As mental health awareness continues to grow, more television shows are addressing topics like anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-identity with nuance and empathy.
For teens navigating complex emotions, the right show can spark understanding, validation, and even hope.
Here are 10 shows that meaningfully depict mental health and can be powerful conversation starters between parents and teens
Never Have I Ever (2020–2023)
Platform: Netflix
What It’s About: This coming-of-age dramedy follows Devi Vishwakumar, a high-achieving Indian-American teen dealing with the sudden death of her father. As she tries to fit in, succeed academically, and explore romance, she also grapples with grief, panic attacks, and identity confusion.
Why It Matters: The show normalizes therapy (Devi sees a psychologist regularly), explores how trauma can affect behavior, and examines the immigrant experience. It balances humor with emotional depth, making mental health approachable without minimizing pain.
Key Mental Health Topics: Grief, anxiety, identity, intergenerational conflict, therapy
Atypical (2017–2021)
Platform: Netflix
What It’s About: Sam, an 18-year-old with autism, decides he wants to start dating, leading to unexpected growth for himself and his family. As Sam seeks independence, his parents and sister must confront their own emotional patterns.
Why It Matters: Atypical sensitively portrays neurodivergence and the everyday anxiety that comes with navigating an unpredictable social world. It humanizes autism without relying on stereotypes and emphasizes the importance of communication and boundaries.
Key Mental Health Topics: Autism spectrum, social anxiety, independence, family roles
Sex Education (2019–2023)
Platform: Netflix
What It’s About: Otis Milburn, the awkward teen son of a sex therapist, starts a secret therapy clinic at his high school. While initially comedic, the show quickly delves into issues like depression, trauma, gender dysphoria, and unhealthy relationship dynamics.
Why It Matters: This series is notable for portraying therapy as helpful and non-stigmatized. Characters experience real emotional consequences, and the show encourages empathy and consent without being preachy.
Key Mental Health Topics: Depression, PTSD, shame, identity, body image, LGBTQ+ mental health
Degrassi: Next Class (2016–2017)
Platform: Netflix
What It’s About: A continuation of the long-running Degrassi franchise, Next Class centers on a diverse group of Canadian high schoolers. Each episode deals with serious teen issues, including mental illness, self-harm, and suicide.
Why It Matters: The show’s format allows multiple characters to experience different mental health journeys. It’s known for tackling topics head-on while showing the consequences of avoiding emotional help.
Key Mental Health Topics: Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, self-harm
BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)
Platform: Netflix
What It’s About: Set in a world where humans and animals coexist, this adult animated series follows a washed-up sitcom star spiraling into depression, addiction, and self-loathing. Despite the absurdist tone, it’s an unflinching portrait of mental illness.
Why It Matters: BoJack Horseman is uniquely honest about how unresolved trauma, addiction, and toxic behavior perpetuate suffering. It’s best for older teens due to mature themes, but offers a powerful critique of how society romanticizes self-destruction.
Key Mental Health Topics: Depression, addiction, trauma, self-sabotage, emotional neglect
Euphoria (2019–present)
Platform: HBO Max
What It’s About: Rue, a high school student struggling with drug addiction and bipolar disorder, narrates this visually intense drama. The series also explores anxiety, gender identity, trauma, and toxic relationships among her peers.
Why It Matters: While controversial for its explicit content, Euphoria doesn’t glamorize addiction. It offers a visceral look at the emotional root of self-destructive behavior and highlights the importance of empathy and support.
Key Mental Health Topics: Addiction, bipolar disorder, trauma, identity, co-dependency
⚠️ Note for Parents: This show is rated TV-MA and includes intense content. Recommended for older teens with parental guidance.
My Mad Fat Diary (2013–2015)
Platform: Hulu (U.S.), Channel 4 (UK)
What It’s About: Set in 1990s England, Rae Earl is a teen recently released from a psychiatric hospital. She navigates school, friendships, and body image while secretly journaling her darkest thoughts.
Why It Matters: One of the rawest and relatable portrayals of teen mental illness, My Mad Fat Diary is both heartbreaking and uplifting. It deals with self-harm, stigma, and fatphobia without losing its heart or humor.
Key Mental Health Topics: Depression, eating disorders, self-harm, body image, recovery
Everything’s Gonna Be Okay (2020–2021)
Platform: Hulu
What It’s About: After their father’s death, Nicholas, a young Australian man, becomes guardian to his two teenage half-sisters, one of whom is autistic. The show explores family grief and neurodiversity in a comedic yet thoughtful tone.
Why It Matters: This dramedy celebrates emotional honesty and acknowledges how grief and change can destabilize teens. It portrays therapy, autism, and awkward communication with warmth and humanity.
Key Mental Health Topics: Grief, autism, anxiety, emotional regulation
Red Band Society (2014–2015)
Platform: Hulu
What It’s About: Set in a hospital’s pediatric wing, this drama follows teens with serious medical conditions like cancer, eating disorders, and coma recovery. They form deep bonds while facing mortality and emotional upheaval.
Why It Matters: The series gently touches on how chronic illness affects mental health. Each character faces existential questions with humor, fear, and courage, making their internal struggles feel genuine.
Key Mental Health Topics: Depression, eating disorders, grief, chronic illness, resilience
The Healing Powers of Dude (2020)
Platform: Netflix
What It’s About: Noah, an 11-year-old with social anxiety disorder, starts middle school with the help of an emotional support dog named Dude. The show mixes humor and warmth to address anxiety in an age-appropriate way.
Why It Matters: Especially helpful for younger teens and tweens, this series destigmatizes anxiety by showing how accommodations and support can help. It’s a lighthearted introduction to mental health challenges.
Key Mental Health Topics: Social anxiety, emotional support, confidence-building, self-acceptance
Why These Shows Matter
These shows don’t offer solutions to mental health struggles, but they do provide visibility, vocabulary, and comfort. Whether you’re a teen seeking validation or a parent looking to open a dialogue, these stories can be the first step toward understanding and healing.