Honest Ads Season 3 Episode 9 If Antidepressant Commercials Were Honest
- TV-14
- October 3, 2016
- 4 min
If Antidepressant Commercials Were Honest is the latest episode of the hit web series Honest Ads. In this episode, the show's creators take on the world of pharmaceutical advertising and the culture of over-medication that has become so commonplace in our society.
The episode begins by examining the often-overlooked side effects of antidepressant drugs. The show's host, Crispin, takes viewers through a series of hypothetical commercials that highlight some of the less glamorous side effects of these drugs. From weight gain to digestive issues, the show is unflinching in its portrayal of the negative impacts that can come with these medications.
But the episode doesn't stop there. In addition to looking at the side effects of antidepressants, the show also takes a critical look at the marketing tactics that pharmaceutical companies use to convince consumers that they need these drugs in the first place. Crispin introduces viewers to a variety of fictional drugs and their accompanying ad campaigns, all designed to illustrate the ways in which these drugs are marketed to the public.
Along the way, Crispin also provides some hard data about the prevalence of antidepressant use in the United States. He notes that nearly one in ten Americans take antidepressants, and that the number has been steadily rising in recent years. He also points out that studies have shown that, for many people, antidepressants are no more effective than placebo pills.
Overall, the episode is a biting satire of the pharmaceutical industry and the ways in which it profits from a culture of over-medication. It doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths about these drugs, and offers a fresh perspective on a topic that is often oversimplified in the media. With a mix of humor, criticism, and hard-hitting facts, If Antidepressant Commercials Were Honest is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in the world of pharmaceuticals and mental health.