Let's Unpack The Best TV Shows About Therapy
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- 1Orna Guralnik
Dr. Orna Guralnik's Couple's Therapy is a masterfully crafted show that takes us behind closed doors to discover the real-life struggles couples face in their relationships. As both a licensed clinical psychologist and certified psychoanalyst, Dr. Guralnik skillfully navigates her patients through their darkest moments while offering them valuable insights for growth and healing. This critically acclaimed series has earned several accolades for its compelling storytelling, insightful character development, and authentic portrayal of therapy sessions rarely seen on television. The genuine connection between the couples featured creates an empathetic viewing experience that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
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- 2Jason Segel, Jessica Williams, Harrison Ford
Starring Jason Segel as Jimmy Laird – a grieving therapist who decides to take a radically honest approach in his sessions – this comedy-drama series, created by Segel, Bill Lawrence, and Brett Goldstein, showcases the unexpected consequences that arise from Jimmy's decision to tell his patients exactly what he thinks. Joined by an impressive supporting cast featuring Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, and Christa Miller – Shrinking delves into themes of vulnerability, personal transformation, and the blurred lines between professional ethics and genuine human connection. With its captivating storylines and emotionally resonant performances – this show offers viewers an engrossing exploration of therapy's profound impact on both practitioners and clients alike.
More Shrinking- #39 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
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- 3Uzo Aduba, Anthony Ramos, Liza Colón-Zayas
In Treatment, starring Gabriel Byrne as the empathetic yet complex therapist Dr. Paul Weston, is an exceptional drama series that earned numerous awards during its initial run from 2008 to 2010 – including Emmy Awards for Byrne and guest actress Dianne Wiest. Showcasing intense one-on-one therapy sessions between Dr. Weston and his clients over three seasons – each episode explores deeply nuanced emotions woven within the rich tapestry of human experience. With a superb supporting cast that includes Hope Davis, John Mahoney, Debra Winger, Amy Ryan, and Irrfan Khan, In Treatment is a critically acclaimed show that beautifully captures the art and complexity of therapy.
More In Treatment- #112 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #51 of 71 onThe Best HBO Dramas Of All Time
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- 4
The Therapist
Siri Sat Nam SinghThe Therapist, hosted by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Siri Sat Nam Singh, provides viewers with an intimate look into the minds of some of today's most influential musicians as they undergo intense one-on-one therapy sessions exploring their past experiences and emotional traumas. With its thought-provoking content and raw vulnerability showcased by guests such as Katy Perry, Waka Flocka Flame, Young M.A., and Corey Taylor, this groundbreaking series has earned widespread praise for its authentic portrayal of mental health issues in the music industry. By shedding light on these often-hidden aspects of artists' lives, The Therapist has made significant strides in destigmatizing mental health care-seeking behaviors among its viewership.
- 5Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa
A Netflix original series set against the backdrop of a British high school setting – Sex Education expertly weaves together themes of teen angst, sexuality exploration, and budding romance in a refreshingly authentic manner. Asa Butterfield stars as Otis Milburn – son to Jean Milburn (Gillian Anderson), a skilled sex therapist who inadvertently inspires Otis to provide his own unconventional counseling services to his peers at school. While not strictly about professional therapists per se – Sex Education has garnered immense popularity for its honest portrayal of adolescent struggles while showcasing the importance of open communication and understanding in addressing mental health concerns.
More Sex Education- #22 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
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- 6Jane Alexander, Michelle Borth, Tim DeKay
Tell Me You Love Me, starring Jane Alexander as seasoned therapist Dr. May Foster, is an emotionally charged drama series that delves into the complex inner workings of three couples grappling with the most intimate aspects of their relationships. With a talented ensemble cast that includes Ally Walker, Tim DeKay, Michelle Borth, Luke Kirby, Sonya Walger, and Adam Scott – this critically acclaimed show has captivated audiences with its unflinching portrayal of love, sex, marriage, and therapy. The intricate web of storylines showcases how Dr. Foster's guidance helps each couple navigate their unique struggles while illuminating the profound impact therapy can have on personal growth and emotional well-being.
- 7Tuba Büyüküstün, Seda Bakan, Boncuk Yilmaz
Another Self, a 2022 Turkish show from Netflix, is a heartwarming and captivating drama series that follows the lives of three close friends as they embark on a transformative journey to Ayvalik, ultimately leading them to face their reshaped futures. As the trio navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth amid breathtaking Turkish landscapes, their emotional bonds are tested and strengthened in equal measure. The series offers viewers an engaging and authentic portrayal of the power of human connection while underscoring the importance of self-discovery in forging one's path forward.
