OTT Shows Are Changing How Men’s Mental Health Is Seen On Screen

For many years, films and television have shown male characters as strong, silent, and emotionally distant. This image has shaped how society expects men to behave, often making men feel that expressing emotions is a sign of weakness. The World Health Organization has noted that men around the world are less likely to seek professional help, even when they face stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles. Many men stay silent because they fear judgment or feel pressure to appear tough.

However, a new trend on OTT platforms is beginning to change this. Young-adult series and international shows are now portraying men who express their emotions, seek therapy, and face their inner struggles instead of hiding from them. This has led viewers, especially younger audiences, to appreciate emotional maturity in male characters. Experts say this positive shift is known as the “accountability aesthetic,” where emotional responsibility is seen as admirable rather than weak.

Psychologist Arpita Kohli from PSRI Hospital explained that media has the power to either reinforce harmful stereotypes or replace them with healthier examples. When a male character seeks help on screen, it opens the door for real conversations about mental health. It shows viewers that it is normal for men to feel confused, scared, or overwhelmed, and that asking for help is not something to be ashamed of.

Psychiatrist Dr. Pavitra Shankar from Aakash Healthcare shared that many young men may look fine from the outside, but are facing serious pressure inside. She said that many struggle alone with financial worries, job stress, or fear of letting their families down. They want to open up but stay quiet because they are afraid of being judged as weak. Seeing characters express their worries on screen helps remind audiences that men also feel vulnerable and need support.

In popular shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty and Maxton Hall, emotional growth in male characters is a central part of the story. In season two of The Summer I Turned Pretty, Conrad struggles with anger and emotional confusion after learning about his mother’s illness. Instead of being shown as cold or distant, his choice to go to therapy is presented as a smart and healthy decision. In Maxton Hall, James Beaufort also attends therapy after personal trauma. His decision is shown as a step toward breaking unhealthy patterns and building a better life.

Experts believe that this type of storytelling is powerful because it helps young viewers see mental health care as normal. Dr. Kohli says that OTT platforms are doing what mainstream cinema avoided for many years—allowing men to show sadness, fear, grief, and growth without making them look weak or turning them into villains.

This conversation is not limited to fictional characters. Many well-known celebrities have spoken openly about their struggles, helping reduce stigma. Actor Arjun Kapoor has encouraged young people to prioritize therapy, saying that there is nothing wrong with being emotional. Actor Imran Khan has shared how difficult mental health conversations were a decade ago, but praised younger generations for being more open today. Director Karan Johar has also spoken about seeking therapy to deal with body image issues and long-lasting emotional discomfort.

Some voices in the industry believe Indian cinema still has a long way to go. Influencer Nikhil Taneja pointed out that male characters in Bollywood are often still trapped in hyper-masculine roles. While some films show emotional honesty, they are rare. Actor Amol Parashar said that he prefers stories that show courage and hope, encouraging audiences to build strength through honesty rather than silence.

As streaming platforms continue to highlight emotional awareness in men, the hope is that viewers will begin to understand that expressing feelings is not a flaw, but a normal part of being human. These shows are helping men and boys see that reaching out for support is a positive decision, not a sign of weakness. Over time, this shift may encourage more real-world conversations, greater empathy, and healthier ways of handling stress and mental pressure.