Billy Eichner defends ‘wildly irresponsible’ suicide drama after backlash from mental health group

Forthcoming series has attracted criticism from mental health group Inseparable

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Billy Eichner has defended Will Forte’s forthcoming series against criticism over its “wildly irresponsible and callous concept”.

Expiration Date is a suicide drama in the works at US streamer Peacock. Forte – best known for The Last Man on Earth – will star and executive produce. 

The series – which follows the story of Robin (Forte), a grief-stricken man who decides to take his life within the year – has been condemned as “wildly irresponsible” by the mental health organisation Inseparable.

“What a wildly irresponsible and callous concept that will, no doubt, endanger countless viewers,” said the group’s founder Bill Smith. “Glamorizing [sic] suicide leads to contagion, that is a fact.

“At a time when our country is already suffering a mental health crisis compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left Americans’ mental wellbeing at a two-decade low, the last thing we need is a reckless show hinged on the question of ‘will he or won’t he’ succumb to the devastation of depression — an all too real and painful experience for millions of Americans.”

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In response to the criticism, comedian Billy Eichner stepped in to defend the show on Twitter: “Who cares? They haven’t even seen a script! Stop policing/criticizing art you haven’t even seen! I have nothing to do with this show btw. This just drives me CRAZY!”

The Independent has contacted a representative of Forte’s for comment.

Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why – which ran for four seasons between 2017 and 2020 – also found itself at the centre of controversy after being accused of “glamorising suicide”.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues discussed in this article, you can contact Samaritans by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org or visiting their website.