Netflix Releases Mating Season from Big Mouth Creators

The creative team behind the long-running animated series Big Mouth has launched a new project on Netflix titled Mating Season [1]. Released on May 22, 2026, the show trades the human puberty-focused narratives of its predecessor for the lives of forest animals, maintaining a similar style of raunchy, adult-oriented humor [1, 2].

Key takeaways

• Mating Season is created by Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett [1].
• The series follows a core group of animals, including a bear named Josh, a raccoon named Ray, a deer named Fawn, and a fox named Penelope [1].
• The show features a large ensemble of guest stars, including Jason Alexander, Timothy Olyphant, and Sarah Silverman [1].
• While the series shares a comedic DNA with Big Mouth, critics note that the animal setting allows the writers to explore sexual themes with fewer limitations [1, 2].

From Puberty to the Forest

The series centers on four main characters who navigate life and relationships in the woods, often gathering at a local bar called The Watering Hole [1]. Josh, a bear voiced by Zach Woods, struggles with low self-esteem following a breakup, while his friend Ray, voiced by Nick Kroll, is depicted as a raccoon constantly seeking romantic encounters [1, 2]. The group is rounded out by Fawn, a deer voiced by June Diane Raphael, and Penelope, a fox voiced by Sabrina Jalees [1]. Much of the show's conflict arises from the characters' interactions with a variety of other animals, portrayed by a rotating cast of high-profile guest stars [1]. For instance, Timothy Olyphant provides the voice for a wolf named Dylan, who becomes a recurring romantic interest for Fawn [1].

Tone and Reception

Reviewers have observed that the series functions as a spiritual successor to Big Mouth, utilizing a similar blend of crude humor and character-driven storytelling [1, 2]. While the show relies on sexual innuendo and physical comedy, it also emphasizes the supportive relationships between the lead characters [1]. Some critics noted that the series experiences a "rocky start" as it establishes its tone, but suggested that the writing strengthens as the season progresses and the characters begin to stand on their own [2]. By moving away from the "shock value" of its premise, the show finds its footing by focusing on the specific personalities of its animal cast [1].

Why it matters

Mating Season represents a continuation of the creative partnership between Nick Kroll and his collaborators, who have established a distinct brand of adult animation on Netflix [2]. Although the series is not expected to reach the same scale of popularity as Big Mouth, its focus on character development and its ability to utilize the medium of animation for inventive storytelling suggest a long-term potential for the project [1, 2]. As the first season concludes without fully resolving the characters' personal arcs, there is an expectation that the series will continue, with reviewers noting that a renewal is likely [1].