Mismatched Season 1 __top__ -

Released on Netflix in November 2020, Mismatched Season 1 quickly became a breakout hit, particularly among young adult audiences in India and across the diaspora. Based on Sandhya Menon’s popular 2017 novel When Dimple Met Rishi , the series transplants the story’s core conflict from a summer web-development boot camp in San Francisco to a prestigious, six-month tech institute in the vibrant, fictional setting of Jaipur, India.

The soundtrack is a standout element, featuring a curated mix of contemporary indie-pop (Prateek Kuhad’s “Kasoor” became synonymous with the show) and foot-tapping upbeat tracks that perfectly punctuate key moments. The tone balances lighthearted comedy and awkward teenage humor with genuine emotional weight, never shying away from serious topics like classism, grief, and heartbreak. Season 1 received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its binge-worthy pacing, the undeniable chemistry between Koli and Saraf, and its willingness to modernize the classic “enemies-to-lovers” trope without losing cultural authenticity. Prajakta Koli, a popular YouTuber, was lauded for her natural transition to acting, bringing Dimple’s prickly authenticity to life. Rohit Saraf solidified his status as a heartthrob, imbuing Rishi with a vulnerable sincerity that made his traditionalism feel charming, not regressive. mismatched season 1

However, some critics noted that the large ensemble sometimes left side characters underdeveloped, and a few plot points (particularly the antagonist’s scheme) felt melodramatic. Nevertheless, the season ended on a major cliffhanger—a shocking accident that left Dimple and Rishi’s fate uncertain—ensuring viewers would eagerly return for Season 2. Released on Netflix in November 2020, Mismatched Season