Cartoons have been a staple in the world of entertainment for decades, providing people of all ages with laughter, joy, and insight into the human condition. One of the most beloved and successful cartoons in recent years is none other than “Big Mouth.”
“Big Mouth” is an American animated sitcom created by Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett. It first premiered on Netflix in 2017 and has since gained a massive following and critical acclaim for its unique blend of humor, heart, and brutally honest portrayal of puberty and adolescence.
The show centers around a group of middle school friends, Nick Birch (voiced by Nick Kroll), Andrew Glouberman (voiced by John Mulaney), and Jessi Glaser (voiced by Jessi Klein), as they navigate the awkward and confusing journey of growing up. What sets “Big Mouth” apart from other cartoons is its use of hormone monsters, physical manifestations of the characters’ raging hormones, which add an extra layer of hilarity to the already relatable and funny situations.
The titular character, “Big Mouth,” refers to the hormone monster assigned to Andrew, voiced by Nick Kroll himself. As the personification of Andrew’s puberty-driven desires, “Big Mouth” is crude, uninhibited, and always pushing Andrew to explore his burgeoning sexuality. He is often seen as the conscience or alter ego of Andrew, constantly reminding him of his desires and encouraging him to act on them.
The cartoon has received praise for its accurate depiction of puberty and its ability to make the often taboo topics of sexuality, puberty, and adolescence approachable and relatable. It also features an incredible cast of voice actors, including Jenny Slate, Fred Armisen, Maya Rudolph, and Jordan Peele, who bring the characters to life with their exceptional comedic timing and delivery.
Aside from the main trio, “Big Mouth” also boasts a diverse and well-developed cast of supporting characters, such as Nick’s best friend, Jay Bilzerian, who is known for his excessive masturbation and crude sense of humor, and Jessi’s friend Missy Foreman-Greenwald, who is fiercely intelligent and often acts as the voice of reason.
In addition to its clever writing and talented voice cast, “Big Mouth” is also known for its impressive celebrity guest appearances. The show has featured the likes of David Thewlis, Jon Hamm, Maya Rudolph, and even the legendary Rolling Stones frontman, Mick Jagger.
One of the most notable aspects of “Big Mouth” is its willingness to tackle difficult and important subjects, such as LGBTQ+ representation, mental health, and consent, in a smart and sensitive manner. It has been praised for its inclusivity and its ability to educate its audience while still being entertaining and funny.
In conclusion, “Big Mouth” is not your average cartoon. With its unique concept, talented cast, and thought-provoking themes, it has cemented itself as one of the most beloved and talked-about shows in recent years. Whether you are going through puberty, have gone through it, or are just looking for a good laugh, “Big Mouth” is a must-watch for any fan of quality animation.