Why You Need To Watch Dan Levy & Rachel Sennott’s New Crime Comedy "Big Mistakes"!

Are you a fan of "Schitt’s Creek" and/or "I Love LA"? In need of a quick watch? Well, lucky for you (and all of us really), Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott have combined their comedic forces this year to fix us an 8-episode Netflix original dark comedy series. "Big Mistakes"! Released on April 9, the series follows two disorganized siblings, a closeted queer priest and a downbeat school teacher (played by Levy and Taylor Ortega, respectively), who are blackmailed into aiding and abetting organized criminals.

Rachel Sennott -- actress, comedian, and writer of Shiva Baby and Bottoms acclaim -- brings her sharp wit and hometown drama to this production as co-creator and writer. Meanwhile, the co-creator of "Schitt’s Creek", Dan Levy, does not shy away from writing awkward scenes and performing them too. The two met on the set of Sam Levinson’s "The Idol", connecting over their shared creative vision. Their combined efforts give this show a laugh-out-loud-worthy over-the-topness that seems to outdo itself in every episode.

Despite the humor, the two took their roles as developing complex, flawed, and relatable characters seriously. Both Sennott and Levy were inspired by their real-life experiences, allowing their own family dynamics to add depth to their comedy. Even in the absurdist moments, it’s easy to get lost in the back and forth between siblings and mother and children, relating them to your own life. According to an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ortega describes the humorous effect of their detail-oriented approach: "He writes a real person in a way that lets you react in the best and most likely way, with also the biggest, funniest reaction possible." 

The two leads are hysterical, and no one will forget Boran Kuzum, Jacob Gutierrez, and Jack Innanen’s supporting roles either. However, possibly the best character performance in the show is from none other than THE TV mother herself, Laurie Metcalf. From "Roseanne" to Lady Bird, Metcalf demonstrates her talents as the resident veteran actress in her performance. In the hilarious subplot of her mayoral race, her comedic timing, loving, and domineering suburban mom presence really tie the story together, providing a solid base for the other actors to work off of.

In addition to the characters, Levy and Sennott pay close attention to their plot, cultivating a wildly laughable chain of events that remain firmly grounded in relatability and fact. Throughout this process, they also centered research and accuracy, hiring an organized crime expert to consult on their show. After pitching the pilot to him, the two not only discovered their independent knowledge of criminal activity but also a strengthened narrative that people can really sink their teeth into, instead of worrying about suspending their disbelief.

Short and sometimes sweet, "Big Mistakes" is sure to capture your heart. Just be careful, or Nicky and Morgan might run off with it and give it to their grandma! Which, as you’ll soon learn, has many unforeseen consequences. With equal parts humor and tension, plus an irresistible, heart-palpitatingly intense soundtrack, this show will blackmail you into loving it. So, strap in and enjoy the ride!