Big Mistakes Cast Interview: New Series from Schitts Creek Creators

It is not every day that the local airwaves in Baltimore capture the specific energy of a high-stakes Hollywood transition, but the recent segment on WBAL-TV did exactly that. Film critic Lauren Veneziani recently sat down with the cast of “Big Mistakes,” the latest venture from the creative mind behind “Schitt’s Creek,” bringing a bit of that Netflix glitz directly to the Maryland audience. For those of us who have spent years watching the gentle, slow-burn evolution of the Rose family, seeing Dan Levy pivot toward a “family crime comedy” feels like a sharp, intentional left turn. The buzz around the Inner Harbor and throughout the city’s creative circles is palpable, as “Big Mistakes” represents more than just a new show; it is a test of whether the warmth of a beloved sitcom can survive the chaos of a cartel war.

The Evolution of Dan Levy: From Small Town to High Stakes

To understand why “Big Mistakes” is generating such conversation on platforms like WBAL-TV, one has to appear at the trajectory of Dan Levy. As noted in recent critiques, Levy’s rise was initially viewed through the lens of his collaboration with his father, Eugene Levy, on the CBC sitcom “Schitt’s Creek.” While some have pointed to his beginnings as a “nepo baby,” his operate as a showrunner, writer, and director eventually silenced the skeptics. “Schitt’s Creek” didn’t just find an audience; it became a global phenomenon after streaming on Netflix, collecting nearly every major award in its path. That success created a massive expectation for whatever Levy did next.

After a six-year hiatus from the sitcom world—during which he explored prestige projects like HBO’s “Coastal Elites,” the queer romance “Happiest Season,” and even a role as Andy Warhol in a Jerry Seinfeld project—Levy has returned to the episodic format. However, the “gentle love story” of David and Patrick has been replaced by something far more volatile. “Big Mistakes” is the first scripted series resulting from Levy’s deal with Netflix, and it marks a departure in tone that is almost jarring. Instead of the cozy, dysfunctional comfort of a small town, we are thrust into a world of organized crime, though the core remains rooted in familial dysfunction.

The Collaborative Spark with Rachel Sennott

One of the most intriguing aspects of this production is the partnership between Levy and Rachel Sennott. Sennott, often described as the “It girl” of “I Love LA” and “Bottoms,” co-created and executive produces the series. This pairing suggests a blend of Levy’s structured, character-driven comedy and Sennott’s more chaotic, modern comedic sensibility. The result is a “family crime comedy” that attempts to balance the lightness of a sitcom with the tension of a caper. For local creators in Baltimore, who often navigate the intersection of grit and humor in their own storytelling, this blend is particularly resonant.

The casting further reinforces the show’s ambition. With Laurie Metcalf and Taylor Ortega joining Levy, the series possesses a powerhouse acting core capable of handling both the punchlines and the peril. According to Netflix’s Tudum, the plot follows these characters as they stumble blindly into the middle of a cartel war, a premise that promises high stakes and inevitable errors in judgment—hence the title.

Analyzing the “Uneven” Balance of Crime and Comedy

Despite the pedigree of the creators, the reception has not been universally glowing. A review from Time suggests that “Big Mistakes” is somewhat uneven. The critique argues that while the foundation of familial love and dysfunction is solid—reminiscent of the magic found in “Schitt’s Creek”—the “organized-crime caper” layered on top feels flimsily constructed. This is a common struggle in the “crime comedy” genre: finding the equilibrium where the stakes feel real enough to create tension, but not so heavy that they crush the humor.

For the viewers in the Baltimore area, a city with its own complex history of crime-related narratives, the “caper” element of the show might be viewed through a more critical lens. The challenge for Levy and Sennott is to ensure that the cartel plot doesn’t feel like a mere accessory to the character work. When a show leans too heavily on its premise without grounding it in emotional truth, it risks losing the very audience that followed the creator from their previous successes.

Nevertheless, the series serves as a fascinating case study in creative risk. Moving from a safe, beloved brand to a high-stakes crime comedy is a bold move. It demonstrates a desire to evolve beyond the “gentle” label and explore the more jagged edges of comedy. Whether “Big Mistakes” becomes a lasting hit or a curious footnote in Levy’s career, its arrival on Netflix ensures it will be a primary topic of discussion for months to come.

Navigating the Creative Landscape in Baltimore

Given my background in professional directory curation and local industry analysis, I’ve noticed that the excitement surrounding “Big Mistakes” often inspires local aspiring creators to take their own leaps. If you are a writer, actor, or producer in the Baltimore area looking to transition your work from a passion project to a professional production, the path is rarely linear. The leap from a local script to a Netflix-style deal requires a specific set of professional supports.

If you find yourself inspired by the trajectory of creators like Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott, here are the three types of local professionals you should seek out to support stabilize your own creative “big mistakes”:

Independent Production Strategists

Look for consultants who have a proven track record with Maryland’s specific filming incentives. You necessitate someone who understands how to leverage local resources—from scouting locations near the Inner Harbor to navigating the logistics of regional shoots—to make a low-budget project look like a high-budget production.

Entertainment Law Specialists

As a project grows, so does the legal complexity. You need an attorney who specializes in intellectual property and streaming contracts. Ensure they have experience with “work-for-hire” agreements and distribution rights to prevent your creative vision from being compromised during the negotiation phase.

Performing Arts Career Coaches

For actors and writers, the gap between local theater and national streaming is vast. Look for mentors with deep ties to both the Baltimore arts scene and national agencies. The ideal coach should provide a roadmap for building a “meritocratic” portfolio that catches the eye of major platforms.

Whether you are refining a sitcom or drafting a crime caper, the key is surrounding yourself with experts who understand the local terrain as well as the national industry standards. You can find more information on these services by exploring our local professional services guide to ensure your project has the structural support it needs.

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