Big Nate' is one of those series that feels like hanging out with an old friend—flaws and all. The main character, Nate Wright, is this lovable troublemaker with a chaotic but hilarious approach to life. He's got this unshakable confidence despite constantly landing in awkward situations, whether it's his crush on Gina or his rivalry with teachers like Mrs. Godfrey. His best friends, Francis and Teddy, are the perfect sidekicks—Francis is the nerdy voice of reason, while Teddy’s just along for the wild ride. Even the side characters like Artur, the overly polite exchange student, or Dee Dee, the sarcastic classmate, add so much flavor. The dynamic between Nate and his dad, who’s perpetually exhausted by his antics, is gold too. It’s the kind of series where even the ‘villains’ (looking at you, Gina’s boyfriend, Chad) feel like part of a messy, relatable universe.
What really stands out is how Lincoln Peirce captures middle school chaos without making it feel exaggerated. Nate’s not a hero—he’s just a kid trying to skate by, and that’s why his disasters (like his doomed attempts at becoming a cartoonist) hit so close to home. The cast feels like a snapshot of real school life, complete with cliques, weird teachers, and cringe-worthy moments. I’ve reread the series as an adult, and it still cracks me up—proof that good characters transcend age.