Nicola Coughlan Emphasizes Big Mood's Balanced Portrayal of Bipolar Disorder
Nicola Coughlan has made it clear that Channel 4's acclaimed comedy-drama Big Mood was never intended to be labeled as "the bipolar show." In a recent interview with Metro ahead of the series' second season, Coughlan, alongside co-star Lydia West, highlighted the show's nuanced approach to mental health, focusing on friendship and character depth rather than reducing its narrative to a single issue.
A Character-Driven Narrative
Starring Coughlan and West as best friends Maggie and Eddie, Big Mood premiered in 2024 to widespread praise for its authentic depiction of how Maggie's bipolar disorder impacts their evolving relationship. Coughlan explained, "It's just an aspect of who Maggie is. It's not her whole character." The role was specifically written for Coughlan by creator Camilla Whitehill, who met the Derry Girls star during their time at drama school in Oxford.
Coughlan, also known for her role as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton, pointed out the common misunderstandings surrounding bipolar disorder. "Often people don't understand what bipolar disorder is and how it manifests," she said. "How it makes daily life really difficult, how hard it is to manage and medicate, and how extreme the extremes can be." She praised Whitehill's writing for exploring these complexities with sensitivity and depth.
Educating Through Experience, Not Lessons
The magic of Big Mood lies in its ability to tackle heavy topics with humor and warmth, allowing audiences to learn organically. Coughlan stated, "I think it would be difficult if we set out to teach a lesson. I don't think we'd teach it. You learn a lot more by just experiencing and going, 'Oh, right, okay.' It then opens conversations that maybe happen after the show."
Lydia West, star of It's A Sin, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the show's broader appeal. "It is about bipolar, but it's also incredibly funny, and it speaks to a millennial audience," she said. "There's so much people can gain from it, as well as destigmatizing mental illnesses, like lessons on life and friendships. If we can help people that are suffering from bipolar disorder, or relatives going through any kind of mental illness, it's amazing. But yeah, it wasn't the goal."
Navigating Friendship and Conflict in Season Two
The second season of Big Mood opens with a dilemma: whether there is still space for Maggie in Eddie's life. This plotline taps into modern conflicts, such as the online encouragement to cut out toxic friends to protect one's peace. When asked for advice on navigating such situations, both actresses shared thoughtful perspectives.
"I don't think cutting someone out or estrangement is always the worst thing," Lydia remarked. Nicola agreed, adding, "I think if someone really hurts you a lot repeatedly, then you have to go, 'Actually, that's not good for me.'" Lydia further explained, "There's a lot of promoting: 'Work it out, see it through.' All these old sayings, like 'blood is thicker than water.' But you have a choice. If you have changed, and you've tried, and someone maybe hasn't respected your boundaries, you can go no contact. In Maggie and Eddie's case, they're not ready for that. They want to be in each other's lives."
New Challenges and Personal Reflections
Season two introduces Whitney, played by Hannah Onslow, Eddie's new friend from the US who describes herself as a "light-worker" focused on spirituality and healing. This character adds tension to Maggie and Eddie's friendship. Coughlan shared her personal take on such themes, admitting, "I would love a place for that in my life, but I'm quite rational-brained. Annoyingly, I'm more practical of a person than I would like to think I am."
She continued, "I wish I had more space for it, because when people are really into it, like Aimee Lou Wood, for example – she's so gorgeous – she's super into star signs. I want to believe in it, but I think then the practical side of my brain goes, 'Do you actually? Do you?'" Coughlan humorously noted, "They always say you know you're doing really badly if you get tarot readers on TikTok. When they start appearing, I'm like, 'Ok, I'm gonna go for a walk.'"
Big Mood returns to Channel 4 on April 16, continuing its blend of comedy, drama, and heartfelt exploration of mental health and friendship.
