In a strategic move to introduce its latest crime comedy series, Big Mistakes, Netflix orchestrated an exclusive, high-profile event on Monday night, commandeering L.A.’s highly sought-after Max & Helen’s restaurant on Larchmont Avenue. The private gathering, attended by a curated list of influencers, industry luminaries, and select press, served as an intimate platform for series co-creators Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott to discuss their new eight-episode venture. The event underscored Netflix’s continued investment in premium, creator-driven content and signaled a bold new direction for Levy, his first scripted series since the global phenomenon Schitt’s Creek.
The Exclusive Launch: Max & Helen’s Transformed
Max & Helen’s, a celebrated neighborhood diner helmed by culinary icon Nancy Silverton and television personality Phil Rosenthal, is renowned for its exceptional fare and notoriously long wait times, often stretching beyond an hour. However, for this special occasion, Netflix transformed the bustling eatery into an exclusive sanctuary, where guests bypassed the typical queues, gliding directly into a meticulously curated culinary experience. The menu, a lavish spread of Max & Helen’s signature dishes, included grilled cheese, tallow fries, sourdough waffles with maple butter, beef hot dogs, BLTs, and Silverton’s acclaimed chocolate chip cookies. Adding a bespoke touch, some items were playfully rebranded with names reflecting the series’ characters and plot, such as "Trusted Accomplices," "Sweet Regrets," and "Pour Decisions," immersing attendees in the thematic world of Big Mistakes even before the conversation began. This bespoke culinary approach not only showcased the restaurant’s offerings but also created a memorable, Instagram-worthy experience, aligning with modern launch strategies that prioritize immersive engagement.
Among the notable figures spotted enjoying the gourmet diner experience were Dylan Efron, artist Grimes, actress Kerri Kenney-Silver, Hollywood power couple Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Levy (Dan Levy’s sister and frequent collaborator), and Zoe Lister-Jones. Their presence underscored the industry’s keen interest in Levy’s latest project and Netflix’s ability to draw A-list talent and tastemakers to its events.
Netflix’s Strategic Investment in Creative Vision
The choice of Max & Helen’s for the Big Mistakes launch was not merely about exclusivity; it was a deliberate statement about the show’s blend of approachable charm and sophisticated execution, mirroring the diner’s own ethos. For Netflix, the event represents a calculated move in its broader content strategy. In an increasingly competitive streaming landscape, the platform continues to prioritize exclusive deals with acclaimed creators like Dan Levy, who brings a proven track record of critical and commercial success. Levy’s overall deal with Netflix, under his Not a Real Production Company banner, signifies the streamer’s commitment to fostering long-term creative partnerships and diversifying its comedic offerings.
Netflix’s strategy has increasingly focused on genre-bending narratives that appeal to a wide audience while maintaining a distinct creative voice. Big Mistakes, described as a crime comedy, perfectly fits this mold, promising both the humor Levy is known for and the suspense of a caper. This approach aims to not only attract new subscribers but also retain existing ones by offering a diverse portfolio of high-quality, original programming that stands out in a crowded market. The investment in unique launch events further amplifies buzz and positions Netflix as a platform that values not just content, but also the cultural conversation surrounding it.
Dan Levy’s Post-Schitt’s Creek Evolution
The centerpiece of the evening was a candid and engaging conversation between Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott, who also serves as co-creator. Sennott, taking on moderating duties, playfully kicked off the nearly 40-minute chat by acknowledging the venue’s allure: "Guys, how happy are we that we all finally got in here?" before praising the sourdough waffles. Levy, equally enamored, declared the grilled cheese "one of the best he’s ever had," setting a relaxed yet enthusiastic tone for the discussion.
Sennott’s initial question cut straight to the heart of Levy’s post-Schitt’s Creek journey, probing how he conceived of a crime caper after the "amazing, huge, successful and award-winning show." Levy’s response offered a rare glimpse into the pressures and introspection that followed the unprecedented success of his Emmy-sweeping sitcom. "Well, a lot of time had to pass," he explained, recalling the immediate and relentless query, "What are you doing next?" a question he found "a horrible way of doing business."
The cultural phenomenon that was Schitt’s Creek concluded its six-season run in 2020, achieving critical adoration and a historic Emmy sweep, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and securing all four major acting awards in a single year for its lead cast. This monumental achievement placed immense pressure on Levy, who co-created, wrote, directed, and starred in the series. He articulated the profound pride associated with such a creation and the imperative to allow "the dust to settle" before embarking on a new project. "To jump into something else, it almost does the new project a disservice because you’re constantly going to be comparing it to the one that came before," he reasoned, emphasizing the need for creative space and a fresh perspective.
During this period of reflection, Levy was far from idle. He diversified his portfolio, demonstrating his versatility across various facets of the entertainment industry. He created and hosted the HBO Max series The Big Brunch, showcasing his talent for unscripted formats. As an actor, he appeared in diverse projects such as HBO’s controversial The Idol (where he first connected with Sennott), Netflix’s Sex Education, Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, and feature films like Smurfs, Unfrosted, and Disney’s Haunted Mansion. Critically, he also wrote, directed, and starred in the Netflix film Good Grief, a poignant exploration of loss and friendship, further solidifying his directorial voice and dramatic range. These endeavors allowed Levy to explore different creative muscles and broaden his experience before committing to another major scripted series.
Crafting "Big Mistakes": A New Narrative and Creative Partnership
Levy’s eventual return to series creation was driven by a desire to challenge himself and subvert expectations. He posed a fundamental question to himself: "What scripts am I not reading?" This led him to consider roles and genres typically outside his perceived typecasting. "Like, he’s gay. He’ll never play in an action movie," he mused, explaining his impetus to embrace an action-comedy. "So, I was, like, let’s do action. And let’s make it funny and let’s create a kind of genre that is both funny and thrilling and suspenseful and fun." This ambition to blend genres and play against stereotypes defines the core creative spirit of Big Mistakes.
