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I am so excited to be back to blogging! Last semester, I wrote all about my favorite movies and the positive messages that they contain. This semester, with some inspiration from my many Netflix binges as of late, I am going to do something similar. This time – with television shows.

One of my favorite shows I have watched with a more obvious moral schema is The CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. 

This series follows the quirky Rebecca Bunch, who, when unhappy at her job at a New York law firm, takes a leap of faith to follow an ex-boyfriend all the way to West Covina, California. The show is witty and entertaining, with wild plotlines to follow Rebecca’s… completely uncoincidental… move. 

 Rebecca gets herself into some interesting situations. To process these, she often sees them as musical numbers in her head (like this one, which is one of my favorites). 

So, what could one possibly learn from a musical show about an impulsive lawyer and her hijinx? 

As the story unfolds and Rebecca establishes relationships and experiences in her new town, the audience gets to learn more about what lies behind her actions. It becomes evident that something is wrong, and we get to watch Rebecca on her journey with mental health. This topic becomes a key aspect of her character’s identity. Often in television, it seems as if issues only take place when convenient for the plot. While it can be great for shows to address things, when a character has suddenly overcome depression or an eating disorder in an episode, it misses the mark.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has been praised in the past for this facet of the show, as it sheds light on what mental health struggles can truly look like. 

Until the pandemic, I had never really experienced issues of my own. When I watched this show originally, I had no idea what Rebecca could have felt like. Now, with this new perspective, I am even more appreciative of the story it tells.

Image from NPR

I think that a show like this, demonstrating the severity of some mental health issues in a more realistic manner, is very important. It allows for more compassion amongst the audience, and with it, I hope, less stigma.

This show is very creative and fun. It holds a special place with me due to its lightheartedness and seriousness when needed. It depicts a series of meaningful friendships and relationships whose bonds come through the screen.

In a time with a lot of uncertainty, I enjoy the reminders of shows like this. Friendships, fun times, and lots and lots of music. No matter what life dishes out, there will always be these happy moments ahead.

NAMI Helpline Info

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line – Text NAMI to 741-741