The 10 Best TV Shows About Mental Health
- Joao Nsita
- 14 minutes ago
- 15 min read
Television has always been a mirror, reflecting our society, our fears, and our aspirations back at us. For decades, however, that mirror was often cracked and distorted when it came to the portrayal of mental health. Characters struggling with their mental well-being were frequently reduced to harmful stereotypes, their experiences flattened into one-dimensional plot devices. But in recent years, a quiet, powerful revolution has been taking place. A new wave of television creators and storytellers has begun to tackle the complexities of the human mind with the nuance, empathy, and unflinching honesty it has always deserved.
This shift is more than just a trend; it's a vital cultural conversation, amplified by platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, where users share and celebrate shows that make them feel seen. The demand is for authenticity. Viewers are craving stories that move beyond the stigma, that explore the messy, non-linear, and often surprisingly funny reality of living with a mental health condition. They are celebrating shows that portray therapy not as a sign of weakness, but as an act of courage, and that showcase the profound importance of community and connection in the journey of healing. These are not "very special episodes"; these are series where mental health is woven into the very DNA of the characters and their worlds.
This guide is a celebration of that revolutionary television. We have curated a definitive list, counted down in descending order, of the 10 best and most important TV shows that tackle mental health with grace, intelligence, and profound compassion. From dark comedies about depression to animated explorations of anxiety, each series on this list offers a unique and powerful viewing experience. They are stories that not only entertain but also enlighten, fostering empathy and reminding us, in our own moments of struggle, that we are not alone.
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10. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019)
The Vibe: Kicking off our list is a show that is as brilliantly clever as it is deeply compassionate. On the surface, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a colourful, hilarious, and utterly unique musical comedy. The series follows Rebecca Bunch, a highly successful but deeply unhappy lawyer who impulsively quits her job and moves from New York City to West Covina, California, in pursuit of her summer camp ex-boyfriend. What begins as a seemingly simple rom-com premise quickly blossoms into one of the most insightful, honest, and unflinching explorations of mental illness ever put on television.
Why It's One of the Best: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend uses the Trojan horse of the musical comedy genre to explore a range of serious mental health topics, including anxiety, depression, and, most centrally, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The show’s genius lies in its original musical numbers. Each episode features songs that are not only incredibly catchy and hilarious but also serve as deep dives into Rebecca's psyche. A song like "You Stupid Bitch" is a painfully accurate anthem of self-loathing, while "A Diagnosis" is a powerful and surprisingly moving exploration of the relief and terror that can come with finally having a name for your struggles. The show never shies away from the messiness of Rebecca's journey; she makes terrible decisions and hurts people, but the narrative always treats her with empathy. It’s a powerful testament to the fact that healing is not a linear path. The show’s soundtrack is a masterclass in lyrical storytelling, a quality we also celebrated in our list of the Top 10 The Beatles Songs of All Time. For more on the show's accurate portrayal of BPD, you can explore articles from mental health publications like Psychology Today.
Creators: Rachel Bloom, Aline Brosh McKenna
Main Cast: Rachel Bloom, Vincent Rodriguez III, Donna Lynne Champlin, Pete Gardner
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
9. After Life (2019-2022)
The Vibe: After Life is a dark, poignant, and ultimately hopeful comedy-drama created by and starring Ricky Gervais. The series follows Tony, a man whose life is turned upside down by the death of his wife from cancer. In the depths of his profound grief, he decides to adopt a new "superpower": he will say and do whatever he wants, with no regard for the consequences or the feelings of others. What follows is a journey through the messy, non-linear, and often surprisingly funny landscape of grieving.
Why It's One of the Best: This show is a masterclass in exploring the complexities of grief and depression. Tony's cynicism and caustic wit are a shield, a defense mechanism against a world that he feels has become meaningless without his wife. The series is unflinching in its portrayal of the raw, all-consuming nature of his pain, and it never offers easy answers or platitudes. But the true beauty of the show lies in the small moments of human connection that slowly begin to pierce through Tony's armor. Through his interactions with his quirky colleagues at the local newspaper, his visits to his father in a nursing home, and his daily conversations with a fellow widow at the cemetery, he slowly begins to realize that there is still kindness and goodness in the world worth living for. It is a beautiful, moving, and ultimately life-affirming portrait of how we learn to carry our grief and find a way to keep going. The show’s powerful, emotional core is as moving as any great drama, a quality we praised in our review of the epic series The Last of Us. For resources on bereavement and grief support, organizations like Cruse Bereavement Support offer invaluable help.
