Ep 7. What's the Matter with Tony Slattery?

What's the Matter with Tony Slattery? is the seventh episode of the 2020 season of the BBC documentary series Horizon. In this episode, viewers embark on a harrowing journey through the life of British comedian Tony Slattery, exploring the root of his mental health issues and their impact on his career and personal life.

Through interviews with Slattery himself, as well as close friends and family members, the documentary paints a vivid picture of the comedian's struggles with bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and trauma from childhood sexual abuse. Viewers will witness the toll that these factors have taken on Slattery's career and relationships, as well as his ongoing efforts to heal and rebuild his life.

The episode opens with Slattery reflecting on his early years in the comedy scene, including his rise to fame in the 1980s as a regular on the popular improv show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" However, it soon becomes clear that his success was not without its dark side, as Slattery recounts his struggles with substance abuse and the destructive behavior that resulted.

As the episode unfolds, viewers will be taken on a journey through Slattery's mental health history, including his diagnosis with bipolar disorder in the early 2000s and the challenges he has faced in managing his symptoms. Through interviews with psychiatrists and mental health experts, viewers gain insight into the biological and environmental factors that can contribute to the development of mental illness, as well as the various treatment options that are available to those who are struggling.

At its core, What's the Matter with Tony Slattery? is a powerful and emotional exploration of the complex and deeply personal experiences of mental illness. The documentary does not shy away from the difficult realities of Slattery's life, including his struggles with suicidal thoughts and the impact of his illness on his personal relationships. However, it also offers a message of hope and resilience, as Slattery and those around him work to rebuild relationships and find meaning and purpose in their lives.

Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with a rich array of insights and perspectives on mental health, including the challenges of stigma and discrimination faced by those with mental illness, the importance of early intervention and treatment, and the role of social support in recovery. Through Slattery's story, we see the power of storytelling and personal connection to transform the way we understand and approach mental health in our lives and in society as a whole.

Overall, What's the Matter with Tony Slattery? is a moving and deeply informative episode of Horizon, offering a unique and illuminating look into the challenges of mental health and the transformative power of hope and resilience. Whether you are a mental health professional or simply someone who cares about the well-being of those around you, this episode is not to be missed.