10 Reasons Maniac Is The Best Netflix Original Series Since Stranger Things

Mental health has been covered in the past, but Maniac, much like fellow psychology-focused shows like Mr. Robot and Legion, provide an immensely fresh take on the subject and even help go into humanizing those who are afflicted with problems similar to what the characters go through.

The show's list of characters all suffer from their own psychological issues, but are never portrayed as being lesser/weaker because of it. The conditions these characters suffer from are real, and it's extremely gratifying to see that anyone who goes through similar problems as these characters aren't portrayed as weirdos. They're still human. And, at numerous points in the show, they are portrayed as being far stronger due to their acknowledgement of these struggles that force them to the outskirts of society.

Maniac constantly reinforces that everyone has pain brewing under the surface, causing them to suffer in some way. The central study that serves as the foundation of the story focuses on patients forced to confront their trauma, recognize it, and move on from it. The central message of finding togetherness in struggle is expertly used here, serving both as a great foundation for each character's arc and as a healthy message for every person watching.