Netflix’s ‘Big Mistakes’ Season 2 Renewal Sparks Fan Fury — But Dan Levy Has a Plan

When a streaming giant gives a high-profile creator a second season, you’d expect confetti, not confusion. Yet Netflix’s decision to renew Dan Levy’s crime comedy Big Mistakes has left subscribers scratching their heads — and firing off salty tweets. The Schitt’s Creek darling may have earned a golden ticket for another eight episodes, but a vocal chunk of the audience is calling it a “huge mistake” of its own.

From Rosebud to Rivalry: Dan Levy’s Post-Schitt’s Creek Gamble

It’s been nearly six years since Schitt’s Creek swept the Emmys, and Dan Levy has been carefully curating his next act. The actor, writer, and producer — who famously played the pansexual, sardonic David Rose opposite his real-life father Eugene Levy — has traded small-town motel life for organized crime. Big Mistakes, which dropped on Netflix last month, follows bickering siblings Nicky (Levy) and Morgan (Taylor Ortega) as they are blackmailed into a world of mobsters, heists, and family dysfunction.

It’s a tonal pivot from the warm, quotidian absurdity of Schitt’s Creek into something darker, but still laced with Levy’s trademark wit. The eight-episode first season arrived with considerable expectations — and a 79% Rotten Tomatoes score that suggested critics were mostly on board. But the audience? That’s where things got messy.

A Renewal That Divided the Internet

Netflix announced the Season 2 pickup on X (formerly Twitter) with the saccharine post: “To family… Dan Levy’s Big Mistakes is coming back for season two!” The response was immediate — and brutal. One subscriber shot back, “Not canceling the show was a bigger mistake.” Another compared it unfavorably to XO, Kitty, writing, “This series is more of a flop than XO Kitty, and already got a renewal? Y’all will tank.”

Social media lit up with skepticism. “I’m surprised it got renewed after those mid-season rating reports,” one user commented, while a fellow critic simply stated, “Huge mistake.” According to IMDb, early reviews described the first season as “irritating,” “annoying,” and carrying an “insufferable script.” The backlash wasn’t universal — loyal fans called it “absolutely loved” — but the noise was loud enough to make the renewal feel like a gamble.

Why Netflix Bet on Dan Levy Despite the Backlash

To understand the renewal, you have to look beyond the Twitter storm. Netflix has long operated on a data-driven model that values completion rates, global viewership, and — crucially — the creator’s long-term brand. Dan Levy isn’t just a star; he’s a multi-hyphenate whose name carries prestige, awards credibility, and a built-in audience from Schitt’s Creek. Even a middling show from Levy likely draws more eyeballs than a polished original from an unknown.

Industry analysts note that Netflix often gives sophomore seasons to shows with strong initial buzz, even if the numbers dip mid-season. The goal is to nurture creative partnerships. Levy himself teased this in an X video announcing the news: “We’ve been secretly writing season two for a little bit, and I can assure you bigger mistakes are made.” He also hinted at a meticulously planned arc, saying, “Obviously, I have a meticulous plan for this season and the series to be honest. So a lot of gratitude.”

What the Cast Brings to the Table

Beyond Levy, Big Mistakes boasts a sharp ensemble that includes Taylor Ortega as the exasperated teacher Morgan, Abby Quinn as Natalie, and Laurie Metcalf as Linda. Metcalf — a four-time Emmy winner — lends the series a gravitas that belies its sometimes anarchic tone. The chemistry between the sibling leads is the show’s engine, even when the script veers into what detractors call “insufferable” territory.

• Dan Levy (Nicky) — the chaotic, bumbling brother dragged into crime
• Taylor Ortega (Morgan) — the resentful sister with a moral compass
• Abby Quinn (Natalie) — a neighborhood friend with hidden loyalties
• Laurie Metcalf (Linda) — the matriarch of the underworld, equal parts menace and maternal

The second season will likely deepen these dynamics — and, if Levy’s promise holds, push them into even more outrageous territory.

Rotten Tomatoes vs. IMDb: The Split Screen

The critical consensus (79% on Rotten Tomatoes) suggests the show has genuine strengths — tight pacing, Levy’s comedic timing, and a premise that riffs on Fargo and Get Shorty. But audience scores on IMDb tell a different story, with many reviews panning the dialogue and tone. This split isn’t unusual for a show with a high-profile creator; expectations are higher, and any misstep amplifies.

Some fans argue that Big Mistakes simply needed time to find its footing. The first season ended on a cliffhanger that set up a larger conspiracy, and Levy has hinted that Season 2 will lean harder into the serialized mystery. For viewers who found the pilot “annoying,” the question is whether the payoff will justify the early bumps.

What Season 2 Could Mean for Netflix’s Comedy Slate

Netflix has had a mixed track record with high-concept comedies in recent years. The Kominsky Method ended after three seasons; Space Force was canceled after two; and Girls5eva was saved by Netflix only to be dropped after a single season on the platform. Renewing Big Mistakes signals that the streamer is willing to be patient with a name-brand talent — especially one who could deliver future projects.

Levy’s off-screen influence also matters. He’s not just a showrunner; he’s a producer who has already inked a multi-year deal with Netflix. This renewal is as much about keeping Levy in the family as it is about the show’s current performance. As one industry insider put it, “Netflix is playing the long game with Levy. They’re betting that his vision will crystallize in Season 2.”

Looking Ahead: Bigger Mistakes, Bigger Gambles

For every disappointed tweet, there’s a viewer who found the show refreshingly unpredictable. The fanbase may be smaller than Schitt’s Creek’s, but it’s vocal — and it’s growing. Levy’s “meticulous plan” suggests he knows exactly where this story is headed, and if he can tighten the scripts and let his cast off the leash, Big Mistakes could evolve into a cult hit.

The real test will come when Season 2 lands. If Levy delivers on his promise of “bigger mistakes,” the divided audience might just become a united one. And if not? Well, Netflix still has a very long list of shows waiting for a second chance.

Disclaimer - All celebrity-related content, information, and images on this website are based on publicly available online sources and AI-generated insights/data. Information such as biography, age, career, personal details, and images may change without notice over time. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of any information or imagery displayed on this website. This content is provided for general informational purposes only.