Behind the Scenes of a New Comedy: How Dan Levy Moves Forward

A Pastor, a Teacher, and the Mob: The Unlikely Duo Behind the New Series

Dan Levy, the visionary behind the Emmy-winning Schitt’s Creek, is back with a bold new project: Big Mistakes—a comedy that thrives on misfortune, crime, and unexpected bonds. The series follows a pastor and his sister (a teacher) whose lives spiral into chaos after a series of blunders, dragging them into the world of organized crime. Levy’s inspiration? His own paralyzing fear of losing control.

"Freedom is everything to me," he admits. "The thought of being trapped in a situation I couldn’t escape? That’s terrifying—and hilarious."

A Cast That Steals the Show

Levy’s sharp eye for talent shines in Big Mistakes. Taylor Ortega steps into the sister’s role with effortless charm, while Laurie Metcalf—already a legend—plays their mother. Levy’s gamble paid off.

"Even if the whole show flops," he jokes, "she’ll steal the scene."

Filmed in New Jersey, this marks Levy’s first solo project since Schitt’s Creek. But comparisons? He’s unbothered.

"Every show has its own magic," he says. "I just want something that feels right to me."

From MTV VJ to Emmy-Winning Showrunner

Levy’s path to television wasn’t conventional. Before writing, he was an MTV VJ—a role he admits was a mismatch for his reserved nature.

"Interviewing strangers? In front of a camera? Nope," he laughs. Yet, his time at MTV became a masterclass in storytelling, teaching him to write, edit, and produce—skills that later shaped Schitt’s Creek.

The Accidental Birth of a Cultural Phenomenon

Schitt’s Creek was a gamble from the start. The title alone divided opinions.

"Everyone either loved it or hated it," Levy recalls. But the premise—a wealthy family forced into a rundown motel after financial ruin—struck a chord. Its Emmy success cemented its place in pop culture, with Catherine O’Hara’s Moira Rose turning even the smallest moments into internet gold.

Levy revisited the real-life town that inspired the show last month: Goodwood, Ontario, population 689. The town’s warmth quelled any nerves about the name adaptation.

"We were nervous," he admits. "But they welcomed us with open arms."

Today, the motel set is a shop selling crafts and Schitt’s Creek memorabilia, with a book honoring O’Hara’s legacy.

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A Legacy Too Precious to Recreate

O’Hara’s sudden passing in January left an irreplaceable void. "It’s too hard to go back," Levy admits, his voice heavy. "But the memories? Those are priceless."

He remembers her on-set energy, her sharp wit, even her offline knack for humor.

"She knew how to meme," he chuckles. "Even offline."

For now, Big Mistakes offers a fresh start—but some stories can’t be rewritten. Some laughter lingers just beyond the screen.