9 Must-Watch TV Shows That Brilliantly Tackle Mental Health Issues

It feels almost like a revolution. In recent years, TV series have overtaken cinema in terms of representation. Minorities of all kinds are stepping into the light, female characters are gradually shedding their stereotypes, and mental health issues are finally being addressed, both in teen and adult series.

Producers and screenwriters recognize the importance of addressing these formerly taboo subjects, such as mental health, because it allows viewers to identify and see themselves in the characters. However, there’s still much work to be done.

According to a study conducted in May 2019 by USC Annenberg, a journalism school in Southern California, only 7% of TV characters grapple with mental health issues. In movies, this figure drops to just 1.7%.

Major networks aim to normalize the conversation through their flagship programs. HBO, for example, airs a mental health awareness message before some of its series, such as The Sopranos and Euphoria.

While some shows are criticized for their portrayal of these issues, like the controversial 13 Reasons Why, which relies heavily on sensationalism, others manage to address mental health issues with accuracy. Let’s focus on nine of them:

Normal People

During the global lockdown, the series Normal People captivated many viewers. It wasn’t so much for its somewhat typical story – a romance between two college students over several years – but for the complex development of its characters. In terms of accurate mental health representation, Normal People sets a high standard.

Through the character of Connell, played by Paul Mescal, the series succeeds where many others have failed. A popular, athletic student, Connell feels isolated and struggles to truly connect with others. Normal People explores the grey areas of depression without exaggerating or downplaying its effects.

It’s especially noteworthy because the character is male. On-screen mental health issues tend to focus more on women than men, as if the latter are less affected by these challenges.

It’s no wonder Paul Mescal became one of the most sought-after actors following the release of Normal People, as his performance is quite impactful.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Don’t be misled by its title or synopsis; Crazy Ex-Girlfriend uses the conventions of romantic comedies to subvert them. The series follows Rebecca, a brilliant lawyer who moves from her firm in New York to a small California suburb in hopes of reconnecting with a former love.

Rachel Bloom, who wears many hats on this series—co-creator, writer, and actress—discusses depression openly and details a therapeutic process from denial to acceptance.

Bold and cleverly written, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend delves deep into the psychological journey of its heroine, yet it does so with humor. The series even transforms into a musical to convey important messages through songs, as demonstrated by the song “Anti-Depressants Are So Not a Big Deal” from season 4.

Mental

Airing on FranceTV Slash, Mental introduces us to four characters with contrasting personalities in the child psychiatry department of Primevères Hospital: Marvin, Simon, Estelle, and Mélodie. Each character deals with their own issues, including bipolar disorder, attachment disorders, and impulsivity, during the challenging period of adolescence.

Like the series SKAM, also on FranceTV Slash, Mental addresses these tough subjects with precision, touching young audiences with its endearing characters and realistic dialogue. Unlike 13 Reasons Why, this series captures its audience and touches on life’s darker aspects without becoming melodramatic.

Sex Education

Since its release, Sex Education has outshone 13 Reasons Why in terms of representing mental health issues. Where the latter often resorts to sensationalist scenes, the former approaches these topics with empathy and maturity. The story primarily follows Otis, the son of a sex therapist, as he explores and questions sexuality.

Never has a series been so aptly named: Sex Education is there to guide teenagers through still-taboo subjects. Over its four seasons, the program tackles themes like consent, post-traumatic stress, and gender identity with a certain lightness.

Big Mouth

An animated series definitely not for children, Big Mouth by Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett depicts the daily lives of a group of teenagers during puberty.

The series, true to its name, does not shy away from vulgarity and transgression when discussing young people’s sexuality, discrimination, and depression. Here, the characters’ darker sides are represented as creatures to better personify their feelings.

For instance, there’s the Depression Kitty, a large purple cat that embodies Jessi Glaser’s darker side, and the Shame Wizard, voiced by David Thewlis, who symbolizes the characters’ unspoken shames. Both hilarious and strikingly accurate in its depiction of mental health issues, Big Mouth is a must-watch.

Girls

Created by Lena Dunham in 2012, Girls follows the trials and tribulations of a group of twenty-something female friends. The series has been successful for its authentic portrayal of its female characters, who are a far cry from typical American TV stereotypes, showing their shapes and discussing sexuality freely.

However, it’s with its main character, Hannah Horvath—played by Lena Dunham, who is also the creator of the show—that Girls manages to realistically discuss mental health. Hannah struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition often related to anxiety, which involves repetitive behaviors.

One memorable scene from season 2 depicts Hannah obsessively cleaning her ears with a Q-tip—a mundane action on paper, but one that becomes incredibly uncomfortable and painful for viewers as it perfectly conveys the intensity of these episodes.

In this video, a specialist analyzes the OCD of the series protagonist:

Euphoria

A true phenomenon upon its release, HBO’s new series, Euphoria, has made waves for its raw and chaotic representation of Generation Z, its stunning cinematography, and its breakout star, Zendaya, who excels as a troubled teen. The actress plays Rue, a young addict who, after returning from rehab, befriends a transgender high school student named Jules (Hunter Schafer). Inspired by an Israeli series, Euphoria superbly addresses mental health through its main character.

In Euphoria, Rue uses drugs to bury her numerous issues, but her character avoids the stereotypes often seen in other films and series on the subject. Forget about dangerous antagonists with criminal fantasies; the high school student is treated with much empathy and delicacy. Sam Levinson, the creator of the series, who drew from his own experiences to adapt the show, accurately portrays the impact of mental disorders and addiction on an individual and their family.

BoJack Horseman

Former star of a popular 90s sitcom, Horsin’ Around, BoJack can’t shake off his dark thoughts. And his friends, his beautiful Hollywood home, and his money do nothing to help. For his series, creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg chose a protagonist with a horse’s head to better lay bare our inner demons.

The character of BoJack Horseman—voiced by Will Arnett in the original version—perfectly embodies many characteristics of depression without resorting to clichés. The former TV star feels worthless; he can’t help being disagreeable with others and spends his time devaluing himself, as evidenced by the excellent internal monologue scene in season 4 that starts with the words “Stupid piece of shit.” Despite his destructive behavior, BoJack remains a deeply endearing anti-hero, which may be one of the series’ greatest strengths.

Shameless (US)

Adapted from a British series of the same name, Shameless focuses on the turbulent lives of the Gallaghers, a chaotic family in which Fiona (Emmy Rossum), the eldest sibling, must raise her brothers and sister. Although the series tackles many important topics, such as homosexuality and alcoholism, it also shines a light on mental health through its characters.

This is evident with Monica (Chloe Webb) and Ian (Cameron Monaghan), both of whom experience bipolar disorders during various seasons of the series. How can one forget the heartbreaking scene in season 2 where the joy of a Thanksgiving meal is interrupted by the mother’s suicide attempt?

There’s also the character of the neighbor, Sheila Jackson—played by the fantastic Joan Cusack—an agoraphobic woman plagued by OCD that prevents her from leaving her house. Through therapy and effective treatment, she eventually overcomes her obsessions. A vital message that healing from these anxieties is within everyone’s reach.