When Nick Birch headed off to Cobblestone Academy, fans knew the dynamic of the show was about to shift. Enter Andrew Rubenfeld, a character who basically exists to make us feel incredibly uncomfortable while laughing at the sheer audacity of private school elitism. Honestly, if you thought Andrew Glouberman was the only Andrew we had to worry about, Season 7 and 8 proved us all wrong.
The Birth of the Other Andrew
Introducing a character with the same name as a series lead is a classic comedy trope, but Big Mouth handles it with its signature brand of cringe. Andrew Rubenfeld isn't just a "new friend" for Nick. He is a mirror. He represents everything Nick wants to be—rich, seemingly cool, and sophisticated—until the mask slips.
You’ve probably noticed that Rubenfeld is voiced by Zach Woods. If that voice sounds familiar, it's because Woods is a master of playing characters who are one awkward sentence away from a total meltdown. Think Jared from Silicon Valley or Gabe from The Office. He brings that same "vaguely threatening but polite" energy to Andrew Rubenfeld.
Why the Name Swap Matters
It’s not just a coincidence.
By having two Andrews, the show highlights Nick's desperate need for validation. He’s trying to trade in his "gross" best friend, Andrew Glouberman, for a shiny new version at his fancy new school. But as the episodes progress, we see that Rubenfeld is arguably much worse. While Glouberman is a mess of hormones and anxiety, Rubenfeld is a calculated jerk.
Andrew Rubenfeld vs. Andrew Glouberman: The Rivalry
The tension really hits its peak in Season 8. If you haven't seen the episode where the two Andrews finally clash, you're missing out on some of the most petty animated drama ever created.
The "Evil" Andrew Rubenfeld (as he's sometimes called by fans) offers to take Nick to a Knicks game. It sounds like a nice gesture, right? Wrong. In the world of Big Mouth, everything is a power play. Rubenfeld uses his wealth and status to make Glouberman feel obsolete.
- Status: Rubenfeld has the private school pedigree.
- The Nick Factor: Both Andrews are fighting for the "Best Friend" title.
- The Reveal: Rubenfeld eventually turns out to be a total asshole, proving that money doesn't buy character.
The showdown between them is sparked by Mr. Pink, a character voiced by Steve Buscemi. This is a brilliant nod to Reservoir Dogs, and it’s these layers of pop culture references that keep the show ranking high for older viewers. Mr. Pink manages to convince Glouberman to finally stand up to "Other Andrew," leading to a confrontation that was seasons in the making.
Is Andrew Rubenfeld Based on a Real Person?
People always ask if these characters are based on real-life people from Nick Kroll or Andrew Mulaney’s past. While the show is semi-autobiographical, Andrew Rubenfeld feels more like a composite sketch of every "rich kid" archetype.
He is the guy who thinks he’s better than you because his dad owns a firm, but he's just as insecure as the kids from Westchester. The show uses him to deconstruct the idea of "moving up" in the world. Nick thinks Cobblestone Academy is his ticket to a better life, but Rubenfeld is there to show him that the grass isn't greener—it’s just more expensive and filled with different kinds of snakes.
The Zach Woods Magic
Honestly, the character wouldn't work without Zach Woods. He also voices Daniel (the boy Leah likes) and, famously, a literal sock. Woods has a way of making Rubenfeld sound like he’s constantly holding back a sneeze or a lawsuit. It’s that specific brand of "private school prep" voice that makes you want to root for the OG Andrew, no matter how gross he gets.
What Most People Get Wrong About Rubenfeld
A lot of viewers thought Rubenfeld was going to be a permanent replacement or a long-term antagonist who would eventually "see the light."
That’s not how Big Mouth works.
Rubenfeld is a catalyst. He exists to show Nick that his loyalty should lie with the people who knew him when he was a "soup" (a nickname from camp that still stings). When Rubenfeld turns out to be a jerk, it isn't a plot twist; it's a realization for Nick.
Key Takeaways from the Rubenfeld Arc:
- Wealth isn't Worth: The "fancy" friend often has more baggage than the "gross" one.
- Identity Crisis: Nick's attraction to Rubenfeld’s lifestyle was really just a projection of his own insecurities.
- The "Andrew" Paradox: You can't just swap out a best friend like a used car, even if the new model has a better name and courtside seats.
Where Does He Go From Here?
As Big Mouth wraps up its final seasons, Andrew Rubenfeld serves as a reminder of the show's core message: puberty is a bridge, and you can't cross it alone—or with people who think they're better than the bridge.
If you're looking to dive deeper into the lore of the show, pay close attention to the background characters at Cobblestone Academy. The "Other Andrew" isn't the only one who's a bit of a nightmare.
Your next move? Re-watch the Season 8 episode "The Code." Pay attention to the subtle way Rubenfeld tries to manipulate the social hierarchy. It’s a masterclass in middle-school politics. Once you see the patterns of his "friendship" with Nick, you’ll realize that the OG Andrew Glouberman, despite all his flaws, is the only Andrew Nick ever really needed.
Check out the voice cast credits next time you watch. You'll see just how much work Zach Woods puts into making this character the perfect villain you love to hate.
Actionable Insight: If you’re a fan of the show's deep-cut references, look up the "Mr. Pink" connection in Season 8. It explains a lot about why the rivalry between the two Andrews feels so much like a high-stakes heist movie.