Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month and in celebration, we've put together a list of some of the best shows that accurately depict mental illness.
There’s no doubt that more shows are tackling the theme of mental health, but they don’t always get it right. Many shows have been criticised for their portrayal of mental health, with characters who reinforce damaging and unrelatable stereotypes.
As mental health becomes an increasingly prevalent topic, it's important that the experience of those with mental health problems are truly represented on the small screen. Here is a list of TV shows that give an accurate and well-rounded portrayal of mental illness.
Big Boys
Available on Channel 4
This Channel 4 comedy follows Jack, a "dweeby, sheltered, closeted boy" who's grieving the death of his beloved dad. After enrolling at a local uni, he forms an unlikely friendship with typical lads' lad Danny, who despite his confident exterior is struggling with mental health issues.
The series is loosely based on creator and writer Jack Rooke's 2020 memoir, Cheer the [Expletive] Up, which details the comedian's mental health journey after the passing of his father Laurie and the suicide of his best friend, Olly.
The drama, which stars Dylan Llewellyn and Jon Pointing, has been widely praised for its exploration of loss, grief and mental illness. Both seasons are available on Channel 4 - bring plenty of tissues.
Big Mood
Available on Channel 4
Channel 4's Big Mood follows best friends Maggie and Eddie whose ten-year friendship is tested when Maggie's bipolar disorder makes an unwelcome return.
Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West star in the six-parter, which is written and created by Camilla Whitehill.
Not only is the show an ode to female friendships but it also delves into the challenges of living with bipolar without glamourising it.
Normal People
Available on BBC iPlayer
Normal People garnered a huge amount of attention when it hit our screens in the summer of 2020, and launched the Hollywood careers of stars Paul Mescal (The Deceived) and Daisy Edgar-Jones (Cold Feet).
This critically-acclaimed series deals with a number of important themes, including loss, loneliness and mental health.
The show has received particular praise for its realistic portrayal of men’s mental health issues as the show sees Connell (Paul Mescal) struggle with depression.
BoJack Horseman
Available on Netflix
BoJack Horseman has been widely praised for its nuanced and honest depiction of the realities of mental illness. Dubbed "the most important animated series since The Simpsons" by Time Magazine, the show follows the titular Bojack, a washed-up 90s sitcom star, as he struggles with his declining popularity, depression, addiction and maintaining relationships.
The show explores BoJack’s mental state and the causes of his self-destructive behaviour without offering a solution. The series also addresses toxic relationships and antidepressants in an authentic way. It’s definitely worth a watch.
Baby Reindeer
Available on Netflix
Netflix's smash-hit drama series Baby Reindeer follows struggling comedian Donny Dunn, who offers a troubled woman named Martha a free cup of tea during a pub shift. What follows is a years-long obsession as Martha begins to relentlessly stalk Donny, forcing him to confront a buried trauma.
The series is inspired by comedian Richard Gadd's real-life stalking ordeal, as well as the sexual abuse he experienced when he first started his career.
Richard was determined to depict his true experience of stalking, which he described as " a severe mental ilness". "I saw a very vulnerable person that needed help and that's the truth I wanted to bring to screen," he said ahead of the show's premiere.
The series also depicts Donny's trauma and mental health struggle following his sexual abuse.
While at times the show is a hard-watch, it's a must-see.
This Way Up
Available on All 4
This BAFTA-winning comedy-drama is written by and stars Aisling Bea as Áine, a young teacher living in London and recovering from a nervous breakdown. The show follows Áine as she attempts to put her life back together with the help of her concerned sister Shona, played by Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe, Pulling).
The show is both funny and moving and has been praised for its raw depiction of mental health. If you haven’t seen it yet, then go and check out both seasons!
Ted Lasso
This award-winning comedy stars Jason Sudeikis as the titular idealistic football coach who finds himself in the deep end when he's hired to coach struggling Premier League team A.F.C. Richmond.
The heartwarming series has not only been praised for its treatment of issues such as racism and homophobia, but fans have also resonated with its depiction of mental health. In the show, Ted suffers from anxiety and panic attacks after bottling up trauma from his childhood.
While the show touches on sensitive issues, it's also very funny and definitely lives up to the hype.
After Life
Available on Netflix
This black comedy-drama has been praised for shining a light on grief and depression. Created by and starring Ricky Gervais, the show follows the life of journalist Tony Johnson whose life is thrown into despair after losing his wife to cancer.
The show is a clever mix of humour and poignancy, and with the new series expected to arrive sometime next year, it’s a great time to catch up on the first and second season.
Fleabag
Available on BBC iPlayer
Another excellent comedy-drama series that cleverly depicts mental illness is Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag. The show has received widespread acclaim from critics for its clever and witty writing, but also its poignancy.
The show follows a young woman, known only as Fleabag, as she navigates life and love in London while trying to cope with tragedy.
This Is Us
This Is Us is a drama television series which follows the lives of siblings Kevin, Kate, and Randall, played by Justin Hartley, Chrissy Metz and Sterling K. Brown respectively, and their parents Jack and Rebecca Pearson, played by Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore.
The portrayal of mental illness through the character of Randall has been met with widespread praise from critics and fans alike. The show highlights Randall’s ongoing struggle with panic attacks and anxiety, as well as themes of addiction and grief through other characters.
Pure
Available on All4
Based on the book of the same name, the comedy drama series stars Charly Clive as 24-year-old Marnie who has a specific form of OCD called Pure O which manifests as invasive and distressing intrusive thoughts. In Marnie’s case, those intrusive thoughts are inappropriate sexual visions.
The series follows Marnie as she seeks to diagnose her condition and shines a light on this particular form of OCD.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Available on Netflix
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a musical comedy-drama that follows Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch, a young woman who gives up her successful life as a real-estate lawyer at a top law firm in New York in an attempt to find love and happiness in California.
The show has garnered wide praise for its handling of mental illness. It follows Rebecca as she seeks a diagnosis for her behaviours and explores her attitudes towards mental health after she is diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.
The Queen’s Gambit
Available on Netflix
The Queen’s Gambit follows young chess prodigy Beth Harmon (played by Anya Taylor-Joy, Split, Emma), and her quest to become a star chess player while grappling with addiction and mental illness.
The miniseries depicts how isolating mental illness can be as Beth denies offers of friendship, but ultimately shows that accepting help is the best way to succeed in life.
The show was very well received, winning 11 Emmy’s and two Golden Globe Awards, so it’s well worth a watch.
Big Mouth
Available on Netflix
Big Mouth is an animated series that centres on teenage friends and the wonders and horrors of puberty. The show has been praised for its frank depiction of mental illness, particularly depression and anxiety. Big Mouth brings these feelings to life through characters, such as the Depression Kitty, a giant purple cat who likes to berate character Jessi (played by Jessi Klein) with depressing thoughts.
The comedy series handles the topic with care and compassion while avoiding harmful stereotypes.