21 TV Shows That Got Real About Mental Health Issues

Discover characters struggling with life’s toughest challenges in these binge-worthy TV shows that tackle mental health issues. From the dark comedy BoJack Horseman to the psychological drama Maniac, explore how mental health is represented on TV.

BoJack Horseman

Explore the turbulent life of a washed-up TV star in BoJack Horseman. This show offers a raw portrayal of depression, addiction, and the quest for redemption. Its dark humor and candid storytelling captivate viewers, while its anthropomorphic characters reflect very human struggles. Each episode peels back layers of BoJack’s psyche, making it a masterpiece of animated existential dread.

This Is Us

This Is Us masterfully combines the Pearson family’s generational stories, touching on issues like anxiety, grief, and body image. Its heartfelt narrative drives home the message that mental health is a collective journey, not an individual battle. Viewers experience the characters’ most vulnerable moments through flashbacks and present-day scenarios. The show’s strength lies in its ability to find hope in the darkest of times.

Jessica Jones

Jessica Jones breaks the mold with its noir-ish take on a superhero struggling with PTSD. The show’s gripping storyline showcases her battle with past demons and the ongoing fight within her mind. An online commentator notes, “Jessica Jones is a powerful depiction of trauma and resilience.”

Euphoria

Euphoria confronts issues like addiction, identity, and the pressure to conform. Its visceral storytelling and stunning visuals create an alluring and alarming world. Each character’s journey offers a unique perspective on young adults’ mental health challenges. The show doesn’t shy away from the messy, often painful reality of growing up.

Lady Dynamite

Maria Bamford stars in Lady Dynamite, a show that brings her real-life experiences with bipolar disorder to the screen with humor and heart. It’s an unapologetic and often surreal look at the complexities of mental illness. One viewer commented, “Lady Dynamite’s humor doesn’t undermine its message but rather makes it more relatable.” The series balances comedy and candor, providing a refreshing take on a difficult subject.

Homeland

In Homeland, the brilliant but volatile CIA operative Carrie Mathison battles terrorists and her bipolar disorder. The show delves deep into the psyche of a woman constantly on the brink, showcasing the intense pressures of her job and her personal life. Its portrayal of mental illness is raw and unfiltered, often leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. Carrie’s struggle is a poignant reminder of the unseen battles many face daily.

After Life

Ricky Gervais’s After Life is a dark comedy about a man grappling with immense grief after the loss of his wife. The show explores themes of depression, suicide, and the quest for meaning in a world turned upside down. An online fan says, “After Life hits you hard with its brutal honesty and dark humor.” It’s a series that finds laughter in the pain and beauty in the darkness.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend takes a musical dive into the mind of Rebecca Bunch as she battles anxiety and depression while chasing an idealized love. The show cleverly uses songs to express the protagonist’s inner turmoil and the absurdities of her actions. Its frank discussion of mental health issues, wrapped in a blanket of comedy and catchy tunes, makes for a unique and insightful watch. Rebecca’s journey is a poignant, if quirky, exploration of finding oneself amidst chaos.

The Sopranos

Groundbreaking in its approach, The Sopranos features mob boss Tony Soprano as he confronts his anxiety, depression, and panic attacks through therapy. The show delves into the complexities of his mind, juxtaposing his violent life with his vulnerable side. A commenter on a fan forum noted, “The Sopranos was ahead of its time in portraying mental health in such a complex character.” It’s a compelling look at the inner workings of a man struggling to reconcile his dual nature.

13 Reasons Why

Controversial yet impactful, 13 Reasons Why explores the harrowing effects of bullying, assault, and suicide on teenagers and their communities. The narrative unfolds through tapes left by a girl who took her own life, each revealing the factors that led to her tragic decision. Its raw and often graphic depiction of mental health has sparked important conversations about youth and crisis. The show serves as a stark reminder of the ripple effect one’s actions can have.

