The Worst TV Parents Ever

This short-lived Netflix show has one of the most inaccurate, harmful depictions of bipolar disorder ever captured onscreen. With both mother (Carol) and daughter (Kat) struggling with their diagnoses, we watch Carol (January Jones) blame her daughter's birth for ruining her ice skating career. Carol physically abuses, insults, and acts like Kat's drill sergeant — made worse during unmedicated, manic episodes.

However, the worst part of this dynamic comes from the unrealistic portrayal of medication. The series paints medicine as diluting creativity, offering a negative stereotype that could inspire viewers to stop their meds. Making matters worse, when either Carol or Kat (Kaya Scodelario) are on medication, they become different people who are suddenly "fixed" and have a wholly different set of morals and personalities. 

In addition to Carol being a terrible mother who hammers in the stigma that people with bipolar disorder can't be good people or parents, the show's messages on mental health are damaging at best.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.