Media plays a powerful role in shaping how society views chronic illnesses. Conditions like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID are often misunderstood, but there have been moments in pop culture where they take the spotlight—intentionally or not. These portrayals have helped raise awareness, but they also highlight how much the entertainment industry could do to bring these hidden struggles into the mainstream.
1. “The Golden Girls” – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
In the two-part episode “Sick and Tired” (Season 5, Episodes 1 & 2), Dorothy Zbornak begins experiencing extreme fatigue and other debilitating symptoms. She visits multiple doctors who dismiss her concerns with patronising comments like, “You’re just getting older,” or, “Maybe it’s in your head.” Eventually, a doctor takes her seriously and diagnoses her with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Dorothy’s triumphant moment comes when she confronts one of the dismissive doctors, saying:
“I’m not crazy, and I’m not lazy. I have a disease.”
This storyline was inspired by the real-life experiences of Golden Girls creator Susan Harris, who faced similar challenges when seeking a diagnosis for her own CFS. The episodes resonated with countless viewers and gave a voice to those who often feel ignored or belittled by the medical system.
For a visual representation of Dorothy’s experience, you can watch this clip from the episode:
2. “Gilmore Girls” – The Restaurant Scene
In a much lighter but still relatable moment, Emily Gilmore from Gilmore Girls provides an accidental metaphor for the frustration many chronic illness patients face. In the scene, she corners Rory’s doctor at a restaurant and demands answers. Emily, as always, is sharp-tongued:
“You’re a doctor. Fix her! That’s your job, isn’t it? Fix her!”
While Emily’s approach is far from subtle, her desperation mirrors the feelings of many people with chronic illnesses like ME/CFS or Long COVID, who often feel like they’re stuck searching for solutions in a system that doesn’t always have answers.
3. “Unrest” – A Documentary About ME/CFS
Jennifer Brea’s Unrest (2017) is a raw and emotional look into the life of someone battling ME/CFS. After developing the condition, Brea uses her skills as a filmmaker to document her experience and connect with others around the world facing similar struggles. The film is both heartbreaking and empowering, showing the resilience of the ME/CFS community while highlighting systemic gaps in medical research and support.
The parallels between ME/CFS and Long COVID—particularly symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and post-exertional malaise (PEM)—have made Unrest even more relevant in recent years. If you’re looking for a moving portrayal of life with chronic illness, this documentary is a must-watch.
4. Connections Between Long COVID and ME/CFS
Long COVID has thrust post-viral syndromes into the spotlight, with millions of people worldwide developing persistent symptoms after their initial infection. Conditions like ME/CFS, which were long dismissed or under-researched, are finally a bit back in the spotlight for their overlap with Long COVID.
However, media portrayals of Long COVID are still very limited. Documentaries like the BBC’s Long COVID: Surviving the Virus (2021) and podcasts from patient advocates have started to fill the gap, but the entertainment industry has yet to fully embrace these stories. Imagine the impact of a popular TV show or film centring on a character navigating life with Long COVID.
5. Why We Need the Media Industry to Do More
Pop culture has the power to normalise conversations about chronic illness, reduce stigma, and inspire action. Shows like The Golden Girls and documentaries like Unrest have shown how effective storytelling can raise awareness, but these moments are still far too rare.
We need more narratives that go beyond the clichés of miraculous recoveries or the “brave sufferer” trope. Chronic illnesses like Long COVID and ME/CFS are complex, multifaceted, and often invisible. Media can help capture this reality with empathy and nuance, highlighting the systemic barriers patients face and the importance of funding research.
Imagine a popular show like Ted Lasso introducing a character with Long COVID—balancing humour and heart to show the daily challenges of living with post-viral illness. Or a drama like Grey’s Anatomy taking on Long COVID as a recurring storyline, educating viewers while giving patients a sense of visibility.
6. Finding Light in the Dark
While chronic illness is undeniably serious, it’s also important to find moments of levity. As Emily Gilmore demonstrated in her not-so-diplomatic restaurant ambush, sometimes all you can do is laugh at the absurdity of navigating the medical world.
For those of us with Long COVID or ME/CFS, media portrayals—whether accurate or wildly off-base—are often a reminder that we’re not alone in our frustrations. And with more voices advocating for representation, there’s hope that the next wave of storytelling will bring greater understanding and, perhaps, even some much-needed humour to the conversation.
Call to Action
If you’ve seen powerful or meaningful portrayals of chronic illness in TV, film, or other media, let us know! These stories matter—and sharing them helps keep the momentum going.
Disclaimer:
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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