Dr. Juli Fraga

Dr. Juli Fraga is a psychologist who’s written for NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post and VICE. As a creative person, she loves what television shows and movies can teach us about psychological concepts and human behavior. 
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Never Have I Ever

A fresh coming-of-age dramedy, Never Have I Ever depicts how the death of a loved one can impact teens’ mental health, as well as a parent’s wellbeing. Families enduring similar struggles will find relatability and reassurance to know they’re not alone.

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Stepmom

A classic that addresses tough topics like blending families and how to cope with grief, Stepmom can also serve as a kind of road map for how to broach tough topics like a terminal illness.

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Dead to Me (S3)

A form of cinematherapy, Dead to Me’s final season brings a big plot twist, one that can be emotionally provoking as well as a cathartic and entertaining conversation starter.

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In Treatment (2021)

A timely reboot that depicts the vital relationship between a therapist and patient, and the meaningful role it plays in fostering growth and change.

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Maiden

A lesson in surviving childhood trauma, channeling energy into a worthy cause, and fighting to win — even when the majority says victory is impossible.

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Can You Ever Forgive Me?

At first glance a true crime story, the film is actually a look at how poverty, loneliness and imposter syndrome can seduce someone into creating a false reality.

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Inside Out

With so many of us facing unfamiliar, anxiety-ridden situations today, Inside Out can serve as a useful prompt for the entire family to acknowledge our emotional experiences — sparking insight and helping us cope with change.

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Workin’ Moms

When you can’t make it out of the house to attend a support group for new moms, this can be a great substitute. By showing the human side of motherhood, the series helps normalize maternal ambivalence, “mommy guilt,” and the pressure many women feel to be “perfect” moms.

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Serendipity

A lesson in authenticity, the power of friendship, and acting on your gut feeling, even when the odds are against you.

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Eye-Openers: Oscar’s Best Documentary Contenders

Often overlooked in the sea of awards season glitz, the Academy’s finalists in the Best Documentary category become history’s time capsules. Many of them have also proven to be prophetic, exposing insights and issuing forewarnings from the front lines of urgent issues, from climate change (An Inconvenient Truth) to gun control (Bowling for Columbine) to

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Doctor Slump

Things will likely work out the way it’s supposed to on Doctor Slump, but for a show of this ilk, it’s the journey that’s important and not the destination. For that, it’s a cathartic viewing experience for anyone in a slump – with a few laughs to lighten the mood.

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Stepping into Genius: Interviewing the Stars of NatGeo’s MLK/X

An exclusive interview with the stars behind NatGeo’s Genius: MLK/X, who reveal what they would say to the legends they play.

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Life Changers: The Year’s Best Storytelling for the Planet

If you’ve been looking for a way to manage the overwhelming news about the state of our planet, you could begin by watching a few of the recent films and TV shows that shine a light on some of our biggest issues — and show us what we can do about them. According to a

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Sundance from Home: 10 Movies to Stream

The most influential film festival in the U.S. is not just for festival goers anymore. For three days during the festival, viewers at home can stream dozens of the the movies that drive cultural conversations — often throughout the year. Here are 10 picks from across the categories to look for.

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Origin

More than just a film, Origin is an emotional experience that continuously challenges its audience to reflect on how caste systems are connected to racism, and to see how both have deeply impacted our history and our present day divisions.

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Poor Things

A rare cinematic gem, Poor Things invites viewers to laugh as they grapple with its complexities, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on the mind and heart. Immersive and full of visual splendor, the acting, production, and musical craftsmanship are sure to earn this one multiple Oscar nominations across the categories.

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The Curse

As strange as it is funny and as thoughtful as it is surprising, The Curse is as unique a viewing experience as they come. I was first drawn in by the sharp satire and stayed for the company of its richly envisioned characters. 

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Why Watch the Emmys? We Found 25 Reasons

You’d be forgiven if you didn’t know that the “Oscars of Television” were happening Monday, January 15th (8pm ET/ 5pm PT on Fox and FXX).  That’s because they were pushed four months from their usual September date, thanks to the actors and writers strikes, and it’s been a mad scramble to hype all of the

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A Watercooler Guide to Emma Stone’s Kinds of Kindness

With so many franchises, sequels and prequels arriving in theaters, we get accustomed to seeing familiar worlds and their predictable three-act structures. Then a three-hour theatrical release comes along that defies any simple explanation, and you have no idea what you’re getting into. Kinds of Kindness is that kind of film. With a top-notch cast

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Teen Romance for the Sweltering Summer

There’s a particular teenage feeling of promise to summer for me. School is out, the sun is beating, and the space between June and September seems big enough to live a lifetime in. Even for someone staunchly past teenhood, the tickle of summertime is exciting, Teen Romance For Sweltering Summer and self-transformation– and these are

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Round the World: Summer Camp Movies for Grownups

Ah, summer camp. Images of wood cabins, elaborate pranks, cringe-y talent show performances, and teens with raging hormones have filled our brains, thanks to what’s become a subgenre of American & Summer Camp Movies.. But summer camp stories take on different depths depending upon the decade and the country where they’re set, and they can

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A Career Reinvention Watchlist

As layoffs continue in the wake of a year of ominous headlines about the bots who are replacing us, a recent EY report found that over 70% of employees are reeling from AI anxiety. That actually sounds low. The idea of having to concoct a new livelihood – one that won’t be taken over by

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Industry S1

Industry is a series fueled by greed, drugs, sex, and money, and provides all of these ingredients in Federal Reserve-sized quantities. There’s never a dull moment.

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Mary & George

A clever, dark and salacious historical drama that brings a much overlooked chapter of European history to vivid life. Mary & George is a richly drawn, rough and raunchy story about the quest for power – and survival – in 16th century England.

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Scott Pilgrim vs The World

A fun, comical, unexpected breath of fresh air, Scott Pilgrim vs the World blends cleverly crafted action with a story about how to deal with the pain of young love, accept ourselves and move on – shifting our focus from the past to the present.

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Summertime

A vicarious vacation to Italy’s Adriatic coast that lulls you in with its summer romances, lapping waves, rich-hued cinematography, and Italian classics soundtrack.

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Cha Cha Real Smooth

Cha Cha Real Smooth is a sweet, intimate antidote to all the noisy summer blockbusters out there. Filmmaker Cooper Raiff proves he’s someone to keep a close eye on.

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