Netflix’s latest crime comedy, Big Mistakes, has burst onto the streaming scene with a bang, earning both critical acclaim and a rapidly growing fanbase. Created by Schitt’s Creek mastermind Dan Levy and rising comedy star Rachel Sennott, the series premiered globally on April 9, 2026, and almost immediately began making waves—both in the charts and in the hearts of viewers. Its blend of dark humor, family dysfunction, and chaotic criminal escapades has not only set it apart from other Netflix originals but has also signaled a potential new era for the crime comedy genre.
From the moment Big Mistakes dropped its eight-episode first season, critics took notice. The show garnered a near-perfect 95% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes from 19 reviews, placing it among the best-reviewed comedies on Netflix in recent memory, according to Forbes and Rotten Tomatoes. Audience response has also been enthusiastic, with an initial 78% score reflecting the show’s appeal beyond just the critical elite.
At the heart of Big Mistakes is the Dardano family, whose dysfunction and misadventures form the backbone of the series. Dan Levy stars as Nicky Dardano, an uptight pastor whose life takes a wild turn when he and his sister Morgan, played by Taylor Ortega, are inadvertently pulled into the world of organized crime after a misguided theft intended to help their dying grandmother. The siblings’ utter lack of criminal savvy turns every assignment into a spectacle of comedic disaster. Laurie Metcalf, known for her roles in Roseanne and Lady Bird, plays their mother Linda, who is herself caught up in the family’s chaos while launching a mayoral campaign. Abby Quinn rounds out the core cast as Natalie, the third Dardano sibling.
The chemistry between Levy and Ortega has drawn particular praise from critics. As CBR noted, "There’s something inherently funny about chaos erupting around two people who are too busy arguing about something trivial to notice the bigger picture. Big Mistakes excels at this kind of humor, and it generates lots of laughs." This dynamic, reminiscent of Levy’s previous work on Schitt’s Creek, provides both comedic gold and genuine emotional resonance, with the Dardano siblings’ bickering masking deeper insecurities and personal struggles.
Visually, the series is a treat as well. Filmed across New Jersey and Puerto Rico, Big Mistakes uses Jersey City to stand in for the fictional suburb of Glenview, while San Juan doubles as Miami for the show’s cartel-driven plotlines. The contrasting settings amplify the sense of suburban normalcy colliding headlong with the gritty, unpredictable world of organized crime. It’s a juxtaposition that both grounds the show and keeps viewers guessing what absurd twist might come next.
What sets Big Mistakes apart from the crowded field of crime comedies is its willingness to embrace both absurdity and heart. The show doesn’t shy away from the chaos and violence inherent in its premise—indeed, that’s where much of the humor lies—but it also carves out space for real, relatable issues. Nicky’s journey, for instance, explores the tension between his moral anxieties and his closeted relationship, while Morgan’s chaotic energy hides a struggle with self-esteem that slowly comes to light. Meanwhile, Linda’s mayoral campaign is played for laughs but also draws comical parallels to the often-surreal world of modern politics.
Critics have highlighted this balance as one of the show’s greatest strengths. As Vulture put it, "Even when it’s not being sweet, or when Nicky and Morgan are sincerely terrified about what’s happening to them, the trappings around them are so heightened and silly that Big Mistakes can’t help but come across as mostly a fun time." The series manages to be completely ridiculous while holding on to a great deal of heart, a quality inherited from Levy’s earlier work and one that could help the show become a lasting fixture on Netflix.
From a performance standpoint, the cast’s chemistry is undeniable. Laurie Metcalf, in particular, has been singled out for her ability to swing "masterfully between steely authority and papery fragility," according to Vulture. Ortega, meanwhile, brings an unpredictability to Morgan that keeps every scene fresh. The supporting cast—including Jack Innanen, Boran Kuzum, Elizabeth Perkins, Jacob Gutierrez, Joe Barbara, and Mark Ivanir—rounds out a roster that elevates even the show’s most absurd moments.
In terms of viewership, Big Mistakes wasted no time climbing the charts. According to FlixPatrol and Netflix Tudum, the series debuted at number four in the U.S. on its first day, quickly rising to number two by April 11, 2026—just behind the popular docuseries Trust Me: The False Prophet. Internationally, it reached third place in Australia, Canada, and Turkey, and fourth in New Zealand. While it has yet to crack the worldwide Top 10, its momentum suggests that broader global success may be just around the corner.
Given this strong start, speculation is already swirling about the show’s future. Netflix has not marketed Big Mistakes as a miniseries, and the first season ends on a significant cliffhanger—clear signs that the creators are planning for more. Dan Levy himself has expressed his excitement about the project and the possibility of continuing the story. "I’m so excited to be bringing this truly chaotic family story to life with Netflix," Levy said when the show was first announced in May 2025. "Taylor Ortega is going to become a household name, and it’s been my life’s mission to get to call Laurie Metcalf ‘mother.’ Looking forward to getting to share this with everyone."
Renewal, of course, will depend on Netflix’s internal metrics, but with a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, strong early viewership, and a cast and creative team firing on all cylinders, the odds look favorable. As Screen Rant pointed out, the show’s short episode format and focus on family dysfunction open the door for a new era of Netflix crime comedies—one where heart and hilarity go hand in hand.
For now, fans can binge all eight episodes of Big Mistakes on Netflix and join the chorus of viewers and critics hoping for more dysfunctional Dardano chaos in the seasons to come.