Netflix's Latest Comedy Show Shines Light on Mental Health Representation

Amazon's new animated series, The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy, offers a refreshing take on mental health representation in sitcoms. While many TV shows struggle to address topics like mental illness and addiction, this series stands out for its thoughtful approach. Sitcoms, known for their focus on comedy and episodic storytelling, often overlook the exploration of such important themes.

Amazon's new sci-fi series is a refreshing change from older sitcoms that often fall short in portraying mental health accurately. The show represents a positive shift in the industry, highlighting progress in this important area. It's a significant step forward for the genre and definitely worth watching for its portrayal of mental health complexities.

"The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy" can be streamed on Prime Video.

The Second Best Hospital In The Galaxy Is An Eye-Opening Depiction Of Mental Health

keke palmer's animated character and characters with glasses in the second best hospital in the galaxy - The Second Best Hospital In The Galaxy Is An Eye-Opening Depiction Of Mental Health

The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy recognizes the unique nature of each individual's experience with conditions such as anxiety. It provides support for treatment while also acknowledging that some individuals may require additional coping mechanisms.

The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy addresses mental health issues, specifically anxiety, through the storyline of Dr. Klak. Diagnosed with anxiety as a child, Dr. Klak's mother made a career out of discussing her daughter's diagnosis. Throughout season 1, everyone views Klak's condition as a challenge to overcome, including Klak herself. When Dr. Klak and Dr. Sleech discover a worm that can alleviate anxiety by entering the brain, they both set out to find a "cure" for Klak's disorder.

Unfortunately, the worm — which the pair name Larvin — is parasitic and fully consumes any brain and person it attaches to. This doesn't stop Klak from putting it inside her own head after an argument with Sleech makes her feel worse about her condition. Fortunately, Sleech and Dr. Azel come to her rescue and prevent the worm from killing her. However, Klak learns a lesson from the experience and comes to accept her anxiety as it is. Her acceptance drives home a powerful message about mental health, suggesting that disorders like anxiety don't necessarily need to be "fixed."

Despite their initial problems with the worm, Sleech and Klak do find a way to rid the species of their parasitic tendencies. In doing so, they discover a new anxiety treatment, though it doesn't work for Klak. And as she notes, it won't necessarily work for everyone. The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy's ending understands that each individual's experience with conditions like anxiety is unique. As such, it simultaneously supports treatment and acknowledges that some individuals will need other mechanisms to cope. It approaches mental health with a lens of acceptance and open-mindedness, which is better than many other sitcoms.

The Sitcom Genre Has A Poor History Of Tackling Mental Health Stories

DJ holding up ice in Full House - The Sitcom Genre Has A Poor History Of Tackling Mental Health Stories

The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy excels in representing mental health issues, but sitcoms often fall short in addressing these topics effectively. Shows like Full House, Will and Grace, and The Big Bang Theory have all attempted to spark conversations about mental health. In the "Shape Up" episode of Full House, DJ Tanner exhibits signs of anorexia, but the series fails to delve deeper into her eating disorder, portraying it irresponsibly and unrealistically.

While Full House's handling of mental health may be attributed to its 1987 premiere, even newer shows like The Big Bang Theory struggle with portraying such subjects accurately. The Big Bang Theory often turns Sheldon's OCD and autistic traits, as well as Raj's social anxiety, into punchlines, perpetuating the stigma surrounding these conditions. Despite potentially not intending to do so, the show's comedic approach to mental health inadvertently reinforces negative stereotypes.

The Second Best Hospital In The Galaxy Continues A Positive Animated Sitcom Trend

While series like Full House and The Big Bang Theory try to tackle mental health subjects and miss the mark, other sitcoms seem to openly mock psychological disorders. Will and Grace finds Grace attempting to shirk jury duty by saying she has borderline personality disorder — and her description of this condition embraces the notion that anyone with it is "psychotic." Similarly, Family Guy carelessly cracks jokes about self-harm, a problematic trend for the show. Thankfully, newer animated sitcoms seem to be heading in a better direction when it comes to mental health conversations.

Sleech and Klak smile at each other in The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy - The Second Best Hospital In The Galaxy Continues A Positive Animated Sitcom Trend

The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy is praised for its approach to mental health, aligning with a positive trend seen in animated sitcoms. BoJack Horseman, a Netflix series, is also recognized for its handling of serious topics like depression, anxiety, and addiction. The show is considered a standard for mental health storylines, and The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy is following suit in addressing these important issues.

Big Mouth excels in its portrayal of the mental health challenges faced during middle school, providing a realistic depiction of characters grappling with depression and anxiety. The hope is for animated sitcoms, as well as sitcoms in general, to follow this positive trajectory. Programs like The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy play a crucial role in destigmatizing mental health issues, instead of perpetuating negative stereotypes.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the refreshing approach of "The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy" in addressing mental health representation in sitcoms. Unlike many shows that often fall short or even stigmatize these topics, this sci-fi series offers a thoughtful and nuanced portrayal, acknowledging the complexities and uniqueness of individual experiences with mental health conditions. The acceptance and open-mindedness it promotes are a welcome shift in the sitcom genre, which has historically struggled to handle such themes effectively.

The article also raises awareness about the poor history of sitcoms in tackling mental health stories. Shows like "Full House" and "The Big Bang Theory" have often mishandled these topics, perpetuating stereotypes and presenting unrealistic or irresponsible depictions. However, newer animated sitcoms like "BoJack Horseman" and "Big Mouth" are setting a positive trend by addressing mental health issues with sensitivity and accuracy. "The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy" continues this trend, offering a hopeful sign that sitcoms can play a crucial role in destigmatizing mental health and fostering a more understanding and supportive society.