Love on the Spectrum is an American reality television show. Based on the Australian version by the same name, it follows people on the autism spectrum as they explore the dating world. The show is produced by Northern Pictures for Netflix[1] and is co-created, directed, and co-produced by Cian O'Clery.
Originally, the show was referred to as Love on the Spectrum U.S.
Love on the Spectrum U.S. first aired on Netflix on May 18, 2022.[2][3] A second season, which was announced in September 2022, premiered on January 19, 2024.[4] On April 2, 2024, Variety reported that O'Clery announced that it was renewed for a third season.[5][6]
Similar to the original Australian series, Love on the Spectrum U.S. has received positive reviews from critics. The show has garnered an 8.2/10 on IMDb,[10] 100% on Rotten Tomatoes,[11] and a "Stream it!" from Decider among others.[12] The American version, made by the same team as the Australian version, was highlighted as having positive improvements from the Australian version. The American version expanded the age range of the cast featuring 63-year-old Steve, diversified the previous dating experiences of the cast whether through online dating, highschool relationships, or relationships with people not on the spectrum, featured a dating coach and expert who herself is on the spectrum, and cast participants with disabilities in addition to autism (ADHD, dyslexia, etc.).[13][14] Not all of the differences were praised, however; the absence of LGBTQ relationships in the first season was critiqued. In season two, Journey, a lesbian, joined the cast.[15] It was also later revealed that Dani, who is shown only going on dates with men in the show, is pansexual.[15] Another critique was the lack of attention for couples on the spectrum who were already together as was done on the Australian version. In season two, Abbey and David, who were introduced and started dating on season one, had their story followed both in their hometown and on their trip to Africa to see their favorite animal, the lion.[16]
Autistic audiences generally enjoyed the portrayal of autism. Allison Wall wrote, "Yes, there are problem areas, but in my estimation, the positives outweigh the negatives. Autistic people are shown as empathetic, humanized individuals with a variety of abilities and skills, with agency, as adults, in romantic situations."[17] Wall did question the settings for dates. Many dates happened in restaurants or 'typical' date settings that Wall notes "An environment like that, for me, is not conducive for getting to know a stranger... Would it have been difficult to tailor the dating environments more to what the participants were comfortable with?"[17] Cian O'Clery, the co-creator, director, and producer stated in an interview with Mashable that "...it's all about what that particular person wants and needs. Some go to a restaurant if they want to go to a restaurant."[14] Jill Escher of the National Council on Severe Autism notes that members of the autism community may feel as if Love on the Spectrum is a "goofball charade that too conveniently sidesteps the trauma and poverty pervasive among autism families" but also points out that "...for the majority of viewers I do think they will walk away more curious, patient, and caring about autism – which is definitely a gift from Netflix to the autism community."[18]
^Love on the Spectrum U.S. (Documentary, Comedy, Drama), Dani Bowman, Abbey Lutes, James B. Jones, The Werk Howse, Northern Pictures, May 18, 2022, retrieved January 29, 2024{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
