the "slumdog effect"

The unexpected success of Slumdog Millionaire apparently sparked a new Hollywood trend towards Indian-themed projects, particularly sitcoms on network television: Indian-themed comedies a new TV trend.

I've already mentioned Nevermind Nirvana, which has been picked up by Fox. Outsourced, an office comedy about an American shipped off to India to manage a ragtag group of customer service reps, is currently casting for NBC.

They're also making a U.S. version of the popular British comedy The Kumars at No. 42, about an immigrant Indian family. All three of these projects have been languishing in development for years, and have suddenly seen a resurgence of interest in the last year. They might just make it to the airwaves this time.

Let's not forget all the hit shows currently out there that feature at least one actor of Indian descent, including The Office, The Big Bang Theory, 30 Rock, Chuck, Parks and Recreation, Community, Glee and The Good Wife. The Slumdog Effect! It's no coincidence.