Creator: Ricky Gervais
Main Cast: Ricky Gervais, Tom Basden, Tony Way, Diane Morgan, Kerry Godliman
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
8. This Is Us (2016-2022)
The Vibe: This Is Us is a sprawling, multi-generational family drama that became a cultural touchstone for its emotional depth and heartfelt storytelling. The series follows the lives of the Pearson family across several decades, weaving together the story of parents Jack and Rebecca in the 1980s and their three children—Kevin, Kate, and Randall—in the present day. The show is a masterclass in emotional, character-driven narrative, exploring the enduring impact of family, the nature of memory, and the way that our pasts are always present.
Why It's One of the Best: While not explicitly a show about mental health, This Is Us is one of the most compassionate and nuanced explorations of trauma, anxiety, and identity on television. Each of the main characters has their own distinct and beautifully rendered mental health journey. Randall's lifelong struggle with anxiety and panic attacks, stemming from his experiences as a transracial adoptee and his search for his birth parents, is portrayed with incredible sensitivity and realism. Kate's journey is a powerful exploration of body image issues, disordered eating, and the deep-seated trauma of her father's death. Kevin's struggles with addiction and his search for validation are a poignant look at the pressures of fame and family expectations. The show is a powerful testament to the fact that our mental health is inextricably linked to our family systems and our life experiences. It is a beautiful, cathartic, and deeply moving series that will stay with you. You can read our full in-depth review of the series here: This Is Us TV Show Review.
Creator: Dan Fogelman
Main Cast: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.
7. Atypical (2017-2021)
The Vibe: Atypical is a heartwarming, funny, and deeply empathetic coming-of-age story with a unique and important perspective. The series follows Sam Gardner, a teenager on the autism spectrum, as he decides he is ready to start dating and seeks more independence from his loving but overprotective family. The show is a wonderful blend of family dramedy and teen romance, exploring not only Sam's journey but also the experiences of his family members as they learn to navigate their new reality.
Why It's One of the Best: Atypical is a groundbreaking show for its charming, funny, and humanizing portrayal of a main character on the autism spectrum. While the first season faced some criticism for a lack of autistic actors and writers, the show made significant strides in later seasons to improve its authenticity, and it has been widely praised for its positive and nuanced representation. The series does a fantastic job of exploring the specific challenges and unique joys of Sam's world, from sensory sensitivities to his deep and brilliant passion for Antarctica and penguins. But the show's greatest strength is that it never reduces Sam to just his diagnosis. He is a funny, sarcastic, and fully realized character on a universal journey of self-discovery. The show is a beautiful exploration of what it means to be "normal" and a powerful reminder that we are all, in our own ways, a little bit atypical. For more information and resources on autism, organizations like the National Autistic Society are an invaluable source.
Creator: Robia Rashid
Main Cast: Keir Gilchrist, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael Rapaport, Brigette Lundy-Paine
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
6. You're the Worst (2014-2019)
(2014-2019)
The Vibe: A razor-sharp, cynical, and surprisingly profound "anti-rom-com," You're the Worst is a show that systematically dismantles every trope of the romantic comedy genre and then rebuilds it into something far more honest and real. The series follows the toxic, hilarious, and deeply codependent relationship between Jimmy, a narcissistic writer, and Gretchen, a self-destructive PR executive. They are two seemingly terrible people who, against all odds, fall in love and must navigate their own significant mental health issues to make it work.
Why It's One of the Best: This show is a must-watch for its groundbreaking and unflinchingly honest portrayal of clinical depression. In the second season, Gretchen is revealed to be struggling with a severe depressive episode, and the show's depiction of her experience is one of the most realistic and acclaimed in television history. It portrays depression not as a simple sadness, but as a heavy, numbing, and isolating illness. The show masterfully explores the impact of mental illness on a relationship, showing Jimmy's clumsy but ultimately moving attempts to support Gretchen through her darkest moments. The dialogue is brilliantly funny and cynical, but the show has a massive, beating heart. It is a powerful and important story about the fact that even the messiest, most "broken" people are worthy and capable of love. The show’s complex, often difficult love story is a theme we also explored in our review of House of the Dragon.
Creator: Stephen Falk
Main Cast: Chris Geere, Aya Cash, Desmin Borges, Kether Donohue
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+.
5. Ted Lasso (2020-2023)
The Vibe: Ted Lasso is a show that is less of a sitcom and more of a warm, comforting hug. It is a beacon of radical optimism and kindness in a world that often feels cynical and dark. The series follows an American college football coach who is hired to manage a British soccer team, a job he is hilariously unqualified for. What begins as a fish-out-of-water comedy quickly reveals itself to be a profound and moving exploration of leadership, empathy, and mental health.
