Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This Way Up is the rare show that's both genuinely funny and emotionally intelligent about mental health. It doesn't romanticize depression or offer easy answers—Aine goes to therapy, takes medication, makes progress, has setbacks, and keeps going. The writing is sharp, the performances are excellent, and at just 12 episodes total, it doesn't overstay its welcome.

It's absolutely not for kids. The language alone would make it a no-go, and the sexual content and substance use seal the deal. But for older teens (think mature 15-16+) and adults, especially anyone who's dealt with mental health challenges or watched someone they love struggle, it's both validating and entertaining.

The critical and audience scores (91% critics, 95% audience on Rotten Tomatoes) tell the story: this is a well-made show that resonates with people. It's not trying to be prestige TV, just honest and human. If you're looking for something to watch with your high schooler that treats serious topics seriously but isn't a total downer, this is a strong pick.

Age Fit

This is for older teens (15+) and adults. The mental health themes, sexual content, and language make it inappropriate for younger viewers, but for mature audiences it's a smart, empathetic, and very watchable exploration of what it actually looks like to get better.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

An Irish comedy-drama about recovering from a nervous breakdown that treats mental health with warmth and humor rather than melodrama. The show models genuine friendship (the relationship between Aine and her sister Shona is the emotional core), vulnerability, and the messy reality of putting your life back together. It's not saccharine—there's drinking, casual sex, and plenty of bad decisions—but the tone is fundamentally kind and the characters support each other through their chaos. The pacing is measured, not frenetic, and the humor comes from character rather than cruelty.

Imaginative

68

This is character-driven comedy, not a show built on visual spectacle or world-building. The creativity lives in the writing—sharp dialogue, unexpected emotional beats, and a refusal to follow the typical 'recovery narrative' script. It invites viewers to think differently about mental health, relationships, and what 'getting better' actually looks like. But it's not asking you to build anything, solve puzzles, or explore new worlds. It's clever and well-observed, but within a fairly conventional sitcom framework.

Safe

45

This is decidedly adult content. Common Sense Media rates it for ages 15+, and that tracks—there's frequent strong language, sexual content and references, alcohol use, and the entire premise revolves around mental health crisis including suicidal ideation. No graphic violence or gore, but plenty of mature themes that would be inappropriate for younger viewers. The show doesn't sensationalize these elements, but they're woven throughout. Parents would not want a 10-year-old stumbling into this.

Enriching

81

One of the most honest, nuanced portrayals of mental health recovery on television. It shows therapy as helpful but not magical, medication as necessary but imperfect, and healing as non-linear and ongoing. The show builds empathy for people struggling with depression and anxiety while also being genuinely funny—a rare combination. It explores complicated sibling dynamics, the gap between how we present ourselves and how we feel, and the small daily work of getting better. For older teens and adults, it's both entertaining and genuinely insightful about the human experience of falling apart and slowly reassembling.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

One of the most realistic, non-patronizing portrayals of depression and recovery on TV—shows therapy and medication as helpful but messy, not magical fixes
The sibling relationship between Aine and Shona is beautifully drawn: loving, complicated, and feels completely real
Genuinely funny without making mental illness the punchline—the humor comes from character and observation, not cruelty
Short episodes (under 30 minutes) and only two seasons make it an easy, satisfying watch for older teens and adults
Strong performances across the board, with Aisling Bea (who also wrote it) bringing real vulnerability and charm

⚠

What to Watch For

Frequent strong language, sexual content, and alcohol use throughout—this is firmly adult territory
The show opens with the aftermath of a nervous breakdown and includes references to suicidal ideation; could be triggering for some viewers
Some storylines involve unhealthy relationship dynamics and poor decision-making (which is kind of the point, but worth noting)
Not a 'feel-good' show in the traditional sense—it's hopeful but also pretty raw about how hard recovery actually is

Conversation Starters

"What did you think about how the show portrayed therapy? Does it match what you've heard or experienced?"
"Aine keeps a lot of her struggles hidden from people around her—why do you think she does that? Have you ever felt pressure to seem 'fine' when you weren't?"
"The relationship between Aine and Shona is complicated—they love each other but also drive each other crazy. What did you notice about how they support (or don't support) each other?"
"How does the show handle humor about serious topics? Were there moments that felt too light, or did the balance work for you?"

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