This article includes mentions of mental illness, eating disorders, abuse, and child exploitation.
Jennifer Aniston’s upcoming Apple TV+ show,I’m Glad My Mom Died, will be emotionally taxing and very difficult to get through, but it will also contribute to important social conversations. On July 1, news broke thatJennifer Aniston will star as the titular mom inI’m Glad My Mom Died, a dramedy adaptation of formeriCarlyactor Jennette McCurdy’s bestselling 2022 memoir.
As someone who has read the book multiple times, I can confidently say thatJennette McCurdy’s memoiris one of the most powerful and impactful books I have ever read. However, people who aren’t familiar with the book, heed this warning: you will need to bring a pack of tissues with you when watching Apple TV+’sI’m Glad My Mom DiedTV show.
Although the book title might seem harsh to people who haven’t read it,I’m Glad My Mom Diedhas that title for a very good reason. The memoir explores Jennette McCurdy’s experiences navigating the child acting industry while under the thumb of her abusive and manipulative mother.
The adaptation of the book will be one of the heaviest shows that Apple TV+ has ever put out. Luckily, since it’s a dramedy, it should include the dark humor from the book that offers some levity to the serious topics.
No matter how they adapt the bookI’m Glad My Mom Died, it will be incredibly difficult to watch if even an iota of the tragedies in the book appear on screen
The memoir delves into Jennette McCurdy and her mom’s mental illnesses, like OCD (specifically showing up as religious scrupulosity) and hoarding.Jennette McCurdy explores the emotional abuse, manipulation, and sexual abuse that she faced from her motherin her writing.
A large amount of attention also goes into her mother teaching her to have an eating disorder, and McCurdy’s long and arduous recovery process in adulthood. Sadly, McCurdy wasn’t able to escape her toxic and codependent relationship with her mother until her mom died.
No matter how they adapt the bookI’m Glad My Mom Died, it will be incredibly difficult to watch if even an iota of the tragedies in the book appear on screen. However, it will also add an important perspective to the ongoing conversation online about how difficult it is to draw boundaries with abusive parents and why some choose no contact.
The Memoir’s Commentary On The Child Actor Industry Feels Incredibly Timely
On top of contributing to the ongoing conversations about mental health and abuse,I’m Glad My Mom Diedshines a light on the issues with the child actor industry, which is another heavy topic. The book came out in 2022 when the conversations about child exploitation in the industry were starting to ramp up.
Since the book came out, documentarians and journalists have put more of a spotlight on the horrific experiences of child actors. Many documentaries, like Quiet on Set, Child Star, and Showbiz Kids, have allowed former child actors to share their experiences.The TV adaptation ofI’m Glad My Mom Diedwill amplify McCurdy’s voice, sharing it with a new audience.
Jennette McCurdy will write and executive produce Apple TV+‘sI’m Glad My Mom Died, also serving as the showrunner.
Jennette McCurdy’s experience feels especially timely, given that she worked on iCarly, which was produced byDan Schneider, who was discussed in Quiet on Set. While she only refers to him as “The Creator” in her book, it’s very clear who she’s talking about. While it probably won’t be the focus, this aspect ofI’m Glad My Mom Diedwill almost certainly play a role in the TV show.
