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

Dan Levy, known for creating the hit show "Schitt's Creek, " is back with a fresh project called "Big Mistakes. " This time, the comedy follows an unexpected duo—a pastor and his sister, a teacher—who find themselves tangled up with organized crime after a series of missteps. Levy admits the idea came from his own fear of losing control. "Freedom is everything to me, " he shared. "The thought of being stuck in a situation I couldn’t escape? That’s terrifying—and hilarious. " The show’s casting brings together a mix of fresh and familiar faces. Taylor Ortega plays the sister, bringing natural chemistry to the role. But Levy’s real win was snagging Laurie Metcalf as their mother. "Even if the whole show flops, " he joked, "she’ll steal the scene. " Filmed in New Jersey, "Big Mistakes" marks Levy’s first solo project since "Schitt's Creek. " He’s not stressing about comparisons though. "Every show has its own magic, " he said. "I just want something that feels right to me. " Levy’s path to television wasn’t straightforward. Before writing shows, he was an MTV VJ—a role he admits didn’t suit his shy personality. "Interviewing strangers? In front of a camera? Nope, " he laughed. Luckily, his years at MTV taught him more than just hosting. He learned to write, edit, and produce—skills that later shaped "Schitt's Creek. "That breakout show started as a wild idea. Even the title raised eyebrows. "Everyone either loved it or hated it, " Levy recalled. But the name fit perfectly—a family forced into a tiny motel after losing everything. The show’s success at the Emmys proved its charm. Catherine O’Hara, who played the dramatic matriarch Moira Rose, even turned a random fruit wine commercial into an internet sensation. Levy revisited the real-life town that inspired "Schitt's Creek" last month. Goodwood, Ontario, with just 689 residents, embraced the fictional version with open arms. "We were nervous about the name, " he said. "But the town was so welcoming. " Today, the old motel is now a local shop selling crafts and "Schitt's Creek" merch, with a book honoring O’Hara’s memory. Her sudden passing in January left a gap no sequel could fill. "It’s too hard to go back, " Levy admitted, voice breaking. "But the memories? Those are priceless. " He remembers her joy on set and her knack for humor. "Even offline, she knew how to meme, " he chuckled. For now, "Big Mistakes" offers a new chapter—but some stories can’t be rewritten.