Mindy Kaling's new sitcom Not Suitable for Work has rocketed to the number two spot on Disney+ globally within its first week, premiering June 1 and reaching that rank by June 7 , according to the source report. The series, which follows young adults in Manhattan's Murray Hill neighborhood chasing career ambitions, has drawn strong viewership despite a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer and a 65% audience rating. With six more episodes to be released weekly,the show's early momentum raises questions about whether it can sustain its popularity or if it's a flash in the streaming pan.

From Kelly Kapoor to Showrunner: The Off-Screen Gamble That Paid Off

Unlike her iconic on-screen role as Kelly Kapoor on The Office, Kaling steps entirely behind the camera for Not Suitable for Work, acting as creator , writer, and executive producer alongside showrunner Charlie Grandy. The source notes that Kaling stays off-screen, focusing on narrative and character arcs rather than personal star power. this move marks a deliberate evolution from actress to powerhouse producer, following her work on Champions, Velma, Running Point, and The Sex Lives of College Girls. The early viewership success suggests her brand alone—built over years of sitcom hits—can drive a show even without her face on the poster.

Why a 50% Tomatometer Didn't Stop a No . 2 Global Ranking

The disconnect between critical reception and streaming performance is a familiar story in the current television landscape. According to the source, industry analysts point out that modern streaming success is increasingly measured by engagement and completion rates rather than initial buzz or critic scores. Not Suitable for Work's climb to second place worldwide—topping charts in Australia, Belgium, Austria, Canada,and Denmark, and ranking third in the United States—indicates it may be capturing a repeat-viewing audience or strong word-of-mouth. The show's focus on millennial and Gen Z struggles in a hyper-competitive city appears to resonate cross-culturally, even if critics remain unconvinced.

The Murray Hill Setting: A Niche That Travels Well?

The series is set in Manhattan's Murray Hill neighborhood, a specific location tied to the young-professional lifestyle. That the show has found audiences from Denmark to Australia suggests its themes of self-discovery, ambition, and post-high-school navigation transcend geography. Kaling's earlier work on The Office similarly used a distinct workplace setting that became universally relatable. The source reports that the show's international appeal is notable, and with only three episodes released so far, the coming weeks will reveal if this niche setting can sustain a global following or if its charm is limited to the first few installments.

Only Three Episodes In: What the 65% Audience Score Hints At

With just three of nine episodes available, the 65% audience score on the Popcornmeter offers an early, incomplete picture.. The source mentions that the show has “ample opportunity to resonate with audiences and potentially improve its standing among critics” as new episodes drop every Tuesday. Early viewership could be driven by Kaling's established fanbase and nostalgia for The Office, but long-term engagement will depend on whether the story's hook holds beyond the initial release. the next three weeks will be crucial: if viewership trends upward or holds steady, the series may prove that audience sentiment diverges sharply from critical consensus—a pattern seen with other streaming hits.