1.) We’re very happy to have some time today with acclaimed creator, writer, and actress Faly Mevamanana; greetings and salutations Faly, and thanks for taking time from a full dance card to speak with us and our ever-inquisitive readers here at Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, how are the final months of 2026 finding you and yours?

Thank you for having me! It’s lovely. Definitely a busy time but I can’t complain, it’s been a dreamy year.

2.) Major kudos and accolades on your new dramatic comedy series Be Better which premiered exclusively on Bell Fibe TV1 this September! Starting at the top – and for anyone not in the know – can you explain what Be Better is about and how your character of ‘Jaynan’ figures into the proceedings?

Be Better is about that inevitable moment when you have to parent your parent. When her mother is released from the mental health hospital, Jaynan does what any sane person would do – she freaks the frick out. We see Jaynan get caught between caregiving for her mom or exploring new opportunities, and a new romance, in her own life. Be Better shows the messiness, the hilarity, and the heartfelt struggle of people who are just trying their best (even if their best kind of sucks right now). It’s very funny, but doesn’t shy away from the truth and difficulties of caregiving.

3.) What’s the E! True Hollywood Story on how you came to create and write Be Better? What was the inspiration behind the series?

It’s loosely inspired by my own life. A few years ago, I was thrust into a position of caregiving and I hated it. I felt resentful – and then felt so ashamed that I felt resentful. Mostly though, I felt alone. Because mental health struggles are often seen as taboo and shameful, I didn’t feel like I could tell anyone what was happening.
Eventually, when I did tell my friends about that experience, I found many folks had similar stories. Everyone struggles with mental health in different ways, and many folks become caregivers to their parents before they feel ready (if we ever are ready). I needed to write this story because I needed to show mental illness in a way that wasn’t taboo, where we can centre the people and not the disease, showcasing both the hard moments and the hilarious ones. I felt so alone in my experience – my greatest hope is that caregivers can watch this series and feel a bit less alone.

4.) The director of Be Better is the rightly lauded Katelyn McCulloch! What made Katelyn the only choice to helm the series? What was your collaboration process like with Katelyn? Is she what some actors might refer to as ‘an actor’s director’?

Katelyn is an incredible CSA-nominated director, while also being a talented writer and actor. We knew we needed someone who could handle the large comedic moments and the darker drama of this show – her experience and style made her the perfect choice. Katelyn’s energy, expertise, and excitement brought such incredible joy to our set! Being an actor herself, she made me feel so confident in my work. As a writer, it was very vulnerable trusting this story with a director, but Katelyn gave Be Better so much thought and care. I’m incredibly thankful she said yes, and can’t imagine doing this project without her.

5.) Speaking of collaborations, you work with such an impressive cast of thespians on Be Better, including the likes of Samantha Wilson, Breton Lalama, Martina Kelades, James MacLean, Henricus Gielis, Raigne Umali, Lucy Spence-Pinks, and Altyn Hood. What was it like exercising your own considerable acting chops alongside this banger of an ensemble?

It was so fun! Truly, this cast made the acting easy. Samantha is such a grounded actor, she brought incredible gravitas to Mom. Acting with Breton really kept me on my game, we had so much fun and play in our scenes. I’m so grateful to our whole cast. They all connected with the material in such special ways, while adding their own unique takes to it. It really was the most welcoming, joyous, fun set I’ve ever been a part of!

6.) The story of Be Better is chronicled through the course of six episodes. Was there ever a thought to extend this run, or did six feel like the magic number? And might we see a second chapter of Be Better if audiences demand more?

Oh definitely, we would love to do a season 2! I ended the story on quite a cliffhanger, with the intention of having another season. With a short form series, there’s a big discussion on how to keep the story clear within a short timeframe. There’s a lot left to explore in the story – Jaynan is only beginning to figure out how she fits in the world, and her relationships with her mom and her love interest Pax are still shifting. Nothing is confirmed yet, but if the audience is as excited for it as we are, hopefully we can make it happen!

7.) In your humble opinion, what differentiates Be Better from the Distinguished Competition on the television landscape?

Be Better talks about mental health and caregiving in a way that no other show is right now, in a way that includes joy and comedy amongst the hard moments. Everyone can relate to the struggle to care for someone else, or the difficulties we can have around caring for ourselves. Whether we’re dealing with aging parents, children, or struggling with self care, it is a universal subject. Our show not only delves into these important deep topics, but it is also extremely funny. In our current world, I think audiences deserve to laugh.

8.) What makes Bell Fibe TV1 the perfect home for Be Better? Did they understand the sensibilities of the scripts you wrote more than any other potential suitor?

Absolutely! Our show has deep ties to community, and Bell Fibe has a great focus on distinctly local, community-related content. They have been a wonderful supporter of ours, and allowed us to bring this piece to life.

9.) At the end of the day, what do you hope audiences walk away with after sitting down and enjoying Be Better?

I can’t say too much without spoiling the ending, but I hope that it makes anyone who is a caregiver feel seen – whether you’re caring for your parent, sibling, or child. I hope that folks watch this show and know that sometimes, we need to put our own oxygen mask on first – we can’t care for others without first giving some amount of care to ourselves. Mostly, I hope that this show starts conversations around mental health, and makes people who are struggling know that they don’t need to feel ashamed – sometimes asking for support and reaching out is the only way to be better.

10.) Can you give readers a hint or three as to what you have coming up after Be Better? Anything we might want to keep our eyes on the lookout for?

We’re hoping for a second season of Be Better to continue the story, and are looking for opportunities to turn the show into a half hour series! We really believe in this show, and know that it has the potential to make a difference in a lot of people’s lives. I also have another sitcom idea I’m pitching with Fennel Films (musical pirates, anyone?), and a dark comedy play I wrote that I’d love to perform in Toronto next year. I’d love to connect with folks @fennel.films for all things Be Better, and @falymeva for everything else!

INTERVIEW: Actress Faly Mevamanana

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