Plot: When Puberty Gets Animated (and Ridiculous)

The premise of Big Mouth is simple but ridiculously effective: it follows a group of middle-schoolers as they navigate the terrifying waters of puberty. Hormonal chaos, embarrassing crushes, body changes—everything is amplified through the lens of humor and absurdity. The series doesn’t just stick to laughs; it also explores themes like friendship, identity, and mental health, offering a surprisingly thoughtful take amidst all the hilarity.

Story Without Spoilers: Relatable Chaos in Animated Form

At its heart, Big Mouth is about growing up, and the story pulls no punches in showcasing the awkwardness of those early teenage years. Each episode explores a different aspect of adolescence, whether it’s the horrors of sex ed, the confusion of first crushes, or the struggle to fit in. What makes the series so engaging is how it turns these universal experiences into wildly entertaining stories.

It’s raunchy and ridiculous, sure, but there’s an honesty to the storytelling that makes it all resonate. Beneath the crude jokes and surreal scenarios, there’s a deep understanding of what it’s like to feel out of place in your own body and mind.

Main Characters: Hormone Monsters and All

The characters in Big Mouth are what truly bring the series to life. Each one is distinct, relatable, and hilariously flawed, and the voice cast adds an extra layer of brilliance.

• Nick Birch (voiced by Nick Kroll): Nick is the awkward, naive protagonist who’s just starting to experience puberty. His journey is one of self-discovery, with plenty of awkward moments along the way.
• Andrew Glouberman (voiced by John Mulaney): Nick’s best friend, Andrew, is the poster child for hormonal chaos. Mulaney’s comedic timing makes Andrew’s cringe-worthy experiences even funnier.
• Jessie Glaser (voiced by Jessi Klein): Jessie is a fiercely independent girl grappling with her parents’ divorce and her own changing emotions. She’s one of the more grounded and relatable characters.
• Hormone Monsters: Maurice (Nick Kroll) and Connie (Maya Rudolph) are the literal manifestations of puberty, guiding—or rather, misguiding—the kids through their hormonal adventures. They’re outrageous, inappropriate, and absolutely hilarious.
• Missy Foreman-Greenwald (voiced by Jenny Slate and later Ayo Edebiri): Missy is the sweet and awkward friend whose journey of self-identity adds depth to the series.

The supporting cast, including characters like Coach Steve and Lola, add even more humor and chaos to the mix.

Positives: Why Big Mouth Stands Out

What makes Big Mouth such a standout series is its fearless approach to taboo topics. Puberty is an uncomfortable subject, but the show tackles it head-on with a mix of humor and honesty. It’s not afraid to be crass or absurd, but it also knows when to slow down and address serious issues like mental health, body image, and relationships.

The writing is sharp, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and clever pop culture references. The animation style, though intentionally crude, adds to the show’s charm. And the voice acting is top-notch, with each actor perfectly capturing their character’s quirks and insecurities.

Negatives: Where It Misses the Mark

While Big Mouth is undeniably entertaining, it’s not for everyone. The humor is often raunchy and over-the-top, which might not sit well with all viewers. There are times when the show leans too heavily on shock value, and the jokes can feel repetitive.

Some storylines, particularly in the later seasons, tend to drag or feel less focused. And while the surreal elements add to the comedy, they can occasionally overshadow the more grounded aspects of the story.

What We Liked about Big Mouth

The show’s ability to mix outrageous humor with heartfelt storytelling is its biggest strength. It’s not just about making you laugh; it’s about making you feel seen. The characters are relatable in their awkwardness, and their journeys are as cringy as they are endearing.

The Hormone Monsters are an absolute highlight, stealing every scene they’re in with their ridiculous antics and questionable advice. And the show’s willingness to tackle serious topics with humor and sensitivity is commendable.

What Didn’t Work for Us

The humor can sometimes feel a bit much, especially when it relies on shock value. And while the characters are generally well-written, certain arcs feel underdeveloped or rushed.

Final Thoughts: A Cringe-Worthy Yet Heartfelt Masterpiece

Big Mouth is not your typical animated series. It’s bold, it’s hilarious, and it’s brutally honest about the messy realities of growing up. For anyone who’s ever cringed at their middle-school memories (so, basically everyone), this show offers a cathartic and laugh-filled trip down memory lane.

That said, it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. The humor is crude, the scenarios are ridiculous, and the characters are unapologetically messy. But if you can handle the chaos, you’ll find a series that’s as insightful as it is entertaining.

Whether you’re here for the laughs, the nostalgia, or the relatable chaos, Big Mouth delivers on all fronts. It’s a show that embraces the awkwardness of growing up and turns it into comedy gold.

So, if you’re in the mood for something bold, hilarious, and unapologetically real, Big Mouth might just be your next favorite series. It’s a wild ride through the ups and downs of puberty, and it’s one you won’t soon forget.