Dan Levy Returns to Netflix with High-Stakes Crime Comedy ‘Big Mistakes’
Dan Levy is officially back on the tiny screen. Premiering today, April 9, 2026, Big Mistakes arrives on Netflix, marking Levy’s first series since the award-winning success of Schitt’s Creek. Moving away from the quaint charm of a small town, Levy dives into a “wildly dysfunctional” and “hilariously chaotic” world where family drama collides with organized crime.
A Chaotic Descent into Organized Crime
Set against the backdrop of New Jersey, Big Mistakes follows two “deeply incapable” siblings who find themselves out of their depth when they are blackmailed into the world of organized crime. The story centers on a New Jersey pastor and his sister, a teacher, who accidentally become entangled in a relationship with a criminal organization and a cartel war.
The premise was born from a personal place for Levy. He noted that the idea emerged from his own fear of being trapped, stating that he believes he would be the “biggest liability” if ever tasked with assisting a criminal organization—a realization he found to be a funny starting point for a sitcom.
The Creative Powerhouse and Cast
Levy didn’t tackle this project alone; he co-created the series with Rachel Sennott. The production boasts a strong ensemble cast that blends seasoned veterans with rising talent:
- Dan Levy as Nicky: Starring as one of the directionless siblings.
- Taylor Ortega as Morgan: Playing Nicky’s sister, a teacher. Levy has praised Ortega’s brilliance and the natural chemistry they share on screen.
- Laurie Metcalf: Cast as the siblings’ mother, a role Levy described as his “biggest casting coup.”
- Supporting Cast: The series also features Abby Quinn as Natalie, along with Elizabeth Perkins, Boran Kuzum, and Jack Innanen.
Moving Beyond the Shadow of ‘Schitt’s Creek’
Given that Schitt’s Creek swept all seven major comedy awards at the Emmys in its final season, the pressure to follow up such a “crown jewel” was inevitable. However, Levy has been clear that he didn’t let that pressure influence his writing process. He believes in “locking the door” on past successes to focus on projects that make him feel good personally.
Interestingly, while Schitt’s Creek was his first time writing for television, Levy’s professional roots go back to his eight years as an MTV VJ for MTV Canada in Toronto. Despite struggling with social anxiety at the time, he credits that experience with teaching him how to edit, produce, and write for himself.
Key Takeaways: ‘Big Mistakes’ at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 9, 2026 |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Creators | Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott |
| Genre | Crime Comedy / Sitcom |
| Setting | New Jersey |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of ‘Big Mistakes’?
The series follows a New Jersey pastor and his sister, a teacher, who are blackmailed and trapped into a relationship with organized crime and a cartel war.
Who stars in ‘Big Mistakes’?
The demonstrate stars Dan Levy, Taylor Ortega, and Laurie Metcalf, with additional roles played by Abby Quinn, Elizabeth Perkins, Boran Kuzum, and Jack Innanen.
Where can I watch ‘Big Mistakes’?
The series is currently streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Final Verdict
With its blend of high-stakes criminality and dysfunctional family dynamics, Big Mistakes represents a bold pivot for Dan Levy. By leaning into the “dark comedy of ordinary people forced into criminality,” the series enters a popular television trend while maintaining the character-driven humor Levy is known for. Whether this new venture becomes as iconic as his previous work remains to be seen, but the combination of Sennott’s co-creation and Metcalf’s presence makes it a must-watch for comedy fans.