Netflix’s raunchy Big Mouth special, and four more shows to stream this Valentine’s Day
- The streaming service is loading up with love-related programming to celebrate the occasion
- There is everything from Big Mouth to Dating Around to Friends and Gossip Girls Valentine specials
Whether you’re coupled up or broken up, there are far worse things to do this Valentine’s Day than Netflix and chill. To commemorate the holiday, the streaming service is introducing a slew of love-themed offerings for the hopeless (and cynical) romantic in all of us. Five film, shows and specials you can watch:
Big Mouth: My Furry Valentine
Now streaming.
Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg’s raunchy animated series has a bonus episode that’s just as sweet and smutty as you’d expect from a show that has talking pubic hair and R.E.M.-inspired menstruation anthems. Paying homage to When Harry Met Sally, the special focuses on the core cast of awkward middle-schoolers (voiced by Kroll, John Mulaney and Jenny Slate, among others) as they navigate relationships on Valentine’s Day. Jay (Jason Mantzoukas) is stuck in a love triangle with his sex pillow (Kristen Bell) and couch cushion (Gil Ozeri), while the school’s only openly gay kid, Matthew (Andrew Rannells), finally finds a potential romantic interest.
Ken Jeong: You Complete Me, Ho
Streaming Thursday.
Reuniting with Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu, Jeong’s first Netflix stand-up special was taped in Pasadena, California, last autumn. The hour-long set traces The Masked Singer judge’s journey from medical doctor to breakout star of The Hangover franchise, and his wife, Tran Ho’s, battle with breast cancer.
Dating Around
Streaming Thursday.
Netflix’s first original dating series has a fairly straightforward premise: one person goes on five first dates, and by episode’s end, will pick one lucky contestant to go on a second. But the series’ refreshingly normal participants (all New Yorkers) and creative editing (watching dates unfold simultaneously) make it the “anti-Bachelor,” says Vanity Fair, with The Guardian predicting it’ll be “the next big Netflix breakout hit.”
The Breaker Upperers
Streaming Friday.
If the thought of true love makes your stomach churn, then this offbeat buddy comedy may be just the antidote you need. Produced by Thor: Ragnarok director Taiki Waititi, the New Zealand-set film follows two misanthropic friends (Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami, who also write and direct) who run a business for people who need help breaking up with their significant others. The film premiered at South by Southwest last March and currently holds 90 per cent positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Your favourite Valentine’s episodes
Now streaming.
Like that ex you just can’t quit, there’s no shame in returning to some of your old TV flames. Friends, Gossip Girl and Arrested Development are among many network shows whose Valentine’s-themed episodes are readily available on the site, although we’d personally recommend Galentine’s Day, from Season 2 of Parks and Recreation. The episode introduces Leslie Knope’s (Amy Poehler) tradition of celebrating her female friends every February 13, and features a classic appearance from Ron Swanson’s (Nick Offerman) enigmatic jazz alter ego, Duke Silver.
