The Asylum (Season 1)

The first season of "The Asylum", a dramatic exploration of life within a mental institution, premiered on July 8, 2023, with the episode titled "Beginning," and concluded with "Sad Ending" on July 15, 2023. The series was officially commissioned in 2022 and led by head writer and director Specs Calverleigh, alongside screenwriter Cutie Baxter. The series marks the inception of the franchise and sets a strong precedent for exploring mental health issues through narrative storytelling.

The series introduces the audience to the leads, "Seth" and "Jeremy," along with an evolving cast of supporting characters, all patients at a newly established mental institution based in Edinburgh. The institution, launched just two months before the timeline of the show, is portrayed as a dynamic environment, constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of its twenty patients. Two of these, Seth and Jeremy, form the core of the narrative.

The first season also introduces the characters "Hayden," "Sarah," and "Elena," who form a tightly knit friendship group with Seth and Jeremy. The plot follows their experiences in the institution, dealing with their individual mental health struggles while supporting each other. The main storyline focuses on Hayden's struggle with self-harm, which triggers a series of events that impact the entire patient group.

The first season is marked by significant character development, poignant exchanges, and the exploration of serious themes related to mental health. The climax of the season comes with the unexpected and tragic death of Sarah, a popular character, who succumbs to an unintended self-harm incident. The season concludes with a stark reminder of the dire importance of mental health care within institutions, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of its complexities and challenges.

Specs Calverleigh was directly involved with the direction of all eight episodes, and Cutie Baxter wrote all episodes of the season. The team succeeded in creating a series that is both insightful and thought-provoking, resonating with viewers and critics alike.

The series premiere was watched by 5.3 million viewers, with consistent viewership across the season, seeing a peak of 6.9 million viewers with the episode "Scary times," and concluding with 6.8 million people watching the finale. Critical reactions to the series were predominantly positive, with particular praise directed at the authentic portrayal of characters, exploration of mental health themes, and engaging storytelling.

## Episodes

*See also: List of "The Asylum" episodes (2023—2028, 2035)*

The first two episodes of the series, "Beginning" and "A new boy arrival", have a runtime of 30 minutes each. Not only are these the shortest episodes in the entire franchise, but they also mark a significant transition for the series. Following these two episodes, the show made a strategic decision to extend the duration of its episodes to 45 minutes each, providing ample time to delve deeper into the narratives and character development.

Aside from special episodes, which command a length of 2 hours each, the typical runtime for an episode of "The Asylum" remains at 45 minutes. This shift in runtime is representative of the creators' commitment to offer an immersive viewing experience to the audience, focusing on a more nuanced exploration of the characters and their experiences within the asylum setting.

The first season of "The Asylum" also stands out for having the highest number of episodes within a single series in the franchise, featuring a total of eight episodes. This record number of episodes in a series signifies a comprehensive narrative arc, allowing the season to explore various storylines and character arcs in a detailed manner.

## Production

### Writing

Asylum's first season, masterfully penned by Cutie Baxter, pioneered a groundbreaking narrative around mental health in the form of a series. As the sole scriptwriter for the season, Baxter adeptly introduces us to a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own unique mental health challenges. The series takes its audience on a journey within the confines of a mental institution, shedding light on the realities of these environments.

While some scenes depict intense situations, their authenticity is preserved, for they represent genuine incidents that could occur in real-life mental health facilities. As the episodes progress, the intensity gradually amplifies, unraveling deeper layers of the characters' experiences and the complexities of life within these institutions.

Baxter's vision for the first season remained focused on mental health hospitals, an approach that allowed for a consistent, in-depth exploration of the theme. The season uncovers many aspects of life in a mental health hospital, from the individual struggles of the patients to the collective dynamics of the facility. The narrative arc Baxter creates effectively lays the groundwork for the introduction of larger, more complex themes in subsequent seasons, hinting at unexpected twists and turns.

Throughout the series, Baxter's writing underscores the importance of raising awareness about mental health issues, challenging stigmas, and promoting understanding and empathy. The realistic depiction of mental health hospitals and the people within them plays a significant role in engaging viewers and opening up a discourse on mental health. The inaugural season of Asylum thus sets a strong precedent for its successors, establishing a distinct narrative style and tone that resonates with its audience.

### Filming

Filming for "Asylum" took place in a formerly operational asylum, which had been inaugurated in 1980 but closed its doors in 2001. After remaining vacant for over two decades, the site was revived in 2023 to serve as the authentic backdrop for the mental hospital portrayed in the series. This decision came directly from Cutie Baxter, the creator and lead writer of the series, who emphasized the importance of authenticity in bringing the narrative to life.

Baxter was determined that the series needed to mirror reality as closely as possible, believing that an authentic environment would lend the narrative an added depth and realism. The chosen location, with its unchanged interiors and layout, proved to be an ideal fit for her vision. The hospital’s outdated equipment was updated and modified to meet the contemporary standards of mental healthcare facilities, yet the overall setting retained its original charm and historical authenticity.

This commitment to realism and authenticity played a key role in shaping the production process. Baxter believed that by filming in a genuine mental hospital setting, the series could offer viewers a more immersive and believable experience. Her vision was for the audience to not just witness, but feel the palpable reality of the situations unfolding on screen. This unique approach to filming provided "Asylum" with a distinctive edge, reinforcing its commitment to portraying the realities of mental health and life in a mental hospital as accurately as possible.

## Reception

### Critical Response

Season 1 of "The Asylum" garnered a diverse range of critical opinions, with many applauding the series for its authentic portrayal of mental health care within an institutional setting.

Some critics praised the series for the depth of its characters and the complexity of its narrative, particularly applauding the performances of the lead cast members and the writing by Specs Calverleigh and Cutie Baxter. The realistic representation of mental health conditions and the compassionate portrayal of the patients received widespread acclaim.

However, the season was not without its detractors. Some critics found the subject matter too distressing or felt that certain scenes were too graphic in their depiction of mental illness. The abrupt and tragic ending of the season also divided critics, with some praising its boldness, while others felt it was too bleak.

Despite these criticisms, the season was generally well-received, with a strong fan following and an overall positive critical response.

### Ratings

The ratings for "The Asylum" remained steady throughout its first season, averaging around 6.4 million UK viewers. The season opener, "Beginning," drew 5.3 million viewers, with the audience growing to 6.7 million by the second episode, "A new boy arrival." The season's highest-rated episode was the finale, "Sad Ending," with 6.8 million viewers and an impressive rating of 8.6.

Overall, the show maintained solid ratings, demonstrating strong engagement with its core audience.

### Awards and Nominations

Season 1 of "The Asylum" also received recognition in the form of several awards and nominations:

* **Best New Drama Series:** Nominated by the UK Television Awards.
* **Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series:** Specs Calverleigh and Cutie Baxter, Nominated by the Writers' Guild of Great Britain.
* **Best Supporting Actor/Actress:** Several nominations for the supporting cast for their outstanding portrayal of patients within the institution.

Despite the critical acclaim, the series did not win in the major award categories. However, the nominations and recognition underscored the series' impact on the television landscape, particularly in terms of its brave and often unsettling depiction of mental health.

In conclusion, Season 1 of "The Asylum" has left a significant mark on audiences and critics alike. Its honest and unflinching look at mental health, combined with compelling characters and thoughtful storytelling, has positioned it as a must-watch series, though not without its share of controversy. The anticipation for the subsequent seasons remains high, and it will be interesting to see how the creators continue to navigate this complex and sensitive subject matter.