Oprah and Prince Harry Team Up for New Apple TV Mental Health Docuseries

On Wednesday, Oprah and the U.K.’s Prince Harry announced they have teamed up to create a mental health documentary series for Apple’s new video streaming service, Apple TV+. The series is scheduled to launch in 2020.

According to Prince Harry’s Instagram page, the untitled mental health series will focus on “honest conversation” about mental health topics. While it offered few additional details, the Instagram post added Oprah and Prince Harry have been developing the series for months. The post said:

We are excited to announce that The Duke of Sussex and Oprah Winfrey are partners, co-creators and executive producers on their forthcoming mental health series launching on Apple in 2020. The pair have been developing the series for several months and are looking forward to sharing such an important project on this global platform.

The dynamic multi-part documentary series will focus on both mental illness and mental wellness, inspiring viewers to have an honest conversation about the challenges each of us faces, and how to equip ourselves with the tools to not simply survive, but to thrive.

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We are excited to announce that The Duke of Sussex and Oprah Winfrey are partners, co-creators and executive producers on their forthcoming mental health series launching on Apple in 2020. The pair have been developing the series for several months and are looking forward to sharing such an important project on this global platform. The dynamic multi-part documentary series will focus on both mental illness and mental wellness, inspiring viewers to have an honest conversation about the challenges each of us faces, and how to equip ourselves with the tools to not simply survive, but to thrive. This commitment builds on The Duke of Sussex’s long-standing work on issues and initiatives regarding mental health, where he has candidly shared personal experience and advocated for those who silently suffer, empowering them to get the help and support they deserve. His Royal Highness has spent many years working with communities throughout the UK and young people across the Commonwealth to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and broaden the conversation of mental wellness to accelerate change for a more compassionate, connected and positive society. Quote from HRH: “I truly believe that good mental health – mental fitness – is the key to powerful leadership, productive communities and a purpose-driven self. It is a huge responsibility to get this right as we bring you the facts, the science and the awareness of a subject that is so relevant during these times. Our hope is that this series will be positive, enlightening and inclusive – sharing global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places, and the opportunity for us to understand ourselves and those around us better. I am incredibly proud to be working alongside Oprah on this vital series.”

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Apr 10, 2019 at 2:58am PDT

This news follows an earlier announcement that Oprah will produce an additional documentary series related to mental health currently titled “Toxic Labor.” The non-fiction show will take a closer look at workplace harassment and its impact. Apple announced this series in March along with the rest of its Apple TV+ lineup. Oprah will also helm a book club talk show featuring conversations with authors.

Prince Harry often speaks openly about mental health topics and advocates to reduce stigma, including through the Royal Family’s Heads Together campaign. Heads Together program initiatives have so far supported workplace wellness, mothers, veterans and schools. When announcing his collaboration with Oprah, Prince Harry said he hopes to bring mental health advocacy to an even wider audience.

“It is a huge responsibility to get this right as we bring you the facts, the science and the awareness of a subject that is so relevant during these times,” Harry said in a statement shared on Instagram. “Our hope is that this series will be positive, enlightening and inclusive — sharing global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places, and the opportunity for us to understand ourselves and those around us better. I am incredibly proud to be working alongside Oprah on this vital series.”