Ozark

In Ozark, financial planner Marty Byrde’s spiral into a criminal world triggers a series of mental and emotional crises for him and his family. The show portrays the immense stress and moral dilemmas they face, highlighting the psychological toll of living a double life. With each season, the characters’ mental states become more frayed, reflecting the destructive nature of their choices. It’s a gripping tale of the mental battles waged in the shadows of society.

Fleabag

Fleabag offers a raw, unfiltered look into the life of its protagonist, a woman struggling with grief, guilt, and the complexities of modern relationships. Its sharp wit and breaking of the fourth wall bring the audience directly into her chaotic mind. An online reviewer writes, “Fleabag is a masterclass in using humor to cope with pain.” The show’s brilliance lies in its ability to be uproariously funny while piercingly poignant.

Mr. Robot

Mr. Robot follows Elliot, a brilliant but troubled hacker caught between different realities, grappling with social anxiety and dissociative identity disorder. The show’s unique storytelling immerses viewers in his fragmented perception of the world. Its depiction of mental illness is as complex as the cyber mysteries Elliot unravels. Mr. Robot is a psychological thriller that explores the depths of human consciousness and the power of perception.

Bates Motel

Prequel to the classic film Psycho, the TV show Bates Motel delves into the intricate and often disturbing relationship between Norman Bates and his mother, exploring how it contributes to his mental descent. The series is a psychological horror that examines the roots of Norman’s psychosis. Its slow burn and tense atmosphere keep viewers enthralled as they witness the transformation of a troubled boy into a notorious killer. The show is a chilling exploration of the making of a mind gone wrong.

You’re the Worst

You’re the Worst is a comedy that doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties of relationships and mental health. It follows two self-destructive individuals who navigate the complexities of intimacy, depression, and PTSD together. Their toxic behaviors and sharp banter mask deeper issues that the series skillfully unpacks. It’s a candid and often humorous look at the struggle to connect and the ways we sabotage ourselves and each other.

Sharp Objects

In Sharp Objects, journalist Camille Preaker confronts her psychological demons and a haunted past when she returns to her small hometown to cover a series of murders. The show is a slow-burning thriller that weaves together memory, trauma, and family dysfunction. It’s a haunting exploration of the lasting impact of trauma and the dark corners of the human psyche.

Russian Doll

Russian Doll follows Nadia as she experiences a mysterious time loop, dying repeatedly on the night of her 36th birthday party. Each reset peels back layers of her personal issues, including trauma and existential dread. The show’s inventive dark humor offers a unique take on the inner journey to understand oneself. It’s a metaphysical trip that questions the nature of life, death, and the patterns we find ourselves trapped in.

Big Mouth

Big Mouth is an animated comedy that tackles adolescence’s awkwardness and emotional turmoil through the lens of its teenage characters and their hormone monsters. It’s a crude yet surprising look at the challenges of growing up, dealing with everything from body image to the complexities of sexuality. The show doesn’t hold back in its portrayal of the teenage psyche, making it both relatable and hilariously outrageous.

Unbelievable

Unbelievable is a gripping series based on true events, focusing on a young woman who is charged with lying about being raped and the two female detectives who follow a twisting path to the truth. It explores the psychological impact of trauma, the devastating effects of not being believed, and the resilience required to seek justice. The series is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The Leftovers

The Leftovers takes place in the aftermath of a global event where 2% of the world’s population inexplicably vanishes. It explores the varied ways in which people cope with inexplicable loss and the existential questions that arise. The series delves deep into themes of faith, despair, and the human capacity to find meaning in the face of the unexplainable. It’s a haunting and thought-provoking series about the ways we deal with grief and the search for understanding.

Maniac

Maniac is a sci-fi series that follows two strangers as they embark on a mysterious pharmaceutical trial that promises to fix everything wrong with their minds. The show is a visually stunning, mind-bending journey that explores the nature of reality, connection, and the human psyche. Its surreal storytelling and layered characters create a captivating world where anything seems possible.