**SPOILER ALERT: ‘Big Mouth” on Nextflix. Season 1 now available to watch***
When it comes to sexual education around young adults and puberty, there are a plethora of movies and resources; however, I would argue that many of those resources are not sex positive, lack essential details on navigating puberty, and focus on heteronormative assumptions. Netflix recently released “Big Mouth,” a show that follows the main characters, Nick and Andrew, two seventh grade boys that are experiencing puberty at different intervals. Andrew is currently dealing with his own hormones which have manifested itself as “Hormone Monster,” while Nick doesn’t seem to yet have acquired his own “Hormone Monster.”
What I personally loved about this show is that they deal with a whole gambit of issues that many adolescents face. Just to name a few: boys feeling inferior about penis size and body hair, male and female masturbation, untimely erections, menstruation, and navigating relationships.
While the show seems to be marketing itself as a educational show for adolescents on their way to puberty, I would argue that any parent review the entire show before allowing preteens to watch. At times, the show can be crude (language and innuendos) and graphic (if you find cartoon vulvas and penises graphic).
Additionally, while the show’s two main characters are two, 7th grade boys, we also have a great side story from their friend, Jessi. A 7th grade female, dealing with getting her first period, being tormented by her own hormone monster, and navigating her own personal family issues. I can honestly say, this is one of the first times I have seen a show that is also sex positive towards girls. While there are some stereotypes about how girls become emotional as they progress through puberty, how many shows feature an adolescent girl looking at her vulva and learning about her body?
(Photos courtesy of The RealReal)
Finally, the show has a gay character, Matthew, that for all intents and purposes, serves as a very stereotypical gay character. Matthew is fashionable, sarcastic, and sometimes a right down ‘mean girl.’ However, I was pleased that they included a gay character in the show. There is even an episode when Andrew thinks he may be gay and turns to Matthew for advice and help. I hope that as the series progresses, we will see some character development and insight into his own sexuality and experiences.
There are a whole plethora of other issues in the show that deal with coming out, pregnancy, consent, and marriage but I will leave out all of the details so there is something for you to still watch and be surprised about in the show.
On a final note, as a sexuality educator, I am so excited to see something this well done on a mainstream venue like Netflix. I hope that the show gets renewed for further seasons. I would also encourage anyone who teaches sexuality to look at this show as a possible education tool–especially a fantastic tool and resource for those looking to be educators themselves.
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