Created by Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg, “Big Mouth” focuses on puberty and sexual health as well as other issues that manifest during development, such as anxiety and depression.
“Big Mouth” is currently on its fifth season and is more dynamic than ever. Many new faces and characters have been introduced, and the characters in the show go through several different experiences that change them and how they view the world.
This new season comes with many guest stars, including Adam Scott as Mr. Keating, Keke Palmer as Rochelle the hate worm, Pamela Adlon as a love bug, Brandon Kyle Goodman as Walter, Kristen Schaal as Bernie Sanders (no, not the one you’re thinking) and Kumal Nanjiani as himself.
Tito the anxiety mosquito and Kitty the depression kitty are also personified through the show. David Thewlis stars as the Shame Wizard, who brings self-doubt, shame and guilt with him wherever he goes.
This era of the show focuses on love and hate and how the two feelings can manifest and take over our actions, for the better or the worse. These emotions are the star of the season and are personified in Walter and Sonya the love bugs, and Rochelle and Walter the hate worms.
One thing that is extremely respectable about the show is that though shame and hate are viewed as negative emotions by society, they are actually natural and okay to feel. Both the positive and negative aspects of the emotions are shown, with Rochelle explaining to Missy that hate isn’t always bad - it can protect you from dangerous situations and ideologies to keep you safe.
The show takes a similar approach to jealousy, an emotion so powerful that there is an entire episode dedicated to it in season 5. All of the characters experience it and learn to work through it rather than let it control their lives. After some self-reflection, many apologies are made and the kids learn that it is better to recognize jealousy, apologize when it influences how you treat others and lead with love instead of hate.
Another praise for the show comes with how it depicts sexual experiences. It covers topics that are left out of many coming-of-age films/shows such as consent, proper education on contraceptives, misogyny and objectification. In season 5, the main topic explored is how to properly communicate about sex and discuss uncomfortable subjects with your partner.
Although the show focuses on middle and high schoolers, many topics in the show pertain to college students and some of the issues often explored in young adult relationships. Everyone should advocate for proper sexual health and education, and season 5 covers some really important aspects of personal health, especially mental health.
These issues are helpful to depict and discuss on screen, as many shows aimed at young adults do not have such a direct approach to issues that actually impact their audience. “Big Mouth” is the perfect depiction of how comedy can intersect with discussions of sex without being offensive.
I recommend this show to everyone, especially those who enjoy comedy. Although it is raunchy, the show sheds a positive light on how we can improve ourselves and advocate for proper sex education.
