I did NOT like the adult-themed, animated TV series Big Mouth the first few times I watched it.
I found it crude, vulgar and over-the-top. Not to mention chaotic and weird. I was not a fan!
But I am so glad that I listened to our daughter. She’s a huge fan of the show and refused to give up on me until I gave it another shot.
“Mom, Big Mouth is educational. I’ve learned a lot from this show. I think you would like it!” she urged.
When I asked what kind of things this show had taught her, thinking it was just about sex and masturbation, she said it also covered topics like emotions, friendships, dating, how to say no to drugs at parties, how to deal with mental health issues and more.
I relented and agreed to watch the first season with her. I promised to keep an open mind. Wouldn’t you know it – she was right. By midway through the first season, I was hooked on the show’s endearingly real characters, often gross humor and unflinching honesty. A quick online search found other reviewers agree that Big Mouth, though bawdy, can be quite educational for teens.
Big Mouth is funny, edgy and clever – and yes, there are life lessons and even some sweet moments hidden within every raunchy episode.
While watching with our teen, I started making a game out of trying to find the moral message hidden within each episode. Sometimes it’s obvious: right there in the episode title. Other times, one has to think deeply to discern what underlying message is coming through amidst the messy shenanigans on-screen.
Here are the lessons Z and I gleaned from each episode of season one of Big Mouth:
- Ep 1: Everything is embarrassing
- Ep 2: Being a woman is misery (hint: it’s about periods)
- Ep. 3: It’s okay to think you’re gay, and it’s okay if you are or if you’re not!
- Ep. 4: Sleepovers are harrowing ordeals of emotional brutality
- Ep. 5: Girls get horny, too
- Ep. 6: Adventures with friends are fun, but can also be scary
- Ep. 7: This one was truly chaotic – no known message that I could find
- Ep. 8: No one likes a head pusher (aka, get consent and don’t pressure people into sex!)
- Ep. 9: Life is a f@*#ed up mess
- Ep. 10: Watching too much porn will seriously mess you up.
I always love watching TV and movies with Z, especially when we can talk through life lessons amidst the laughter.
My overall lesson from watching Big Mouth with her is this: listen to your teen. Try to see things from their perspective. Remember that adults don’t necessarily have all the answers.
Bottom line: anytime your teen wants to spend time with you and share something that they love with you, the right answer is always “Yes!”
