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In its newly dropped third season, the series is still operating in that same hormonal middle-school milieu.
It staged a few musical numbers in its first two seasons and in this years Valentines Day special.
Season twos Planned Parenthood episode, with its sexual-health-themed sketches, was a terrific diversion from the usual.
But season three throws tonal and stylistic curveballs even more frequently.
But puberty is also the human equivalent of molting.
Kids shed the skins theyve been wearing since kindergarten and start to look for different ones to wear.
They push boundaries note: this is why its hard to parent preteens and they seek new experiences.
Some of them are the sexual kind.
But some of them are not.
We see Matthew (Andrew Rannells) embark on his first real romantic relationship with a gay peer.
But we witness other transformations, too.
(Note: Major spoilers ahead.)
Missy swears off communicating with all three boys.
Sometimes that shift is temporary and friends find each other again.
Sometimes it isnt and they dont.
Its a testament to this show that we feel so heartbroken for these kids.
We know because weve been there.
Thats what makesBig Mouthsuch a great coming-of-age story.
Its not just the raunchy humor and brilliant one-liners, although those are also exceptional.
This is a show that understands and depicts puberty in all its uncomfortable shades and colors.
It gets how awkward it is that your body constantly plays practical jokes on you at that age.
Growing up pushes you aggressively into new situations.
Growing uphurts.Big Mouthseason three doesnt let you forget it.
