My Mad Fat Diary

My Mad Fat Diary title card

My Mad Fat Diary is a British television series that aired on E4 from 2013 to 2015. The series is based on the book My Fat, Mad Teenage Diary by Rae Earl. It follows the story of Rae Earl, a teenager struggling with mental health issues, body image, and the challenges of adolescence in the mid-1990s.

Plot

The series is set in Lincolnshire, England, and begins in 1996. It follows 16-year-old Rae Earl, who has just been discharged from a psychiatric hospital after a four-month stay. Rae is trying to navigate the complexities of teenage life, including friendships, romance, and self-acceptance, while dealing with her own mental health issues.

Season 1

The first season introduces Rae as she returns home and attempts to reconnect with her best friend, Chloe Gemell. Rae struggles with her self-image and the fear of being judged by her peers. She befriends a group of teenagers, including Finn Nelson, Archie, Izzy, and Chop, and becomes part of their social circle.

Season 2

In the second season, Rae continues to deal with her mental health challenges while exploring her romantic feelings for Finn. The season delves deeper into Rae's relationships with her friends and family, particularly her mother, Linda Earl.

Season 3

The third and final season focuses on Rae's journey towards self-acceptance and her plans for the future. As she prepares to leave for university, Rae must confront her past and make peace with her identity.

Characters

• Rae Earl - The protagonist, a teenager dealing with mental health issues and body image concerns.
• Chloe Gemell - Rae's best friend, who is popular and confident.
• Finn Nelson - Rae's love interest, known for his brooding demeanor.
• Archie - A member of Rae's friend group, who is secretly gay.
• Izzy - A bubbly and kind-hearted friend.
• Chop - The comedic relief of the group, known for his antics.
• Linda Earl - Rae's mother, who is supportive but has her own struggles.

Themes

My Mad Fat Diary explores themes of mental health, body image, friendship, and self-discovery. The series is praised for its honest portrayal of teenage life and the challenges faced by those with mental health issues.

Production

The series was produced by Tiger Aspect Productions and was well-received for its writing, performances, and soundtrack, which features music from the 1990s.

Related pages

• E4 (TV channel)
• Rae Earl
• Mental health in television