Watch The Healing Powers of Dude

The Healing Powers of Dude is an American family sitcom created by Erica Spates and Sam Littenberg-Weisberg. The series premiered on Netflix on January 13, 2020. The show stars Jace Chapman in the lead role of Noah Ferris, a middle school student who suffers from social anxiety disorder. Noah's best friend is an emotional support dog named Dude, voiced by Steve Zahn.

The show follows Noah as he navigates through middle school while managing his anxiety disorder with the help of his trusty companion, Dude, who he takes everywhere he goes. Noah's family is very supportive of him, especially his mother Karen (played by Larisa Oleynik) who is a therapist for children with special needs. Noah's father, who is played by Tom Everett Scott, is also supportive but sometimes finds it difficult to connect with his son.

Aside from dealing with his personal struggles, Noah takes on several projects throughout the show, mostly to help others in his community. In the first episode, he helps his classmate Amara (played by Sophie Kim) overcome her fear of public speaking by organizing a fundraiser for a local animal shelter. Throughout the season, Noah takes on various other projects such as organizing a campaign for the disabled, helping a friend discover his passion for music, and even helping his rebellious little sister Ava (played by Laurel Emory) make a positive change.

Noah's anxiety disorder plays a central role throughout the show, and The Healing Powers of Dude does an excellent job of bringing awareness to anxiety disorders and how they can impact everyone differently. The show does not shy away from showing how Noah's disorder affects every aspect of his life, whether it's getting through school or attending social events.

Another noteworthy aspect of the show is the use of animation to depict Noah's anxiety attacks. When Noah gets anxious, the show switches to an animated sequence, where Dude helps talk him through the attack. This unique storytelling method is a great way to show how Noah perceives and manages his anxiety.

The show also does an excellent job of portraying emotional support animals and their incredible impact on people's lives. Noah's dog, Dude, is by his side throughout the show, providing support when Noah needs it the most. Additionally, other emotional support animals play a role in various episodes, providing vital support to those in need.

The performances in the show are top-notch across the board. Jace Chapman is outstanding in the lead role of Noah, capturing the nuances and struggles of dealing with anxiety exceptionally well. Larisa Oleynik is also terrific as Noah's mother, providing a compassionate portrayal of a mother trying to support her son through his struggles.

Finally, the show does an excellent job of balancing the personal struggles of the characters with a lighthearted, comedic tone. The jokes land well and provide a nice break from the emotional moments in the show. With that being said, The Healing Powers of Dude is not afraid to tackle tough subjects and emotional moments head-on.

In conclusion, The Healing Powers of Dude is an excellent family sitcom that delicately and accurately navigates the struggles of dealing with anxiety disorders. The show excels in its performances, storytelling, and overall message. It's a heartwarming, feel-good show that teaches the importance of community, empathy, and most importantly, the power of support.

The Healing Powers of Dude is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on January 13, 2020.