The genesis of the series also stemmed from a deeply personal, albeit unusual, phobia: "I have always had a phobia of being blackmailed into organized crime. Don’t ask me why. I think it stems from a fear of being trapped." This unique fear, coupled with his previous success in exploring complex family dynamics in Schitt’s Creek, naturally evolved into the concept for Big Mistakes. Levy expressed a desire to tell "a new family story," specifically focusing on a brother-sister dynamic.
His choice for a creative partner was immediate and resolute: Rachel Sennott. Their brief but impactful collaboration on The Idol forged a strong connection, despite Sennott’s playful, non-committal remark about remembering the show’s title. Levy openly conveyed his admiration: "We only spent four days together, but I’ve been madly in love with everything you’ve ever done and I respect the hell out of you." He recounted pitching the idea to Sennott, who swiftly agreed to join the project, cementing a partnership based on mutual respect and creative synergy.
Behind the Scenes: Authenticity and Collaboration
The development of Big Mistakes was a testament to the collaborative spirit between Levy and Sennott. They spent six months writing the series primarily over Zoom, a common practice in the post-pandemic era, before convening in person for a concentrated five-day period. Remarkably, the pilot episode was hammered out in a single day of intense creative focus. Sennott fondly recalled the experience: "We got so much coffee, too, I remember, and I brought my weird granola bars to your house. But I just felt so inspired." The session concluded with music, a symbolic release after a day of intense storytelling.
A key aspect of their creative process involved meticulous research to imbue the crime elements with authenticity. Sennott expressed her admiration for Levy’s detailed research into "small town folk who found themselves blackmailed into organized crime." To ensure credibility, the creators collaborated with a professional crime expert. "Having a professional is so helpful," Sennott noted, to which Levy added a darkly humorous anecdote: "Not only did he say, ‘Yeah that’s plausible but here are three other ways this person could die.’ And you’re, like, ‘Well, I didn’t think of that but now that’s on the table.’" This commitment to grounded realism within a comedic framework promises a unique viewing experience. Levy also shared a lighthearted anecdote about the successful clearance of Katy Perry’s "Firework" for use in the show, highlighting the small victories in a large production.
Casting Philosophy: Beyond Talent
Beyond the script and the genre, Levy emphasized his rigorous casting philosophy, honed through years of building the beloved ensemble of Schitt’s Creek. He stressed the importance of finding not just talented actors, but genuinely good people. "The family ensemble is tough, too, because you want the right people for the job and part of it is the gut instinct of, ‘Do I like this person?’ Do I want to spend a long period of time with this person? Are they generous of spirit? Are they able to leave their ego at the door? Are they going to be disruptive on set?" This meticulous approach to fostering a positive and collaborative set environment is a hallmark of Levy’s work. He made it clear: "Even if that person is right for the job, if I get a whiff that they’re going to just make people’s lives a living hell on set, I will not hire the person. It is not worth It." This policy underscores his commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace, a lesson undoubtedly carried over from his experience on Schitt’s Creek.
The series introduces viewers to Nicky (Levy) and Morgan (Taylor Ortega), two "deeply incapable siblings" whose lives spiral into chaos after Morgan impulsively steals a diamond necklace as a deathbed gift for their grandmother. This seemingly minor transgression quickly escalates, pulling them into the perilous orbit of organized crime. Blackmailed into increasingly dangerous assignments, the siblings "clumsily fail upwards," sinking deeper into a world they are utterly ill-equipped to navigate. The ensemble cast also features acclaimed actors Laurie Metcalf, Jack Innanen, Boran Kuzum, Abby Quinn, Elizabeth Perkins, Jacob Gutierrez, Joe Barbara, and Mark Ivanir, promising a rich tapestry of characters to complement the central duo.
Anticipating "Big Mistakes": Implications for Netflix and the Genre
As the conversation concluded, Levy articulated his overarching vision for Big Mistakes. "I knew I wanted it to feel cinematic. I knew I wanted the score to be really intense and it was really just about tempering performances and making sure that we were earning our laughs and making sure that when the crime hit and the tensions were high and the thrills were there, that we went there." He aims for a show that resonates deeply with audiences, prompting introspection: "How would you, in the darkest depths of your soul, react to this? Because that’s the greatest connection that the audience will have to this show, hopefully, like, what would I do?"
The launch of Big Mistakes holds significant implications for both Netflix and Dan Levy’s career. For Netflix, it’s a high-stakes play on a proven talent, hoping to replicate the subscriber growth and critical acclaim associated with Levy’s previous work. The genre-bending nature of the series also allows Netflix to test the waters with new narrative styles, catering to an audience that increasingly seeks diverse and unconventional storytelling. For Dan Levy, Big Mistakes is a pivotal moment, showcasing his versatility as a creator, writer, director, and actor beyond the comedic confines of Schitt’s Creek. It demonstrates his courage to pivot into new genres and themes, solidifying his status as a multi-hyphenate force in Hollywood. The series is poised to define his post-Schitt’s Creek legacy, proving that his creative genius extends far beyond one singular, beloved project.
The anticipation surrounding Big Mistakes is palpable, not just among fans eager for Levy’s next move, but also within the industry, which watches closely to see how a creator of his caliber navigates the post-breakout phase of their career. The series promises a unique blend of humor, suspense, and relatable family dynamics, inviting audiences to ponder their own reactions to extraordinary circumstances.
Big Mistakes is set to debut on Netflix on April 9, inviting viewers to embark on a thrilling, humorous, and unexpected journey into the world of accidental organized crime.
