From Bojack Horseman to Beef, these five TV shows navigate through mental health issues with sensitivity and honesty, start important conversations, and break down stigma
Mental health is an issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While it’s a topic that has been shrouded in stigma for far too long, the entertainment industry has taken great strides in highlighting the importance of seeking help and support. From dramas to comedies, TV shows have tackled mental health in various ways, shedding light on the challenges people face and the different paths they take to healing.
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In this article, we explore five TV shows that highlight navigating through mental health, including the much-talked about 2023 Netflix show, Beef. But before you continue reading, just know that certain words and stories revolving around mental health that may be triggering to some are mentioned and lightly discussed.
Bojack Horseman (2014 to 2020)
Bojack Horseman is an animated series that follows the life of an anthropomorphic horse who struggles with addiction, depression, and various other mental health issues. The show explores the theme of trauma and how it affects people differently, with each character representing a different response to trauma. Through its dark humor and poignant storytelling, Bojack Horseman provides a powerful commentary on mental health and the importance of seeking help.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015 to 2019)
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a musical-comedy series that explores the challenges of mental health and relationships. The show follows the story of Rebecca Bunch, a successful lawyer who quits her job and moves to California to be with her ex-boyfriend. Along the way, she grapples with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. The show’s catchy songs and relatable characters provide a unique and refreshing take on mental health, showing that it’s possible to live with and overcome mental health challenges.
13 Reasons Why (2017 to 2020)
13 Reasons Why is a controversial series that tackles tough issues such as suicide, sexual assault, and mental health. The show follows the story of Hannah Baker, a high school student who takes her own life and leaves behind 13 tapes explaining why she did it. The show’s frank portrayal of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, has sparked both praise and criticism, but there’s no denying its impact in starting important conversations about mental health.
This Is Us (2016 to 2022)
This Is Us is a family drama that explores the challenges of mental health and the impact it has on relationships. The show follows the lives of the Pearson family, exploring their past, present, and future through different timelines. It tackles a wide range of mental health issues, including addiction, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The show’s honest and heartfelt portrayal of mental health challenges has resonated with audiences worldwide, showing that mental health struggles can affect anyone.
Beef (2023)
This American comedy-drama miniseries, created by the talented Korean director Lee Sung Jin, promises to deliver an exciting and hilarious storyline. Starring Steven Yeun as Danny Cho and Ali Wong as Amy Lau, Beef follows the lives of two people whose fateful road rage incident leads them on a collision course of epic proportions. With Yeun and Wong’s comedic prowess, this is one show that is guaranteed to have you laughing and on the edge of your seat.
