Big Mouth: How Puberty Can be Uncomfortable but Also Funny and Educational
Being an adult may make you forget how awkward your body can be, but Nick and his friends will bring some flashbacks of that awkwardness. So beware of unexpected erections, periods, sore nipples, weird and insipid mustaches, the realization that “girls get horny too!” and hormone roller coasters…a lot of them.
What is Big Mouth?
If you haven’t heard of or watched it, Big Mouth is a freshly renewed show created by Andrew Goldberg, Nick Kroll, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett for Netflix. It follows the story of Nick, Andrew, Jessi and their classmates' tortuous journey through puberty, finding them in graceless but highly relatable situations with hilarious, clever outcomes.
Big Mouth surprisingly finds a way to approach topics normally reserved for “serious conversations” in a witty, if sometimes cringy, way. Female contraception, toxic masculinity, sexual shame, coming out, periods, depression, enthusiastic consent, orgasms…these are just some of the issues the show covers.
An Example?
Big Mouth Spoilers ahead 👀
A middle-aged, virgin gym teacher trying to instruct a sex ed class and learns about Planned Parenthood and how to protect yourself from an STI…
Missy (Jenny Slate) explaining about Planned Parenthood in front of class. Image: Netflix
“I hope you wore a condom”- Jessi tells Coach Steve after he felt capable of teaching kids about sex after having sex for the first time.
“Are you worried about getting the woman pregnant?”
“Or getting an STI?”- Nick adds.
“Maybe you should go to a doctor or Planned Parenthood…”- Missy says, and a whole debate around bodily autonomy begins in the classroom.
“I don’t understand. Do you have some sort of skit that we can watch that would be entertaining and informative but also not too preachy?”
Jump to a parody show on choosing the perfect contraceptive, where a condom, the pill, the implant and others walk out of a limo to flirt and plead their case with Leah.
This is just one example of how tough topics are being brought lightly to focus throughout every episode.
Image: Netflix.
“Wow, I never realized women had to make so many birth control choices,” Andrew admits.
“Well, men need to take responsibility, too, though,” Jessi replies.
In season 2 episode 5, the show tackles topics like safe abortions, vasectomies and how choosing what’s best for one’s own body should be a right… all these combine to make this episode one of the most educational of the show.
Should you watch Big Mouth?
Definitely yes.
Even if you think you know all about sex ed, there’s always something new to learn. Also humor helps devise new ways to discuss topics that may feel uncomfortable to bring up.
And, it is not about sex all the time. This show is about friendship, shame, divorce, drugs, how relationships can be complicated, how to change your perspective on masculinity and then some.
The characters aren’t perfect, but that’s what makes them relatable. They’re well-written and their journeys and development are consistent. We’re calling it ‘binge-worthy cringe’. Enjoy the ride!
Where can I watch Big Mouth?
6 seasons and 61 episodes are now live on Netflix. And we are still waiting for news about its renewal, will it happen?
