BIG MOUTH (Season 6) — The Post HUMAN RESOURCES Era

Review by Adam Donato

Nick Kroll as Maury in Big Mouth. Courtesy of Netflix. © 2022.

Big Mouth has done a great job of churning out a season on a yearly basis. Season six feels less fresh than seasons before because it hasn’t been a year since we’ve seen some of these characters — the spin-off show Human Resources having premiered just half a year ago. While none of the human characters play major roles in that show, the hormone monsters we've come to know and love are front and center. Not only that, but the events of that show continue storylines in Big Mouth. Does one need to watch Human Resources to keep up with Big Mouth? Not necessarily, as there’s a throwaway gag that catches audiences up to speed. That being said, after seeing the latest season of Big Mouth, it’s clear that the show is going through changes, but still not enough changes. 

Usually, every season of Big Mouth has an overarching story surrounding a new hormone monster-type character that is a metaphor for normal problems that pubescent youths face. Whether it’s anxiety or depression, these things manifest as monsters that act as the antagonist for that season. Season six deviates from this formula, which is a refreshing change of pace. Here, we’re more focused on the human drama without being instigated by these metaphorical monsters. While it’s nice to see the show breaking its own mold, it’s becoming increasingly clear that these characters need to start growing up. They’re chronically stuck at this age and the show would benefit by allowing them to grow older. New story possibilities would arise and would allow for natural progression. Everyone feels like they’re in the same place as they were when the show started except they’ve exhausted every relationship combo of our main characters. “I’m going through changes!” Let’s see those changes. How the main characters look growing older and what new problems they face. The show can’t go on forever.

John Mulaney as Andrew, Nick Kroll as Nick and Jason Mantzoukas as Jay in Big Mouth. Courtesy of Netflix. © 2022.

This isn’t a negative review for the new season of Big Mouth. While it’s frustrating the characters feel static in this new season, it’s still full of fun musical numbers and perverted comedy the series was built on. Season six is a lateral move in terms of quality for the series. The two most fresh episodes are "Vagina Shame" and "Dadda Dia!" They’re full of ambition, while the rest of the episodes are more of the same. The same is a very funny show, nonetheless. The standout voice performance of the season would be Ayo Edebiri, who replaces Jenny Slate as Missy. Having a white woman voice actor was problematic and prevented a woman of color from having a starring role. Edebiri doesn’t skip a beat and her storyline is one of the most compelling of the season. 

Big Mouth is due for revitalization, but is still above water with this new season. It’s still as funny as ever and the songs are up to standard with the rest of the series. A focus on the human characters and less so on the hormone monsters certainly feels like a reaction to the spin-off show, but the human characters were the best part anyways. Spin-offs with comedic side characters are rarely up to par with the original product, but it may be spreading the concept too thin. Hopefully, this spells positive change going forward. Until then, enjoy the latest season of Big Mouth on Netflix as it’s still one of the most outrageous comedies on streaming today. 

Big Mouth streams on Netflix beginning October 28. All ten episodes reviewed.

Rating: 4/5