Mental Health
Reviews

TV, Thriller, Netflix Joshua Stanley TV, Thriller, Netflix Joshua Stanley

Dept. Q

Dept. Q falters in portraying mental health realistically, especially around long-term trauma and PTSD. The series glosses over the complexities of recovering from such events, implying instant resolution upon release.

Read More
TV, Comedy-Drama, Netflix Joshua Stanley TV, Comedy-Drama, Netflix Joshua Stanley

Master of None

Master of None covers mental health with a mix of humor and sensitivity. While early seasons used mental health more as comic relief, the final season takes a genuine turn, focusing on real issues. The portrayal, though uneven, still adds depth to its characters' journeys.

Read More
TV, Comedy-Drama, Hulu Joshua Stanley TV, Comedy-Drama, Hulu Joshua Stanley

High Fidelity

High Fidelity shines in its exploration of emotional wellness through intricate storytelling. It effectively depicts the ups and downs of mental health, though it leans heavily on relationships as the sole factor in wellbeing, missing a more holistic mental health representation.

Read More
TV, Comedy-Drama, HBO Max Joshua Stanley TV, Comedy-Drama, HBO Max Joshua Stanley

Insecure

Insecure stands out for its candid and nuanced portrayal of mental health. The show doesn’t shy away from difficult moments, promoting understanding and empathy, even if it occasionally slips into stereotypes. Overall, it’s a strong advocate for mental health awareness.

Read More
TV, Drama, Hulu Joshua Stanley TV, Drama, Hulu Joshua Stanley

Looking for Alaska

Looking For Alaska excels in its portrayal of mental health, capturing the raw intricacies of depression and grief with care and realism. Characters are treated with depth, avoiding stereotypes while exploring their vulnerabilities.

Read More
TV, Comedy, NBC Joshua Stanley TV, Comedy, NBC Joshua Stanley

Parks and Recreation

While Parks and Rec touches on mental health themes, it doesn’t dive deep. The portrayal often leans toward light-hearted and comedic rather than realistic or educational.

Read More
TV, Dark Comedy, Apple TV+ Joshua Stanley TV, Dark Comedy, Apple TV+ Joshua Stanley

Bad Sisters

While Bad Sisters provides an engaging narrative, its mental health portrayal leaves a lot to be desired. The series defaults to violence as a response to abuse, offering little in terms of constructive mental health dialogues

Read More
TV, Reality, HBO Max Joshua Stanley TV, Reality, HBO Max Joshua Stanley

The Hype

While The Hype isn't primarily focused on mental health, it does touch on personal challenges faced by contestants. It doesn’t perpetuate harmful stereotypes but also stops short of offering in-depth insights, reflecting a middle-ground portrayal that’s more mindful than typical reality TV.

Read More
TV, Reality, Netflix Joshua Stanley TV, Reality, Netflix Joshua Stanley

Rhythm & Flow

While it avoids deep dives into mental health issues, participants' backstories provide some insight into real-life pressures and stress. It’s slightly above neutral in portrayal due to its genuine depiction of emotional experiences tied to competition, albeit without an explicit mental health focus.

Read More
TV, Gangster, HBO Max Joshua Stanley TV, Gangster, HBO Max Joshua Stanley

The Sopranos

The show offers a surprisingly authentic portrayal of mental health, particularly through Tony’s therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi. It displays the messy realities of therapy without sugar-coating or overly dramatizing.

Read More
TV, Comedy, NBC Joshua Stanley TV, Comedy, NBC Joshua Stanley

The Office

The Office is a beloved classic that revolutionized TV comedy with its quirky characters and relatable office antics, it flounders in how it presents mental health topics.

Read More
TV, Comedy, STARZ Joshua Stanley TV, Comedy, STARZ Joshua Stanley

Party Down

Party Down had some clever attempts to depict the struggles of creative folks chasing their dreams, the overarching theme of hopelessness in Henry's life left us feeling a bit downbeat.

Read More
TV, Procedural, HBO Max Joshua Stanley TV, Procedural, HBO Max Joshua Stanley

The Pitt

The series dives deep into mental health struggles while also showcasing the complexity of relationships and recovery. However, it's crucial to note that there are some sensitive scenes that may not be for everyone.

Read More
TV, Action, Marvel Joshua Stanley TV, Action, Marvel Joshua Stanley

The Punisher

The Punisher is a mixed bag. There’s a lot going on under the surface that digs into deep emotional themes, but it also falls prey to some harmful elements, particularly through its depiction of violence and trauma. It's intriguing yet troubling how it portrays mental illness, often linking it to aggression, which could unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes.

Read More
TV, Comedy, Amazon Prime Joshua Stanley TV, Comedy, Amazon Prime Joshua Stanley

Fleabag

Fleabag scores big in many areas, combining humor with heart-wrenching moments. It's clear that while Fleabag captures the struggle of dealing with mental health, it sometimes leans towards misrepresentation and glamorization.

Read More
TV, Thriller, BBC Joshua Stanley TV, Thriller, BBC Joshua Stanley

Killing Eve

Killing Eve sometimes indulges in harmful stereotypes and sensationalized violence, but it also showcases a recovery narrative, complicated emotions, and the impact of relationships on mental well-being.

Read More
TV, Comedy, Netflix Joshua Stanley TV, Comedy, Netflix Joshua Stanley

Atypical

The show doesn’t just focus on Sam; it highlights how his journey affects everyone around him and how their mental health plays a role. It's refreshing to see such a nuanced view that promotes understanding and empathy, breaking down stereotypes and stigma in the process.

Read More
TV, Comedy-Drama, HBO Max Joshua Stanley TV, Comedy-Drama, HBO Max Joshua Stanley

Love Life

Love Life hits the mark when it comes to portraying mental health in an honest and encouraging way. The series beautifully emphasizes cultivating self-love, forming genuine connections, and chasing passions

Read More
TV, Comedy-Drama, FX Joshua Stanley TV, Comedy-Drama, FX Joshua Stanley

The Bear

The Bear strikes a beautiful balance between comedy and raw, emotional storytelling, making it a captivating watch that isn’t afraid to explore the messy side of mental health.

Read More