Why It's One of the Best: Ted Lasso is a masterclass in compassionate storytelling. One of the show's most powerful and celebrated storylines is its nuanced exploration of Ted's own mental health journey. The series openly and honestly depicts his struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, stemming from deep-seated trauma. The show's portrayal of therapy is one of the best on television, showing Ted's initial resistance giving way to a brave and vulnerable engagement with his own pain. It’s a powerful and important message that even the most optimistic and seemingly happy people can be struggling underneath. The show is brilliantly funny, but its true strength lies in its incredible heart. It is a show that believes in the power of kindness, forgiveness, and community. You can read our full, glowing review of this incredible series here: Ted Lasso Apple TV Series Review. For more on the show's impact, you can read articles from publications like The Guardian.
Creators: Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly
Main Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple, Brendan Hunt
Where to Watch: Stream on Apple TV+.
4. Fleabag (2016-2019)
The Vibe: A searingly funny, profoundly devastating, and formally inventive masterpiece. Fleabag, created by and starring the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is a portrait of a witty, grieving, and self-destructive woman trying to navigate her chaotic life in London. The show is famous for its use of the fourth-wall break, with the titular character sharing her sharp, unfiltered, and often heartbreaking thoughts directly with the audience. It is a show that is as hilarious as it is gut-wrenching, a true work of art.
Why It's One of the Best: Fleabag is a stunning and deeply empathetic exploration of grief, trauma, and the difficult, non-linear process of healing. The show uses comedy as a brilliant and effective tool to explore its darkest themes. Fleabag's witty asides to the camera are not just a stylistic quirk; they are a manifestation of her deep-seated loneliness and her desperate need to be seen and understood. The second season, which introduces her love interest, the "Hot Priest," is a perfect piece of television that explores faith, vulnerability, and the terrifying, beautiful act of letting someone truly see you. The show is a masterclass in writing, performance, and emotional honesty. It is a powerful and unforgettable journey into the mind of a complex, flawed, and brilliant woman. The show's powerful score is also a key part of its emotional landscape, a theme we explore in our review of 11 True Crime Shows That Pop in Winter Darkness, which often use music to create their chilling atmosphere.
Creator: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Main Cast: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Olivia Colman, Andrew Scott
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime Video.
3. The Good Place (2016-2020)
The Vibe: The Good Place is a high-concept sitcom that is one of the most intelligent, surprising, and ultimately moving shows ever created. It is a hilarious, whimsical, and profound exploration of ethics, philosophy, and what it truly means to be a good person. The series follows Eleanor Shellstrop, a self-described "Arizona trash bag" who, after her death, is mistakenly sent to a utopian afterlife. She enlists the help of her anxious "soulmate," Chidi, to teach her ethics so she can earn her place.
Why It's One of the Best: While the show is a brilliant philosophical comedy, it is also a stunningly beautiful and nuanced exploration of anxiety. The character of Chidi Anagonye is one of the most accurate and empathetic portrayals of anxiety on television. His "analysis paralysis," his constant stomach aches, and his overwhelming fear of making the wrong choice are all depicted with both humour and deep compassion. The show is a powerful testament to the idea that our flaws and struggles do not define our worth. It is a story about the power of friendship, the importance of trying, and the radical idea that we have the capacity to grow and change. It is a show that will make you laugh, make you think, and ultimately leave you with a profound sense of hope. The show’s brilliant writing and focus on self-improvement is a theme we also explore in our Transform Your Life series. For more on the show's critical acclaim and brilliant twists, you can visit its Rotten Tomatoes page.
Creator: Michael Schur
Main Cast: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, D'Arcy Carden, Manny Jacinto
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
2. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
The Vibe: An animated series about a talking horse might seem like an unlikely candidate for one of the most profound and devastating explorations of mental illness, but BoJack Horseman is just that. The series follows the titular character, a washed-up 90s sitcom star who is grappling with depression, addiction, and a deep-seated self-loathing. The show is a surreal, hilarious, and often brutally sad satire of Hollywood, celebrity culture, and the human (and animal) condition.
Why It's One of the Best: BoJack Horseman is, without a doubt, one of the most honest and unflinching portrayals of depression ever created. The show uses the absurdity of its animated, animal-filled world to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche with a nuance that live-action often struggles to achieve. It masterfully captures the cyclical nature of depression, the constant battle between the desire to be better and the powerful pull of self-destruction. The show is also brilliant in its depiction of the mental health struggles of its other characters, from Diane's journey with antidepressants to Princess Carolyn's workaholism. It is a show that is full of brilliant visual gags and hilarious one-liners, but it will also break your heart in a way that feels deeply true and profound. It is a challenging but ultimately vital piece of television. For more on the show's incredible writing and impact, you can visit its IMDb page.
