TORONTO – Dan Levy is set to captivate Netflix audiences with his first original scripted series since the acclaimed “Schitt's Creek.” In an innovative blend of his comedic talents with the distinctive sounds of Canadian electroclash musician Peaches, Levy is crafting a unique auditory experience for the show.
Levy expressed a sense of euphoria that comes from the creative process, highlighting how unexpected elements can elevate a project beyond its initial vision. The music forms the show's core, resonating with a rhythmic intensity that matches its comedic yet thrilling narrative.
Describing his creative process, Levy revealed that Peaches' music featured prominently on the mixtape he listened to during the series' writing. When it came to enlisting someone to score the show, Peaches was his unequivocal choice. He created a mood board to convey the feel he aimed for, and upon reading the concept, Peaches, whose real name is Merrill Nisker, quickly grasped the thriller-comedy tone and agreed to join the project, collaborating with Grammy-winning composer Nora Kroll-Rosenbaum.
Levy praised their collaborative efforts, noting that the resulting score is both groundbreaking and unparalleled in the realm of comedy soundtracks. Peaches is known for her bold music and expressive stage persona, having gained significant acclaim with her 2000 album “The Teaches of Peaches,” and releasing her latest work, “No Lube So Rude,” this year.
Levy described the desired aesthetic for the music as distinctly Peaches, appreciating her self-aware approach that balances humor and sincerity. The show, titled “Big Mistakes,” is set against a backdrop of organized crime, blackmail, and complex family dynamics. Levy stars as Pastor Nicky, a gay pastor who must conceal his relationship due to societal expectations regarding his role, while navigating a contentious relationship with his two sisters: one a people-pleaser, played by Abby Quinn, and the other a cynical underachiever, played by Taylor Ortega.
As co-creator and showrunner, Levy took charge of casting, with Laurie Metcalf being the first actor to join the project. He expressed immense gratitude for Metcalf's quick acceptance of the role, which she approached from her theatrical background, treating each scene meticulously as if it were a stage play.
The writing process for Levy involved crafting lengthy scenes that offered actors ample room to explore their characters, countering the trend in contemporary television to hurriedly navigate through scripts. He emphasized his commitment to challenging audiences, believing in their capacity for engagement rather than catering to potentially diminished attention spans.
In his quest for an on-screen sister to match his character’s dynamic, Levy was determined to find someone whose chemistry would mirror the successful bond he had with Annie Murphy in “Schitt's Creek.” He found that in Taylor Ortega, whose most notable role prior was as the antagonist in the Disney channel film “Kim Possible.” Levy expressed excitement over Ortega's potential and the authentic blend of sibling rivalry and love they bring to their characters.
In assuming the role of Pastor Nicky, Levy joins a lineage of comedic portrayals of faith figures, reminiscent of performances by Adam Brody in “Nobody Wants This” and Andrew Scott in “Fleabag.” When asked whether viewers would adopt a nickname akin to "Hot Rabbi" for his character, Levy responded with humor, suggesting that such a moniker was not a primary concern, yet he remains open to audience interpretations of his character.
With a focus on blending humor with depth and heart, Levy's “Big Mistakes” promises to deliver a fresh take on familiar themes, making it a highly anticipated addition to Netflix's lineup.
