Television series can generally be categorized into two distinct groups: those that launch careers and those that are created by established stars. The first category encompasses ensemble casts that elevate unknown actors to fame, as seen in shows like “Bridgerton,” “Euphoria,” and “Industry.” It also includes passion projects from creators who become highly sought-after in the industry, such as “Fleabag,” “I May Destroy You,” and “Baby Reindeer.” “Schitt’s Creek,” a sitcom crafted by Dan Levy about a formerly affluent family now living in a run-down motel, clearly fits into this first category. Although Levy, 42, had an advantage due to his collaboration with his father, Eugene Levy, known for his role in “American Pie,” the show itself is a story of grassroots triumph, having premiered in 2015 on Canada’s CBC before gaining international popularity after being acquired by Netflix a few years later.
The second type of show—those created by stars—depends heavily on the success of the first type. These projects often represent the challenging follow-up endeavors of new stars, like Levy, who have been rewarded with lucrative streaming contracts following the acclaim of their initial breakout works. Historically, such deals have not always yielded fruitful results. For instance, Amazon reportedly compensated “Fleabag” creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge $100 million, yet a similar hit has yet to emerge. Netflix has seen slightly more success with Levy, who released a film titled “Good Grief” on the platform in 2023; however, it seems unlikely that a somber indie film was the type of project Netflix anticipated when they signed him for a substantial amount.
In contrast, “Big Mistakes” appears to align more closely with viewer expectations. Co-created alongside Rachel Sennott, who does not appear in the series, it features Levy as Nicky, a nervous pastor concealing his relationship with his boyfriend from both his family and congregation. Nicky’s interactions with his savvy school teacher sister, Morgan (played by Taylor Ortega), and his emotionally volatile mother (portrayed by Laurie Metcalf of “Roseanne”) create a humorous dynamic filled with guilt-laden demands. The premiere episode revolves around Nicky’s task of acquiring a fake diamond necklace for his ailing “nonna.” Surprisingly, he and Morgan discover the perfect piece in a gift shop, but the cashier refuses to sell it, revealing that the necklace is, in fact, genuine. In a twist, Morgan steals the item, leading both siblings to be pursued by the criminal organization responsible for its protection.
However, the logic behind the necklace being publicly available is never adequately addressed, and much of “Big Mistakes” struggles to withstand scrutiny due to numerous clumsy and implausible plot developments. The concept of ordinary individuals becoming entangled in organized crime is not new (as seen in “Fargo,” “Ozark,” and “Only Murders in the Building”), yet the portrayal here feels disappointingly vague and generic, with the antagonists lacking the menace one would expect. A surprising twist at the end does provide a fleeting moment of excitement but quickly loses impact when its inconsistencies within the overall narrative become apparent.
Ultimately, “Big Mistakes” serves more as a vehicle for Levy to craft another dysfunctional but endearing on-screen family rather than a compelling premise. His strength lies in these family dynamics, as evidenced in “Schitt’s Creek,” and the interplay between the reserved Nicky and the adventurous, sharp-witted Morgan is genuinely enjoyable. Levy skillfully captures the psychological regression that often occurs when adult siblings come together, showcasing their inside jokes, petty arguments, and the freedom to be both candid and a bit cruel with one another without repercussions. The sibling relationship with their overachieving sister, Natalie, is also delightfully portrayed. Additionally, the tension stemming from their mother’s tumultuous mayoral campaign aligns well with the show’s erratic camera work and jarring score, making the family drama more engaging than the crime elements.
The performances are commendable; Metcalf adeptly balances between a commanding presence and a fragile demeanor, Levy exudes his typical charm, and Ortega delivers comedic brilliance. While the domestic cringe comedy at the heart of “Big Mistakes” prevents it from being a major misstep, it also stops short of being a resounding success. This outcome may be somewhat expected, as productions led by stars, while appearing to be a safer option for a cautious television industry, rarely match the impact and appeal of those that truly create stars.
“Big Mistakes” is available for streaming on Netflix.
