What is it like to grieve in your teens? Hit teen TV drama, Tell Me Everything, gives an insight by following the experiences of 16-year-old Jonny and his grief after the death of his dad. Winston’s Wish Youth Ambassador, Nadia, talks to the writer, Mark O’Sullivan about the series, finding humour in dark times, not wanting to grow up and being the ‘kid whose [important person] died.’
Tell Me Everything is set in a town in England and although the main storyline surrounds Jonny’s grief, Mark has written several characters who are all going through their own mental health struggles and teenage discoveries. As Mark mentions during the interview, he grew up watching John Hughes films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Breakfast Club, so this series has a nod to those types of coming-of-age comedy dramas.
When Mark was 15 his dad suddenly died, 30 years later Mark created the TV series to share his story with the world. Jonny, the main character, is based closely on Mark’s grief journey and life experience. The series follows Jonny and his friends from the day his dad dies and what happens over the following weeks.
Nadia was 15 when her brother suddenly died, so she could relate to and understand a lot of what Jonny’s character was facing in the series. Nadia is an MA graduate within TV and Film, so not only does she have personal experience of being a young grieving person, but she also has the knowledge and understanding of writing for screen.
So what did we learn from Nadia and Mark’s interview about what it’s like to grieve as a teenager?
In this video, Mark and Nadia chat about Tell Me Everything and intertwine referring to their own grief experiences and teenage life. You can watch the full interview below:
Tell Me Everything is available to watch on ITVX.
If you’re struggling with grief right now, Winston’s Wish is here to help and here to listen. Winston’s Wish provides support for grieving children and young people (up to the age of 25). We offer one-to-one and group support sessions. We also have lots of online resources and a Helpline, email and live chat service where you can talk to bereavement professionals.
You can use our on-demand services from 8am to 8pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday).
Call us for free on 08088 020 021, email ask@winstonswish.org or use our live chat and find out more on our Get Support page.
If you need urgent support in a crisis, you can contact the 24/7 Winston’s Wish Crisis Messenger by texting WW to 85258.
Bereavement support tips for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Tap the live chat button or scroll down to find ways to contact Winston's Wish for further support.
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