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American Psyche: Analyzing the Therapeutic Turn in Television
These days, everyone has a therapist, even the major television networks. From the recent premiere of FX’s “The Patient” to Apple TV’s “The Shrink Next Door,” the relationship between therapists and their clients has become television gold.
In addition to the fictional television shows, reality television series like Showtime’s “Couple’s Therapy” and VICE TV’s “The Therapist” give new meaning to the casting couch, as celebrities and couples are filmed in their sessions. Not to mention the number of podcasts and radio shows focusing on healing and mental health.
In many ways, the popularity of going to therapy in reality and representation has also bolstered the variety of depictions that unpack the unique dynamics of doing the work. Most notably, series like HBO’s “The Sopranos” give greater…
