What does Mo drink in Netflix’s Mo? Explored 

Netflix’s Mo is a heartfelt and partly true-to-life show that combines funny moments with serious topics. It's a story from the life of Mo Amer and Ramy Youssef, who made it. It's about Mo Najjar, a refugee from Palestine who's trying to live his life in Houston, Texas while dealing with where he's allowed to live and who he is.

In Netflix’s Mo, Mo drinks codeine cough syrup quite often. This drink is a big part of Houston culture and shows how he's dealing with stress and trying to feel better. But the show also talks about food and identity. Drinks like tea and olive oil are important too, because they remind him of his culture.

Below, we look at what Mo drinks and what it means for Netflix’s Mo.

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Mo is addicted to drinking codeine cough syrup

In Netflix’s Mo Season 1, the main character starts to depend heavily on codeine cough syrup after getting nicked by a bullet in a supermarket shooting. This sets off a pattern of using the substance, which echoes a real-life problem in Houston's music and street world. This mixture, commonly known as "lean" or "purple drank," is a concoction made by combining syrup with soda and has been popularized by hip-hop artists from the area like DJ Screw, Pimp C, and Big Moe.

The New York Times points out that in the series, Mo's reliance on codeine syrup is shown as a desperate way for him to deal with his troubles, not something cool or trendy. It's not about glorifying drug use, but rather showing how it can be a destructive path for someone in a tough spot.

Amer, the creator of Netflix’s Mo, talked about this in an interview with Eater Houston. He said that including the lean in the story wasn't about reflecting on his own life, but more about using it to show how Mo's life goes downhill. He even shared a story where an extra on set thought the prop syrup was real and asked him for some, and he had to set them straight, saying it was just for the show.

Netflix’s Mo uses Mo's battle with addiction to explore bigger ideas about feeling lost, not knowing what's going to happen next, and just trying to make it through the day. Because Mo is undocumented, he's got a limited number of choices in life.

So, while he's working hard to take care of his family and dealing with emotional scars, he ends up turning to drugs to escape his reality. But the show doesn't put this out there as something to admire. Instead, it's a sign of his deeper problems, which he has to deal with eventually.

Next: A brand new trailer for Netflix’s Mo

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Olive oil, tea, and cultural identity in Netflix’s Mo

While lean may symbolize Mo's challenges, he also shows the importance of traditional drinks from his Palestinian background. In the show, olive oil plays a significant role, and it's not just about the food. Mo's family holds it in high regard, and he's so devoted to his mom's homemade version that he keeps it with him at all times, as mentioned in an Eater Houston article.

Netflix’s Mo is not just about cooking; olive oil represents their heritage, endurance, and healing. Tea is a constant too. It's not just for sipping; it brings characters together, whether it's for a chat or a shoulder to lean on. There's a heartwarming scene where Mo's mom sets out hummus, pita, and tea, showing love and creating a sense of calm in a tumultuous world.

Through traditional drinks alongside Mo's reliance on lean, the show quietly illustrates how he grapples with his identity. These are more than just liquids; they're mirrors of his inner battles and a nod to where he comes from.

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You can now catch both seasons of Netflix’s Mo.