Creator: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Main Cast: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, Aaron Paul
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
1. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
The Vibe: Taking the top spot on our list is the show that started it all, the groundbreaking masterpiece that changed television forever. The Sopranos tells the story of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss who, after suffering from a panic attack, secretly starts seeing a psychiatrist. The series is a sprawling, novelistic exploration of a deeply flawed man trying to balance the violent demands of his criminal enterprise with the mundane anxieties of his suburban family life.
Why It's One of the Best: The Sopranos revolutionized television by placing the inner life of its protagonist at the very center of the narrative. The therapy scenes between Tony Soprano and Dr. Melfi are the backbone of the entire series. It was one of the first and most powerful portrayals of a "masculine" man grappling with his mental health, seeking help for his anxiety, depression, and deep-seated trauma. The show masterfully deconstructed the myth of the strong, silent anti-hero, revealing the terrified, vulnerable little boy underneath. It is a profound and complex exploration of generational trauma, the nature of evil, and the search for meaning in a violent world. While it is a dark and often brutal show, it is also a deeply human one. It is, quite simply, one of the greatest television shows ever made, and its influence on the landscape of prestige TV is immeasurable. You can read our full, in-depth review of this landmark series here: The Sopranos HBO Series Review. For more on the show's incredible legacy, you can explore the extensive analysis in publications like The New Yorker.
Creator: David Chase
Main Cast: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli
Where to Watch: Stream on NOW TV and Sky Atlantic in the UK.
Conclusion
The landscape of television has been profoundly enriched by these brave, compassionate, and unflinchingly honest explorations of mental health. The ten shows on this list, in their own unique and brilliant ways, have pushed the boundaries of storytelling, offering viewers not just entertainment, but a powerful sense of recognition and a language to talk about their own experiences. They are a testament to the power of art to foster empathy, to dismantle stigma, and to remind us of our shared humanity.
These are more than just "shows about mental health"; they are shows about life, in all its messy, beautiful, heartbreaking, and hilarious complexity. They are a powerful reminder that our struggles do not define us, that healing is possible, and that in the journey of understanding our own minds, we are never truly alone.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is accurate mental health representation in media so important? Accurate representation helps to reduce stigma, fosters empathy and understanding, and can make people who are struggling feel less alone. It can also provide a language for people to talk about their own experiences and can even encourage them to seek help.
I'm looking for a show that is more uplifting and less dark. Which on this list should I watch? Ted Lasso and The Good Place are both fantastic choices. They deal with serious mental health topics but do so within an overwhelmingly optimistic and comedic framework.
Are these shows suitable for teenagers? Atypical and Heartstopper are specifically centered on teenage characters and are great for that audience. Others, like BoJack Horseman and The Sopranos, deal with very adult themes and are intended for a mature audience. It's always a good idea to check the age rating and content warnings.
What does "BPD" (from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) stand for? BPD stands for Borderline Personality Disorder, a mental health condition characterized by difficulties with emotion regulation, unstable relationships, and a distorted sense of self.
Where can I find resources if I am struggling with my own mental health? If you are struggling, please know that help is available. Organizations like Mind in the UK and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in the US offer incredible resources, support, and guidance.
I love animation. Which show on this list is best for me? BoJack Horseman is a brilliant and critically acclaimed animated series for adults that offers one of the most profound explorations of mental health on this list.
Is there a show on this list that deals specifically with grief? After Life is a beautiful and poignant exploration of the grieving process. Fleabag also deals with grief as a central, underlying theme.
Why is The Sopranos considered such a landmark show for mental health? It was one of the first major, critically acclaimed television shows to place a traditionally "masculine" anti-hero in therapy, normalizing the idea of seeking help and exploring the psychological roots of behaviour in a way that was groundbreaking for its time.
I want to watch something that will make me laugh. Which is the funniest show on the list? While they all have humour, for pure, laugh-out-loud comedy, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and The Good Place are both packed with brilliant jokes and hilarious musical numbers/situations.
Where can I find and stream all these shows? The shows on this list are spread across various streaming platforms. A service like JustWatch is a great tool to search for any show and see where it is available to stream, rent, or buy in your specific country. For a world of amazing series and movies, you can explore platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
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