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Death is often used for dramatic effect on scripted television, but rarely do we see the process and reality of facing death—particularly the decision to die deliberately on one’s own terms. America famously shies away from speaking directly about death while simultaneously wringing it for profit, as documented in Jessica Mitford’s 1963 book The American Way of Death, an inspiration for the Peabody-winning drama Six Feet Under, which was itself a pioneer in unflinching death depiction. But in recent years, other Peabody-recognized series have been tackling end-of-life preparation and decision-making with increasing reality, sophistication, and nuance. (Light spoilers ahead.)Death is often used for dramatic effect on scripted television, but rarely do we see the process and reality of facing death—particularly the decision to die deliberately on one’s own terms. America famously shies away from speaking directly about death while simultaneously wringing it for profit, as documented in Jessica Mitford’s 1963 book The American Way of Death, an inspiration for the Peabody-winning drama Six Feet Under, which was itself a pioneer in unflinching death depiction. But in recent years, other Peabody-recognized series have been tackling end-of-life preparation and decision-making with increasing reality, sophistication, and nuance. (Light spoilers ahead.)
‘Come See Me in the Good Light’
In this documentary, director Ryan White tells the story of poet and activist Andrea Gibson, from their struggle with sexual and gender identity to their marriage to wife Megan Falley and their terminal ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2021. White’s cameras follow Gibson and Falley at their home in Colorado throughout 2024 as Gibson undergoes cancer treatment and care before her death in 2025. The film celebrates Gibson’s poetry as well as the couple’s humor, love, joy, and warmth in their waning time together.
Where to Watch: Apple TV
Explore More Come See Me In The Good Light on Peabody’s Website
‘Dying for Sex’
Liz Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock adapted the real-life story of Molly Kochan, whose podcast documented her quest to face a terminal cancer diagnosis in her early 40s by leaving her husband and going on a sexual odyssey before her death. The TV series features Michelle Williams as Molly and Jenny Slate as her best friend and caretaker, Nikki, in stellar performances, with unflinching—and often very funny—depictions of Molly’s myriad sexual encounters. It also includes Molly’s increasingly assertive interactions with her doctor, Nikki’s frustrating attempts to navigate Molly’s health care, a touching relationship with a palliative care manager, and a breathtaking depiction of Molly’s death. It’s unlike anything ever seen on television before.
Where to Watch: Disney+
Explore More Dying for Sex on Peabody’s Website
‘Hacks’
The masterful comedy about an aging female comedian, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), and her Gen Z writer, Ava (Hannah Einbinder), ended earlier this year with Deborah facing her mortality. The final season begins with the accidental reporting of her death, which gives her a glimpse at what her obituaries might say—and prompts her to change her narrative by planning to sell out Madison Square Garden. But after a grim cancer diagnosis, her impending death turns quite real, and she decides to go to Switzerland for a medically aided death on her own terms. The final twist is worth watching.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
Explore More Hacks on Peabody’s Website
‘The Pitt’
HBO Max’s breakout medical hit is known for its relentless pace and realistic portrait of an overtaxed emergency room, but it has repeatedly taken the time to craft careful storylines around end-of-life care. In the first season, the adult children of a patient with Alzheimer’s, who comes in with pneumonia and sepsis, decide to override his advance directive and do-not-resuscitate order. Harried attending Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) explains clearly and patiently that they are causing their father further pain, emphasizing that extending life is not always the best option. The second season features a young mother, Roxie Hamler (Brittany Allen), choosing how she wants to die—at home or in the hospital, with painkillers or not—despite what her family or doctors may say.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
Explore More The Pitt on Peabody’s Website
Further Listening: ‘Dying for Sex’ on ‘We Disrupt This Broadcast’
On this episode of our podcast collaboration with the Center for Media and Social Impact, Dying for Sex co-creators Meriwether and Rosenstock talk about cancer, caregiving, and women’s sexuality, while sex educator and researcher Emily Nagoski weighs in on the significance of Molly’s story.
Where to Listen: PeabodyAwards.com
Ryan White’s Peabody Acceptance for ‘Come See Me in the Good Light’
“In an extraordinary act of vulnerability they both allowed us to capture our final year together,” White said of Gibson and Falley. “Andrea spent that year working on a poem about mortality that they called ‘Death Anthem,’ and they eventually retitled it ‘Life Anthem.'”