More Another Self- #492 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
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- 8Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Kathryn Hahn
Based on the hit podcast of the same name, The Shrink Next Door is a darkly comedic limited series starring Paul Rudd as Dr. Isaac Herschkopf – a charismatic yet manipulative therapist who exploits his relationship with patient Marty Markowitz (played by Will Ferrell). This intriguing show delves into themes of power dynamics, boundaries, and ethical dilemmas within the context of therapy while providing audiences with a unique cautionary tale about misplaced trust. With its powerhouse performances from Rudd and Ferrell, The Shrink Next Door has garnered considerable buzz for its unnerving portrayal of a therapist-patient relationship gone awry.
- 9James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco
The Sopranos, widely regarded as one of the greatest television dramas of all time, features James Gandolfini as mob boss Tony Soprano – whose complicated personal life leads him to seek therapy from psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi (played by Lorraine Bracco). Over six captivating seasons, this critically acclaimed Emmy-winning series masterfully interweaves elements of crime drama, family dynamics, and psychological exploration – showcasing how Tony's sessions with Dr. Melfi help him confront his inner demons while navigating an increasingly tumultuous existence within New Jersey's criminal underworld. The groundbreaking portrayal of therapy in The Sopranos has left an indelible mark on popular culture while reinforcing its significance in modern mental health discourse.
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- #2 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- 10Kate Walsh, Benjamin Bratt, Kadee Strickland
Private Practice, a spin-off from Shonda Rhimes' hit medical drama Grey's Anatomy, follows renowned neonatal surgeon Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) as she embarks on a new chapter in her life at Oceanside Wellness Group in Los Angeles. Alongside her colleagues – including psychiatrist Dr. Violet Turner (Amy Brenneman) and psychologist Dr. Sheldon Wallace (Brian Benben) – the show explores the myriad challenges faced by medical professionals in their quest to provide exceptional care to their patients. With a stellar ensemble cast and emotionally resonant storylines, Private Practice offers viewers an engrossing look at the intersection of physical and mental health care in a private practice setting.
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- 11Callie Thorne, Scott Cohen, Mehcad Brooks
Necessary Roughness, led by the brilliant Callie Thorne as Dr. Dani Santino, is a captivating drama series that follows the life of a Long Island psychotherapist whose no-nonsense approach to therapy garners her a high-profile clientele. The engaging plotlines skillfully weave together professional athletes, musicians, politicians, and other notable figures seeking Dr. Santino's guidance in overcoming their personal struggles. With an exceptional ensemble cast featuring Scott Cohen, Mehcad Brooks, and Marc Blucas – along with numerous guest appearances – Necessary Roughness offers audiences a fascinating look at how therapy can impact lives both on and off the field.
- 12Naomi Watts, Billy Crudup, Sophie Cookson
Gypsy, starring Naomi Watts as therapist Jean Holloway, is an intriguing psychological thriller that delves into themes surrounding boundaries, ethics, and personal relationships within the profession. As Jean becomes increasingly entangled in her patients' lives outside her office – blurring lines between professional responsibility and personal desire – this captivating series keeps viewers on edge while exploring complex emotions rarely seen on television. Despite its brief run, Gypsy has garnered a cult following for its unique portrayal of the darker side of therapy.
More Gypsy- #41 of 44 onThe Best Shows to Marathon on a Plane
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- 13Kerry Washington, Delroy Lindo, Faly Rakotohavana
Created by Tracy McMillan, Unprisoned stars Kerry Washington as Paige Alexander, a family and marriage therapist popular on Instagram who grapples with her own personal relationships due to her tumultuous upbringing in foster care and her estranged relationship with her formerly incarcerated father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo). This Hulu original series takes a unique approach by incorporating Paige's "inner child" during stressful situations, providing an engaging exploration of self-reflection and growth. With its well-rounded cast, including Jordyn McIntosh as Little Paige, Unprisoned offers viewers an entertaining yet heartfelt look at how therapy can help navigate complex family dynamics while addressing personal traumas.
