Robin Williams' son Zak denounces Peacock's Will Forte-led suicide drama Expiration Date

TheWrap

Zak Williams, the eldest child of the late comedy icon, who committed suicide in 2014, wrote an Op-Ed for The Wrap with mental health advocate Bill Smith explaining why they are so upset with Expiration Date. The drama follows a man, played by Forte, who buys a life insurance policy that covers suicide, with plans out his life for the next 12 months before ending his life. "Some have said it’s unfair to criticize a show that is in development and not yet written," Williams and Smith write. "But setting up an entire series that teases a story arc that leads to the ultimate 'will he or won’t he' episode is a giant flashing red light based on all accepted science about suicide. Expert guidance says to limit the prominence, length and number of stories about a particular suicide, as well as to avoid dramatizing and glamorizing it. The network executive promoting the show touted being 'excited to develop this…unpredictable drama' — which is the exact opposite. To be clear, stories about people with mental health issues need to be told, including those with suicidal ideation. But it has to be done in an accurate, compassionate and constructive way that helps, not harms."