From throwback classics like "Dawson's Creek" and "The O.C." to more recent titles like "Euphoria,"" Heartbreak High" and "XO, Kitty," streaming is home to a sizable school of teen dramas and youthful comedy series that, if you're of that generation, will reflect the world around or, if you're not, will bring you back to those days of adolescent joys and growing pains.
But, for this writer, no high school series has hit quite like "My Mad Fat Diary," which is, graciously, available to stream for free right now on the Roku Channel. Based on the 2007 novel "My Fat, Mad Teenage Diary" by Rae Earl, the critically acclaimed E4 series ran for just three seasons and only 16 episodes (British shows, am I right?), but it managed to pack in all of the painful and wonderful universalities of growing up, set against the specific backdrop of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the mid-1990s. Plus, it's got a pre-fame Jodie Comer ("Killing Eve," "28 Years Later" sporting an excellent Midlands accent.
Need more convincing? Here's why you should add "My Mad Fat Diary" on the Roku Channel to your next binge-watching session.
What is 'My Mad Fat Diary' about?
Sharon Rooney ("Barbie," "The Revenge Club") stars as Rachel "Rae" Earl, a 16-year-old who, along with dealing with relatable teen fare like body issues and sexual desires, is fresh off a four-month stint in a psychiatric hospital.
As Rae reenters her home life with mom Linda (Claire Rushbrook) and her undocumented Tunisian boyfriend Karim (Bamshad Abedi-Amin), as well as treatment with her new therapist Kester (Ian Hart), she also reconnects with her best friend Chloe (Jodie Comer), who is unaware of Rae's mental health struggles. Our charmingly snarky yet troubled protagonist gets enveloped by Chloe's friend group (Dan Cohen, Jordan Murphy, Ciara Baxendal) — including dreamy bad boy Finn Nelson (Nico Mirallegro), with whom Rae sparks an unlikely romantic connection.
Why you should you watch 'My Mad Fat Diary' on the Roku Channel
Along with humorously and honestly detailing all of the cringiness and cruelties that adolescence brings with it, "My Mad Fat Diary" is a standout among the teen-drama genre because of the level of care and consideration it gives tough issues like mental health, body image, suicidal ideation and grief. However, despite the deftness with which it handles that darkness, there's also plenty of life, especially surrounding Rae's cheery antics with her newfound friend group and her sweet burgeoning romance with Finn.
The 2013 first season started off strong with a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes; by its third and final installment, that critical love deservedly bumped up to a perfect 100% score. The Guardian's Sam Wollaston dubbed the series a "lovely drama – honest and painful, real, and very funny" and praised Sharon Rooney's lead performance as "natural, effortless and utterly believable; she should win something for it." Deservedly, she did: Rooney took home the BAFTA for Best Drama Actress for her thoughtful performance here.
Watch "My Mad Fat Diary" on the Roku Channel now