More Unprisoned- #26 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
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- 14Jonathan Katz, H. Jon Benjamin, Laura Silverman
Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist is an innovative animated series that first aired on Comedy Central in 1995 – providing viewers with a unique blend of humor and heart through its distinctive Squigglevision style. With Jonathan Katz as Dr. Katz – a therapist whose clientele includes a rotating cast of comedians such as Ray Romano, Janeane Garofalo, and Dave Chappelle – this critically acclaimed show has garnered a dedicated cult following for its creative storytelling approach that seamlessly merges therapy sessions with relatable slice-of-life moments. As both an entertaining series and insightful reflection on human emotions – Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist remains a beloved classic in television history.
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- 15Jeff VanVonderen, Candy Finnigan
A powerful documentary series that first aired on A&E in 2005 – Intervention has earned widespread praise for its unflinching portrayal of addiction, mental health issues, and the often-painful road to recovery. Each episode follows the story of an individual battling substance abuse or other compulsive behaviors – culminating in a surprise intervention orchestrated by family members with the aid of professional interventionists such as Jeff VanVonderen, Candy Finnigan, and Ken Seeley. Through raw emotion and harrowing personal accounts, Intervention highlights the transformative power of therapy in helping individuals reclaim their lives from the grips of addiction.
More Intervention- #22 of 82 onThe Best Reality Dramas
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- 16Kelsey Grammer, John Mahoney, Jane Leeves
One of television's most beloved sitcoms, Frasier, stars Kelsey Grammer as Dr. Frasier Crane – a psychiatrist-turned-radio host who dispenses advice to callers while grappling with his own complicated personal life. While not strictly focused on clinical therapy sessions, this Emmy-winning show expertly blends humor with poignant moments that resonate deeply with audiences. Through its memorable characters and witty dialogue, Frasier has left an indelible mark on popular culture while celebrating the value of therapeutic insight in everyday situations.
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- #27 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 17Gary Busey, Tom Sizemore, Mackenzie Phillips
Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew is a compelling reality series that offers viewers an intimate look into the lives of famous personalities as they embark on a journey towards sobriety under the expert guidance of renowned addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky. Through intense group therapy sessions, one-on-one counseling, and various treatment modalities, this groundbreaking show delves into the struggles faced by celebrities battling addiction while demonstrating the transformative power of therapy and rehabilitation. With its honest portrayal of recovery and relapse, Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew has played an instrumental role in raising awareness about addiction and mental health issues.
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- 18Marta Hazas, Blanca Portillo, Francesc Orella
When You Least Expect It is an intriguing Spanish drama series that revolves around a group of individuals who find their lives unexpectedly intertwined through a shared therapist, leading to surprising revelations and personal growth for all involved. As each character grapples with their unique challenges, their therapy sessions provide valuable insights into their emotional journeys and foster connections that ultimately reshape their lives for the better. With its captivating storylines and engaging ensemble cast, When You Least Expect It showcases the undeniable impact of therapy on personal development and self-discovery.
More When You Least Expect It- #515 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #814 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
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- 19Michael Sheen, Lizzy Caplan, Caitlin FitzGerald
Based on real-life events, Masters of Sex is a critically acclaimed period drama that chronicles the groundbreaking work of Dr. William Masters (played by Michael Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan), pioneers in human sexuality research during the 1950s and '60s. While not solely focused on therapy itself, this captivating series sheds light on how their discoveries revolutionized our understanding of human sexuality while laying the foundation for modern sex therapy practices. With its superb acting performances, engaging plotlines, and attention to detail in historical accuracy – Masters of Sex provides an engrossing look at an essential aspect of therapeutic progress within society.
More Masters of Sex- #58 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
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- 20Stephen Mangan, Bebe Cave, Fionn O'Shea
Hang Ups is a British comedy-drama series starring Stephen Mangan as Richard Pitt – a therapist attempting to rebuild his life and career after the collapse of his previous practice. In an innovative twist on traditional therapy sessions, Richard conducts his appointments via webcam, providing viewers with a hilarious and heartfelt glimpse into the lives of his eclectic clientele. With its sharp wit, engaging characters, and unique premise – Hang Ups offers a fresh take on the world of therapy while underscoring the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating life's challenges.
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- 21
Couples Therapy with Dr. Jenn
Dr. Jenn MannIn Couples Therapy with Dr. Jenn, renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert Dr. Jenn Mann leads various celebrity couples through intensive therapy sessions to help them overcome their struggles and strengthen their relationships. With its raw emotion, vulnerability, and insightful guidance from Dr. Mann – this reality series offers viewers an intimate look into the private lives of famous couples while demonstrating the profound impact that professional therapeutic intervention can have on their relationships.
