Have you watched the Netflix show Love on the Spectrum yet?
It’s a beautifully and sensitively made reality TV show that started in Australia and now has a US version. Both shows follow the lives of young people on the autism spectrum who are looking for love.
Now in its third season, the US show is truly special both because of the unique, lovely people it follows and the warm, authentic way it is created.
Unlike most dating reality shows, there is nothing forced or contrived here. Rather, Love on the Spectrum openly and honestly deals with real emotions, conversations, awkward moments and connections between humans. It is a breath of fresh air compared to most reality programming!
I thought I’d share my five favorite things about Love on the Spectrum here since the show has moved me so much.
1. I love seeing the way the young people’s families love, support and, when needed, coregulate their family members with autism. There are some amazing family relationships on display here, both parents and siblings. These kids are amazing in part because they have such incredible parents, guardians and family support systems. The show stands as a best practice guide for family members of people on the spectrum.
2. Unlike most reality dating shows, Love on the Spectrum shows dating and romantic relationships in a sweet, pure and wholesome way. “It’s about finding a new friend with shared interests,” several family members say when their autistic loved one is heading out on a first date. Focusing on friendship first, and hoping to find a “spark” of romantic attraction along the way, is a great approach to dating. Participants model honest communication, including the awkward moments of letting someone know “we’re just going to be friends” or “thanks for the date, but I’m not interested in another one.” Love on the Spectrum showcases best practices in dating and starting relationships, not just for people on the spectrum but for everyone.
3. I admire the way the show sheds so much light on the “spectrum” part of Autism Spectrum Disorder. There’s a wide range of personalities, abilities and living arrangements in the young people here, but they are all amazing individuals looking for companionship and love. Some share their specific diagnosis, others don’t – and it doesn’t really matter. What matters is the way they all treat each other with kindness, openness and sometimes direct, blunt and hilarious honesty. We can all learn something from these young people!
4. I adore the little moments of true romance and meaningful connection. The ones that come to mind are Connor and Georgia’s first kiss, Abbey and David singing the Lion King duet to each other while on safari in Africa, Madison and Tyler falling for each other on the beach, Pari and Tina’s first kiss, and Dani’s giddiness over feeling sparks and “falling in love.” The way they each describe their newfound fluttery, butterflies-in-the-stomach feelings of love are amazing. It’s all just so sweet, genuine and wholesome that Love on the Spectrum can give hope to even the most jaded of us.
5. Love on the Spectrum is pure, guileless and lovely. The scenery is beautiful and the film-makers clearly love dogs and animals, because the camera often pans to show sweet moments with dogs, birds and other animals. The humor is delightful and the dates are picturesque and wholesome. This show is like a bright light and a warm, sweet hug compared to what’s happening in the world today and most of what’s on TV/streaming. If you are looking for a feel-good show that will also make you a better person and expand your worldview, Love on the Spectrum is the one.
I love all the individuals and couples featured on the show. I thought about calling out some of my favorites here, but since the cast members are all real human beings who could stumble upon this post, I don’t want to do that for fear of excluding anyone. I’ll just say that I loved going on this journey with each of them and seeing how much they learned, faced challenges and grew from each date and relationship.
I truly wish for love, happiness and continued adventures for all of the cast and family members from Love on the Spectrum. I feel honored to have gotten this peek into their lives and relationships, and it taught me a lot, too.
If I can find one flaw with the show, it’s that Love on the Spectrum tends to feature young people from wonderful and mostly affluent families. Obviously, not everyone with autism is so fortunate, well-off or well-traveled.
That said, I realize that this show is likely extremely helpful for young people watching who don’t have amazing, supportive families teaching them about communication, interpersonal relationships, dating, friendship and romance. It’s a how-to of wholesome, traditional dating and friendships with so many life lessons along the way. My heart goes out to young people on the spectrum who don’t get this kind of family support; hopefully watching this show will help and guide them along their journeys, too.
Have you watched Love on the Spectrum yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or over on Facebook or Instagram. And, if you’re as invested in these relationships as I am, here’s a spoiler-filled update on who’s still together after you’ve finished watching season three!
