By Sabrina Novacov
I pressed play expecting faith, I got chaos instead.
If you go into Big Mistakes expecting a genuine heartfelt faith-based story, then that’s a Big Mistake. Labeling it around “faith” only sets up the wrong expectations.
The new Netflix series is currently trending and gaining a lot of media attention, with the plan for Season 2 already in motion by the creators. I had seen it labeled online as “faith-based” and with a “faith-based premise”, so I went in expecting something that at least respected or thoughtfully explored themes of faith. Instead, within the first ten minutes, I was genuinely shocked and not in a good way.
Let’s start with the premise: two deeply incapable siblings get blackmailed and become entangled into working in organized crime. Stories about flawed people can co-exist with faith themes, however, it’s important to note how those elements are handled that matters most.
One of the main characters, played by Dan Levy, is introduced as a Priest. At first glance, that could set up a meaningful exploration of inner conflict or redemption. Instead, the show portrays him as living a double life, hiding a secret romantic relationship while actively deceiving his Church in several ways. Rather than treating this tension with care, it comes across more as a setup for humor at the expense of the character’s role and responsibility.
Then there’s the storyline involving the siblings attempting to get a diamond necklace for their dying grandmother. What could have been a heartfelt or morally grounded plot quickly turns into something else entirely when the sister steals the necklace, only for it to belong to gang members. Seems super unrealistic to me too. Again, this could be part of a redemption storyline or a lesson in consequences, but the tone leans heavily into chaos and comedy rather than reflection or growth.
Finally, the Priest’s involvement with the gang, while hiding it from his Church, pushes the narrative even further away from anything that resembles a proper faith-centered story.
Faith-based content can show people’s journeys and their mistakes along the way, but it usually aims to point towards truth, redemption, grace, or at the very least, a respectful engagement with faith. Big Mistakes often feels like it’s using faith as a backdrop for satire rather than something to explore with sincerity. That’s what made the experience disappointing.
If you’re looking for faith stories full of heart, you will find it here at Great American Media. It’s a place where faith isn’t treated like a punchline, but as the foundation of the story itself. With heartfelt storytelling, clear values, and a genuine respect for what faith means to audiences, we continue to deliver content that actually lives up to our mission. And for even more uplifting, faith-filled movies, you can subscribe to Great American Pure Flix, where stories are rooted in purpose, inspiration, and truth, offering a streaming home for those who want entertainment without compromising your values, which we will always care for deeply.
Let me know in the comments section below your thoughts if you watched the show!