- 22Charlie Sheen, Shawnee Smith, Michael Arden
Based on the 2003 film of the same name, Anger Management stars Charlie Sheen as Charlie Goodson – a former baseball player turned anger management therapist who struggles with his own temper issues. This sitcom offers a humorous look at how Charlie's unconventional methods help his patients confront their anger while he navigates his complicated personal life. With engaging storylines and memorable characters, Anger Management provides audiences with an entertaining glimpse into the world of therapy as it pertains to managing one's emotions.
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- 23
Web Therapy
Lisa KudrowWeb Therapy, starring Lisa Kudrow as Fiona Wallice – a self-absorbed therapist who conducts her sessions via webcam – is a quirky comedy series that offers a satirical take on modern therapeutic practices. With its unique format featuring improvisational humor, celebrity guest stars, and unconventional approach to counseling – this critically acclaimed show provides audiences with an entertaining exploration of therapy's lighter side while still touching upon pertinent emotional themes.
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- 24Penn Badgley, Tati Gabrielle, Charlotte Ritchie
You is a psychological thriller television series that delves into the dark and obsessive psyche of its main character, Joe Goldberg. Based on the books by Caroline Kepnes, the show follows Joe, played by Penn Badgley, a bookstore manager and serial killer, as he navigates intense relationships and develops disturbing obsessions.
Throughout the series, Joe's mental health takes center stage, revealing the complex and often unsettling motivations behind his actions. The narrative also explores themes of love, control, and morality, offering a chilling portrayal of the blurred lines between romantic pursuit and dangerous obsession.
The show specifically covers therapy and seeing a therapist in the first season, when Beck has an affair with her therapist, Dr. Nicky, played by
John Stamos.Though the show doesn't explicitly focus on therapy season after season, it paints a vivid picture of Joe's psychological unraveling and the impact of his disturbed mind on those around him.
- 25Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley
Big Little Lies is an American drama television series that explores the lives of a group of women living in the affluent community of Monterey. The show delves into the complexities of their relationships, secrets, and personal struggles. Mental health becomes a central theme, particularly through the character Celeste Wright, a retired lawyer portrayed by Nicole Kidman. Celeste faces an abusive relationship with her husband, Perry, and seeks therapy to cope with the trauma. The series skillfully addresses the psychological impact of domestic violence and the role of therapy in helping individuals navigate through such challenging circumstances.
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- 26Matt Paxton, Robin Zasio, Dorothy Breininger
Hoarders is a gripping documentary series that delves into the world of individuals struggling with hoarding disorders, offering viewers an unflinching look at the devastating impact these conditions can have on personal lives and mental health. Through expert interventions led by psychologists, organizers, and therapists – each episode showcases the transformative power of therapy in helping individuals confront their compulsive behaviors and move toward recovery.
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- 27Kelsey Grammer, Jack Cutmore-Scott, Nicholas LyndhurstMore Frasier
- #376 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
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Digital Addiction is a timely and thought-provoking docuseries that explores the ever-growing problem of technology addiction in today's society. Featuring expert therapists, psychologists, and researchers who provide valuable insights into the causes, symptoms, and treatments for digital addiction – each episode delves into the personal stories of individuals grappling with this modern-day affliction. With its raw emotion and unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by those struggling with technology dependence, Digital Addiction offers viewers an eye-opening look at the crucial role therapy plays in addressing this pervasive issue.
- 29Rachel Bloom, Vincent Rodriguez, Donna Lynne Champlin
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend follows the journey of Rebecca Bunch, a Yale- and Harvard-educated lawyer who uproots her life to pursue happiness in West Covina, California, with the goal of rekindling a past romance. Throughout the series, Rebecca grapples with mental health challenges, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. In the third season, she confronts a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, embarking on a path of self-discovery and mental health management. The show delicately explores Rebecca's therapeutic journey, addressing the complexities of her emotional state, relationships, and personal growth in a comedic and musical format.
More Crazy Ex-Girlfriend - 30Chris Geere, Aya Cash, Desmin Borges
You're the Worst is an American comedy-drama television series that revolves around the tumultuous relationship between Jimmy, a self-involved writer, and Gretchen, a self-destructive PR executive. As they navigate the challenges of their unconventional romance, the series takes a poignant turn by exploring themes of clinical depression, particularly in the second season. Gretchen's mental health becomes a significant aspect of the plot, shedding light on the impact of her struggles on modern relationships. The narrative delves into the complexities of mental health, offering a realistic portrayal of its effects on individuals and their connections.
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