Outsourced (2010)
The NBC workplace comedy that dropped one American manager into the heart of Mumbai and let the culture clash begin.
Outsourced - Series Information
- Original Title: Outsourced
- First Air Year: 2010
- Last Air Year: 2011
- Created by: Bob Borden
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (21 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 22
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 23, 2010 (United States - TV-14), September 23, 2010 (India - U), September 23, 2010 (Brazil - 12), September 23, 2010 (Italy - T)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: Alô, Alô, Índia (BR), Outsourced (FR), Haló, tady Indie (CZ)
- Production Companies: In Cahoots, Universal Media Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
Outsourced - Plot
A lone American manages the new call center of an American novelties company in Bombay and must explain American popular culture to his employees as he tries to understand Indian culture.
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Outsourced - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Bob Borden
Main Cast
- Ben Rappaport
- Rebecca Hazlewood
- Sacha Dhawan
- Rizwan Manji
- Parvesh Cheena
- Anisha Nagarajan
- Diedrich Bader
- Pippa Black
- Thushari Jayasekera
- Guru Singh
Writers
- Paul A. Kaplan
- Michael Pennie
- Lee Sung Jin
- Mark Torgove
- Linda Videtti Figueiredo
Outsourced - FAQs
What is Outsourced about?
Outsourced follows Todd Dempsy, an American manager sent to run a novelty products call center in Mumbai after his entire U.S. team is let go. The comedy mines the culture clash between Todd's American sensibilities and his new Indian colleagues' customs, traditions, and ways of life.
Is Outsourced based on a true story or a film?
The series is based on the 2006 independent film of the same name, directed by John Jeffcoat. That film told a similar fish-out-of-water story of an American call center manager relocated to India, and the NBC series expanded the premise into a full workplace comedy format.
Why was Outsourced cancelled after one season?
NBC cancelled Outsourced in May 2011 after a single season of 22 episodes. The show faced criticism from some viewers and advocacy groups who felt its humor relied on cultural stereotypes. Ratings, while initially decent in NBC's Thursday comedy block, declined steadily over the course of the season.
Where can you watch Outsourced today?
Outsourced is available to buy or rent digitally. You can purchase episodes or the full season on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. There is currently no subscription streaming option, so a digital purchase is your best bet.
Who plays Todd Dempsy in Outsourced?
Todd Dempsy, the fish-out-of-water American manager at the heart of the show, is played by Ben Rappaport. It was Rappaport's first major television role. He is supported by a strong ensemble including Rebecca Hazlewood as Asha, Sacha Dhawan as Manmeet, and Diedrich Bader as the irreverent Charlie Davies.
How was Outsourced received by critics and audiences?
Critical reception was mixed to negative. Many reviewers found the cultural humor broad and occasionally tone-deaf, while others appreciated the show's good-natured warmth and likable cast. Audience response was similarly divided, though the series developed a modest following during its run on NBC's Thursday night comedy lineup.
What controversy surrounded Outsourced before it aired?
Before its premiere, Outsourced drew protests from labor groups and South Asian advocacy organizations who argued the show made light of American job losses and relied on reductive stereotypes of Indian culture. The Coalition of Indian-American Leaders was among the groups that called on NBC to cancel it.
What shows are similar to Outsourced?
If you enjoyed Outsourced, workplace comedies like The Office, Superstore, and 30 Rock offer a similar blend of ensemble humor and office dynamics. For cross-cultural comedy with a warm heart, The IT Crowd and 3rd Rock from the Sun are also worth exploring.
More About Outsourced
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