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.

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 admire how this show sheds light on the challenges people face with mental health in a captivating and entertaining manner. It's evident that the writers have a deep understanding of the subject matter. They explore the all-too-common scenarios of doctors failing to listen and being hesitant to explore new treatment approaches due to accountability concerns. Moreover, the show bravely tackles the issue of individuals not receiving accurate diagnoses or refusing help due to apprehensions about medications and treatments, as well as the harmful misconception that happiness can be achieved with the flip of a switch. By addressing these crucial issues surrounding mental health and its treatment, the show serves as a powerful advocate for those struggling with mental health issues. Personally, it resonated deeply with me, and for that, I am truly grateful. Thank you for crafting such a meaningful portrayal.

This series is witty and insightful. Nicola Coughlans performance as always was outstanding and drew you in to connect with the characters and what she is going through. Lydia West was the perfect companion to Nicola and to Maggie. I felt the preformed was so believable as a best friend just trying to be there and support. Really relatable to many different situations relating to a friend's mental heath. I loved how they portrayed bipolar disorder and the gravity it has on someone's life. They didn't backdown from the serious side as well as the light hearted elements sprinkled throughout. I just loved it all really hope for season 2 as the ending needs answers!

I guess the writer hoped that giving the series such a downbeat ending might increase its chances of being renewed, if enough viewers want to see if things can get better? Kind of like a cliffhanger, but depressing rather than suspenseful.

Nicola Coughlan as Maggie and Lydia West as Eddie give strong performances, but the series seems more like sketch comedy with recurring characters rather than a coherent story. It might work better with a different narrative structure.

What was the audience meant to take away from this? That mental illness sucks? That chronic mental illness can mess with your friendships and prevent you from working? It succeeded in conveying that, and more -- even your best friend can be clueless about what you're going through, and good intentions aren't always enough.

Maybe watching this is useful for people who don't have experience of mental illness, whether their own or a friend or family member's.

But for me, it was just disheartening, particularly ending at that point in Maggie's story.