Big Mood

Big Mood is a comedy series brilliantly set in the bustling landscape of 2020s London, offering a raw and often hilarious glimpse into the lives of two inseparable best friends, Maggie (Lydia West) and Eddie (Nicola Coughlan). Their friendship, which has steadfastly endured for a decade, faces its toughest test yet as they navigate the relentless pressures of contemporary adult life. This includes the ever-increasing demands of their careers, the complexities of personal growth, and, most profoundly, the pervasive challenges surrounding mental health in today's society.

What immediately struck me about Big Mood is its remarkable ability to blend sharp, observational humor with deeply resonant emotional truths. It's truly a realistic and humorous dramedy that never shies away from the more difficult aspects of its characters' lives, instead choosing to tackle heavy topics with an intelligent and surprisingly light touch. The writing is incredibly smart, often weaving laugh-out-loud moments into scenes that are inherently tense or poignant, creating a viewing experience that feels both authentic and genuinely entertaining. It avoids the trap of becoming overly preachy or melodramatic, opting instead for a nuanced exploration of its themes.

My absolute favorite character, without a doubt, is Maggie. Portrayed with incredible depth and vulnerability by Nicola Coughlan, Maggie is a whirlwind of wit, charm, and sometimes, profound struggle. What truly sets her apart is the show's unflinching and remarkably accurate portrayal of bipolar disorder. It's handled with a sensitivity and realism that is rarely seen on screen, showing the full spectrum of the condition-from the exhilarating highs to the crushing lows-without resorting to stereotypes or trivialization. Maggie's journey is a compelling anchor for the series, and Coughlan's performance is nothing short of captivating, allowing viewers to empathize deeply with her experiences, even when her choices are challenging.

The dynamic between Maggie and Eddie is the beating heart of the show. Their chemistry is palpable, making their decade-long bond feel entirely believable. They support each other, challenge each other, and sometimes, inevitably, hurt each other, mirroring the complexities of real-life friendships. The series excels at showcasing how external pressures, such as career stagnation or the expectation to "have it all figured out," can ripple through even the strongest of relationships, forcing individuals to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their connections.

I wholeheartedly recommend Big Mood to anyone seeking a show that offers more than just superficial laughs. If you're looking for a series that thoughtfully explores the intricacies of modern friendship, the often-unseen battles with mental health, and the general messiness of being an adult in the 2020s, this is a must-watch. It's a show that will make you laugh, make you think, and ultimately, make you feel a little less alone in navigating your own big mood.

Big Mood, starring Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West and written by Camilla Whitehill, is an absolute triumph! This dynamic duo brings an infectious energy to the screen, infusing each episode with warmth, wit, and charm. Coughlan and West's chemistry is undeniable, effortlessly drawing viewers into their world and leaving them wanting more with each passing moment. Whitehill's writing is sharp and poignant, tackling relevant topics with grace and humor. From laugh-out-loud moments to touching revelations, Big Mood delivers an unforgettable viewing experience that leaves audiences feeling inspired and uplifted. With its stellar cast and brilliant writing, Big Mood is a true gem that deserves all the praise it receives.

I'll start with the disclaimer that I didn't think of this show as a comedy at all. I love Nicola Coughlan and thought she was great in this as was Lydia West - I enjoyed watching the characters navigate their 30s, their health and their friendship. However, overall it felt a bit rushed. It was a bit like Fleabag in how it had instances of important topics like mental health and abusive relationships but didn't address the issues much, and breezed past.

I appreciated the levity, but something about the show felt incomplete - I definitely enjoyed the show but the balance of levity and darkness was off to me - I hope we get a season 2 because I'd like to see the characters and episodes more rounded.

I really wanted to like the series. The characters are very interesting and the first episode had some lol moments but tbh it's not a comedy and that's what I wanted.

It definitely has potential to be a profound show but this trend of switching/bending comedies into hard core drama is being over done imo (and has been for years).

Sometimes people just want to have a laugh and skip the deeper issues.

If you're wanting a deep thinker; give it a go but if you're wanting a comedy then move on.

Lastly, let me reiterate again: IMDB PLEASE STOP FORCING US TO WRITE SUCH LONG REVIEWS! I literally just applied for a job that required fewer characters as a letter of introduction!

I thought it was entertaining enough to watch the season but some of the writing felt disjointed. Not in the fact that it went between comedic and darker tones, I enjoy that, but in other ways it felt like two different shows. Maybe that was intentional? Maggie had some good stories, shenanigans, funny one liners, and some more sympathetic moments, but Eddie's story was more cheesy and predictable, especially the parts with her mom, which were pretty soapy/teen movie-y. I also didn't really enjoy any of the secondary characters, who were either a bit too zany to be believable or just kinda there.