Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark Aussie comedy deals with mental health, some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Wakefield (2021)
What's the Story?
WAKEFIELD is an Australian comedy series about life in a psychiatric ward in New South Wales. Nurse Nik Katira (Rudi Dharmalingam) is the son of Indian immigrant parents who has a unique gift for working with psychiatric patients. Working alongside him in Ward C of Wakefield Hospital is the upbeat Colette (Felicity Ward), Pete Seaman (Sam Simmons), temporary (and temperamental) nurse manager Linda Crowley (Mandy McElhinney), and staff psychiatrist Dr. Kareena Wells (Geraldine Hakewill). But as the they look after their patients, all of whom are learning to manage serious illnesses like anxiety, depression, and psychosis, they must keep their own mental and emotional well-being in check. It's not always easy, and soon Nik finds himself questioning his own sanity.
Is It Any Good?
This smart dark comedy, which is based on who creator Kristen Dunphey's own experiences, features a combination of lighthearted laughs and deeply touching moments by drawing a fine line between reality and madness. Central to the show is Nik, who, despite his natural ability to care for psychiatric patients, seems to be losing his grasp on reality. But Wakefield broadens the story by offering snapshots of day-to-day life in the mental health ward from different points of view. It shows how patients who interact with Nik (played by folks like Dan Wyllie, Harry Greenwood, and Megan Smart) cope differently with their hospitalization and their illness. Meanwhile, it also highlights how the staff are barely holding on to their own sanity outside of the hospital. Some folks may have a hard time negotiating some of the humor, given the topic matter and some of the cultural nuances. But Wakefield is well-written and well-produced, and offers some unique entertainment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's important to focus on our mental and emotional well-being as well as our physical health. How does media impact our mental health? What are some of the ways media help people facing mental health challenges?
Does Wakefield offer a realistic look at life inside a psychiatric ward? Does it reinforce or challenge stereotypes about mental illness and the mentally ill? How does it characterize people who work in the mental health profession?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 18, 2021
- Cast : Rudi Dharmalingam , Mandy McElhinney , Felicity Ward
- Network : Showtime
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 27, 2021
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