Dan Levy, widely recognized for his role in the acclaimed series Schitt’s Creek, has returned to television with a new project titled Big Mistakes. Currently filming in New Jersey, the show explores familiar themes but with a fresh narrative focus. At its core, Big Mistakes centers on the anxiety of feeling trapped and losing control over one’s life, a concept that Levy uses as the driving force behind the comedy.
The storyline follows a pastor and his sister who inadvertently become entangled with organized crime. While the premise is unconventional, Levy embraces its absurdity, presenting it as the kind of predicament he personally fears—making it fertile ground for humor. A key element of the show is the sibling relationship, which Levy highlights as relying heavily on authentic chemistry and precise timing.
Notably, Laurie Metcalf has been cast as the mother, a decision Levy regards as a strategic choice to enhance the series’ quality. Her involvement provides a reliable foundation around which the rest of the cast can flourish. Co-created with Rachel Sennott and developed for Netflix, Big Mistakes represents Levy’s first major television venture since the global success of Schitt’s Creek, a series that significantly shaped his career.
Despite the immense popularity of Schitt’s Creek, Levy is determined not to let its legacy overshadow his new work. He reflects on his early career at MTV Canada, where he honed his skills in writing, producing, and performing despite battling social anxiety. It was during this formative period that he began developing Schitt’s Creek alongside his father, Eugene Levy. The show’s distinctive title, initially met with skepticism, ultimately became a defining feature of its identity.
Levy acknowledges the profound impact Schitt’s Creek had, especially following its Emmy triumphs, but he views that success as part of his journey rather than a burden. He also pays tribute to Catherine O’Hara, whose portrayal of Moira Rose left a lasting mark. With her passing, Levy notes that a return to the Schitt’s Creek universe is unlikely for the foreseeable future.
Visiting the small town where Schitt’s Creek was filmed has brought back poignant memories for Levy, underscoring the emotional significance the series continues to hold. While the show has concluded, its influence remains strong both personally and creatively. With Big Mistakes, Dan Levy appears ready to embark on a new chapter, tackling themes of fear, control, and identity with renewed energy and perspective.
