Abstract
Mental health experts are condemning Netflix's Gwyneth Paltrow–starring series The Politician for its portrayal of suicide, popculture.com reported Nov. 12. The series, which also stars Jessica Lange and Lucy Boynton, depicts the fictional suicide of student River Barkley (David Corenswet) in the first episode, which one expert called “gratuitously distressing content.” Although the suicide itself is not shown on screen and the episode features a warning beforehand — “The Politician is a comedy about moxie, ambition, and getting what you want at all costs. But for those who struggle with their mental health, some elements may be disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised” — many mental health experts believe the portrayal of teen suicide is a concerning trend. According to a Netflix spokesperson who spoke to BuzzFeed News, producers for the show met with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) while creating the show in order to “get their advice on how to tell River's story in the most responsible way.” The spokesperson added that they added the warning under the advice of the AFSP and Mental Health America.
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