The series marks Levy's first major television project since 'Schitt's Creek' concluded six years ago. In 'Big Mistakes,' he stars as Nicky, an openly gay pastor whose life spirals into chaos when he and his sister are unwillingly drawn into the world of organized crime. The show centers on a dysfunctional family, also featuring Taylor Ortega as Nicky's impulsive sister Morgan and veteran actor Laurie Metcalf as their domineering mother, Linda.
Co-created by Levy and Rachel Sennott, the series is described as a comedic exploration of generational trauma and complex family dynamics, set against the backdrop of a high-stakes criminal plot. The story begins with the family bickering at their grandmother's deathbed, a scene that quickly escalates to Nicky and Morgan being forced into the back of a delivery truck at gunpoint.
A Queer Character at the Forefront
For many, the most notable aspect of the series will be Levy's portrayal of a gay pastor. The character of Nicky manages a community church and is out to his congregation, but the series explores the internal conflicts he faces, including hiding his relationship with his boyfriend, Tareq (Jacob Gutierrez), due to pressure to remain celibate. Levy has stated that the show's theme of characters living double lives serves as a "potent metaphor for the closet."
In a recent interview, Levy emphasized the importance of portraying this character with authenticity. "I never wanted religion to be the butt of the joke," he explained. To ensure a respectful and realistic depiction, the production consulted with Rev. Warren Swenson, a gay pastor. "I was very hypersensitive about, like, ‘In a time of crisis, would I really say ‘Jesus Christ’?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, behind closed doors, we are human beings.’ 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."
Crafting a New Dysfunctional Family
The show's premise originated from what Levy describes as his "completely unfounded fear of being trapped in an organized criminal situation." He elaborated, "The concept of finding myself obligated to a criminal organization, knowing how ill-equipped I am as a person... opened up thinking, like, how would a very strong family react to this?"
The on-screen family chemistry was a key focus from the start. Laurie Metcalf, known for her roles in 'Roseanne' and 'The Conners,' was Levy's choice for the matriarch. "As soon as Laurie said yes, I knew that this show had the potential to be so much more than I could have ever imagined," Levy said.
Metcalf noted the immediate connection among the cast. "I can’t recall a group like that, that jelled so quickly, that I’ve ever worked on before," she said. "It was a really fast-clicking ensemble."
After a six-year break from series television, Levy was deliberate in choosing his next project. "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," he stated. "It takes a minute in this momentum-obsessed industry, and this world felt endlessly entertaining."
