‘Big Mistakes’ Review: Dan Levy’s Netflix Crime Comedy Offers Plenty of Mayhem but Too Little Logic or Heart

Dan Levy, the creator and star of 'Schitt's Creek,' headlines the new Netflix crime comedy series 'Big Mistakes,' which premiered globally on the streaming platform on January 15, 2025. The show, co-starring Taylor Ortega and Laurie Metcalf, centers on a dysfunctional family that becomes embroiled with organized crime during a heated local election campaign in a small American town, aiming to blend chaotic humor with a satirical look at civic corruption. The series attempts to capitalize on Levy's signature comedic style, transitioning from the heartfelt warmth of 'Schitt's Creek' to a more frantic, plot-driven farce. The narrative thrust involves the family's increasingly absurd and illogical entanglements with local mobsters, which are directly tied to the political machinations of the election. Critics note that while the premise promises a sharp satire of small-town politics and family dynamics, the execution often prioritizes slapstick mayhem over coherent storytelling or genuine character development. Initial reviews, including the one referenced, suggest the show struggles to find its tonal footing. The critique highlights that 'Big Mistakes' offers plenty of surface-level chaos and comedic set pieces but falters by lacking the logical consistency to make the crime plot compelling and the emotional depth or 'heart' that made Levy's previous work so resonant. The performances, particularly from veteran Laurie Metcalf, are cited as highlights, but they are often in service of a script that feels overstuffed and undercooked, failing to fully leverage its talented cast or its timely political backdrop.