Spinning Out consulted with doctors and psychiatric groups for its portrayal of bipolar disorder

The Hollywood Reporter

The skating drama starring January Jones and Kaya Scodelario as mother and daughter feature both of their characters struggling with being bipolar. Creator Samantha Stratton says she "didn't want to write a show that was going to be about mental illness that was depressing," though she's quick to make a specific distinction. "Yes, there are moments where it treats it seriously, and there is a gravity to it for sure, but I didn't want to write a woman-on-the-verge story. I wanted to write a story about someone who could learn to live with her disorder and who could thrive," she says. "Mental disorders can be crippling, and they can be huge mountains to climb, but they also give you a certain perspective on the world that is valuable and shows vulnerability and shows strength," Stratton adds. "I hope that I've been able to depict bipolar disorder in a way that acknowledges how serious it can be and how difficult it can be to live with, but also that you can live with it successfully, and I think that's really important." ALSO: Kaya Scodelario says her "bum still hurts from falling" so much for her ice skating role.