personal reflection and universal themes makes #1 Happy Family USA a promising addition to animated storytelling, offering a unique perspective that resonates with a wide audience. Youssef’s initiative reflects the importance of diverse narratives in media, fostering greater understanding and empathy in our increasingly interconnected world.