Six years after the conclusion of the acclaimed series “Schitt’s Creek,” Dan Levy is back with “Big Mistakes,” a new comedic exploration of family trauma and the consequences of getting caught up in criminal activity. The series, set to release on Netflix on April 9th, stars Levy alongside Taylor Ortega and Laurie Metcalf.

A Dysfunctional Family in a Wild Situation

“Big Mistakes” centers around the hapless siblings Nicky and Morgan, their seemingly perfect sister Natalie, and their domineering mother, Linda. The story opens with a chaotic scene at the hospital deathbed of Linda’s mother, quickly escalating into a high-stakes situation. By the end of the first episode, Nicky – a gay pastor – and Morgan find themselves forcibly taken by organized criminals.

Exploring Family Dynamics and Generational Trauma

Despite the outlandish premise, the series is rooted in a comedic examination of family dynamics, generational trauma, and the enduring bonds we have with those who challenge us the most. Levy explained, “I had taken six years off because I wanted to make something that I really loved — that I felt like had legs, had seasons worth of storytelling. It takes a minute in this momentum-obsessed industry, and this world felt endlessly entertaining.”

A Collaborative Cast

The series showcases the talents of veteran actress Laurie Metcalf, known for her roles in “Roseanne,” “The Conners,” and “The Big Bang Theory,” and rising star Taylor Ortega, who has appeared in “Succession.” Levy emphasized the importance of casting actors with strong social compatibility, stating, “I don’t really love an ego on set. It’s a really corrosive quality to bring to a group activity.”

Building Chemistry On and Off Screen

Ortega described the experience as “not traumatizing,” while Levy highlighted the ease and fun of working with the cast. Metcalf added, “I can’t recall a group like that, that jelled so quickly, that I’ve ever worked on before.” The cast engaged in extensive rehearsals to establish the characters’ relationships before filming began.

Levy shared that the genesis of the show stemmed from a personal fear of being trapped in a criminal situation, inspired by documentaries about individuals caught in organized crime. He wondered how a strong family would react to such circumstances. Metcalf was drawn to the script immediately, noting the impact of her character’s opening lines.

A Study of Inheritance and Trauma

Levy views the series as “a study of what we inherit from our parents. We are the product of their trauma, from their parents.” He expressed his excitement about Metcalf’s involvement, believing her multidimensionality would elevate the show. Ortega’s audition process was extensive, with Levy ultimately recognizing a unique connection between her background and the character.

The show also explores themes of religion through the character of Nicky, the gay pastor. Levy was careful to portray religion authentically, ensuring the character’s beliefs were respected and not used for comedic effect. He stated, “I didn’t want to caricature that person. I wanted to respect the fact that these are his beliefs, whether I agree with them or not.”