Watch This Way Up

This Way Up is a comedy-drama series created by Irish comedian Aisling Bea, revolving around the life of Aine (played by Bea), an English-as-a-foreign-language teacher who is recovering from a nervous breakdown. The show was originally aired on August 2019 on Channel 4 and has gained a cult following due to its witty humor, engaging storyline, and exceptional performances from the cast.

The story centers on Aine, a whip-smart and charismatic woman who tries to rebuild her life after she was hospitalized for mental health issues. Her sister, Shona (played by Sharon Horgan), tries to aid Aine in getting back on track with her life, but Aine still struggles with her insecurities and anxieties. Aine’s superiors at work are also hesitant in letting her return to her teaching job, but Aine feels that immersing herself back in work is the best therapy for her.

The show is riddled with hilarious moments that involve Aine and her eccentric group of friends. Kadiff Kirwan plays the role of Bradley, one of Aine’s closest friends who is always there for her no matter what. Aasif Mandvi plays Vish, who is also Aine’s love interest and someone who helps her see things in a positive light. Indira Varma plays Charlotte, Aine's boss at work, who sometimes hinders her from getting back on the saddle but eventually becomes an unlikely ally. Pik-Sen Lim, Tobias Menzies, Jassem Mougari and Ekow Quartey are among the supporting cast who provides comic relief and a fresh take on the series.

As the show progresses, audiences are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as Aine’s road to recovery is fraught with challenges, both personal and external. We see her confront her issues head-on, gain more self-awareness, and ultimately find a renewed sense of purpose and self-love.

What makes This Way Up stand out is its depiction of mental health and recovery. The show isn’t afraid to delve deep into the highs and lows of what it means to deal with mental health issues, which resonates with a lot of viewers who are going through similar experiences. Through Aine’s character, the show manages to balance humor and drama without making light of the sensitive subject matter.

Overall, This Way Up is a refreshingly honest show that tackles mental health issues in an entertaining way. Aisling Bea’s nuanced portrayal of a woman trying to pick up the pieces of her life is laudable, and the supporting cast complements her performance beautifully. It's a must-watch for anyone who wants to explore the complexities of mental health and the transformative power of friendship and love.

This Way Up is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between August 8, 2019 and on Channel 4