Atypical

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 11, 2017
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 163 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 148 out of 163
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 163
  3. Negative: 7 out of 163
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  1. jonnybgoode
    Oct 4, 2017
    9
    Gave this show 7 after episode 1, but it improved as season 1 progressed, and by the end it was a 9. The brother, sister and their friends (both social and romantic) are very well cast - I find it hard to believe there was ever much chemistry between the parents. Other than that a great show - very well scripted and acted.
  2. Sango
    Oct 3, 2018
    8
    This was a really fun show, I like the main character a lot, though I found the show lost focus when it was about the rest of the family, the tone was uneven at times, but overall, a very enjoyable binge.
  3. adependable
    Oct 3, 2018
    10
    After watching just the first 2 shows I was hooked and then went on to binge watch both seasons over the next 2 days! HIGHLY recommend.
  4. 21donuts
    Aug 24, 2017
    10
    I've been searching long and hard for a show that evokes this much feelings in me. I have a brother with autism, and I can relate to this show so much. It's cute and funny and unexpected. Like, with other shows you can easily foreshadow what's going to happen but with this... no, there's always twists and turns.
    Honestly, 10/10, I'm so excited for season 2!!!
  5. bossanova808
    Aug 14, 2017
    8
    A nice balance between drama and comedy (leaning to the comedy end without being overly lightweight) and a blessedly shorter format than many such shows. The two lead children and father are particularly well done. The friends are so far (4 episodes in) fairly roughly drawn but provide good foils for the leads.
  6. AmyBenevento
    Aug 13, 2017
    9
    Keir Gilchrist gives a sensitive portrayal as Sam, an 18-year-old high-functioning autistic boy who is in his senior year of high school. As an amateur screen writer, I understand how enormously difficult it is to write about an autistic child without having clichés. Atypical does not make the viewer suffer through stereotypical clichés, and gives a fresh view on kids who suffer withKeir Gilchrist gives a sensitive portrayal as Sam, an 18-year-old high-functioning autistic boy who is in his senior year of high school. As an amateur screen writer, I understand how enormously difficult it is to write about an autistic child without having clichés. Atypical does not make the viewer suffer through stereotypical clichés, and gives a fresh view on kids who suffer with autism.

    Sam obsesses over penguins; he knows when he's being bullied but doesn't understand why; he feels love but cannot define it. He wants to get laid. Sam speaks in a deadpan emotionless drawl, and is often brutally honest. His best friend looks like a nerd with a mop of black hair and too-big glasses, but he walks around as if he's a super cool stud, and he blows kisses at women who roll their eyes at him, and gives Sam's mother hugs that are too long.

    Sam's mother, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh (who was a teen-actress in 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High') is too tense and uptight, living only to care for her autistic son, often ignoring or taking for granted her healthy 15-year-old athletic daughter. She is taken for granted by her teen-aged kids, which is rather typical, but thus begins an affair, which seems out of character, because she seems to live for her son.

    Sam's father is a big teddy-bear-of a goof. He seems mentally challenged a bit, out of it, sweet but stupid, but over-all a good guy. He "gets" his daughter, where his wife does not.

    The most interesting and unique character is Sam's little sister Casey, a sophomore and an athlete. She can be tender-hearted and cruel. She punches a high school bully, then yells at Sam's friend when she fears this friend may abandon her brother. She tells her mother she's lame, but then confides in her that she is not having sex with her boyfriend. She teases her brother and pushes his buttons to the limit, but lets no one else do this. She's hard to get with her boyfriend, then is so very vulnerable to him. She lets no one walk over her and doesn't take any crap, but then she cries when her friends pull a mean stunt on her. She's convincing in her role. She's tough, vulnerable, kind, brutal, and smart.

    I was immediately drawn into this show due to the depiction of the four family members. I also enjoyed the clingy but endearing and sincere girl that Sam gets close to. I did have a problem with Sam's therapist. She seemed too young to give such advise, and she did a role-reversal half-way through the first season (must omit... no spoilers here).

    All in all, I enjoyed binge-watching 'Atypical.' I started watching it Friday night and finished the first season Saturday around midnight. Finally – a show that wasn't too dark so I could fall asleep, wasn't too dumb like so many shows are, and gave some insight into the world of autism. I anxiously wait for Season Two.    … Expand
  7. skerfy
    Aug 30, 2017
    10
    Honest, dark and comedic. The acting is top notch, the characters are endearing, and the show balances comedy and reality beautifully. Gilchrist is particularly stunning.
  8. Nightmare_L
    Aug 18, 2017
    0
    Atypical is a show that claims to be about an autistic lead character and how neurodiversity is a good thing, but in reality it is yet another glurge-ridden stereotypical "woe is me its so hard to raise autistic kids" spiel made by non-autistic people who don't care at all about what actually autistic people think.

    The show straight up justifies abusive relationships and bigotry. Sam,    Atypical is a show that claims to be about an autistic lead character and how neurodiversity is a good thing, but in reality it is yet another glurge-ridden stereotypical "woe is me its so hard to raise autistic kids" spiel made by non-autistic people who don't care at all about what actually autistic people think.

    The show straight up justifies abusive relationships and bigotry. Sam, the protagonist, is being abused by his mother, his therapist breaks confidentiality about his case and he have very unhealthy ideas about dating that nobody thinks to try and help him understand are wrong. Its one of those shows where "quirky" means "dysfunctional family on the brink of implosion", and cringe is the go-to tool of expression. It also peppers in a unhealthy amount of racist and sexist remarks and plays them off as cute too, which is not funny.

    The show also constantly makes fun of Sam's autistic traits, and he is portrayed as a burden on his family that is somehow responsible for his mother's abusive behavior. This is not a positive portrayal, this is creating a caricature for cheap laughs and even cheaper tugs at the sympathy heart string for other abusive or neglectful parents so they will feel less bad about being horrible to their kids.

    If you care at all about autistic people or want a show about how its okay to not fit into the usual definition of normal, stay far away from this. Also, please, listen to actually autistic people when they say something is not a accurate or positive portrayal. This is no more positive or accurate than Rain Man was 30 years ago.    … Expand
  9. EwanManley
    Aug 16, 2017
    6
    So this show is a solid meh, kinda like moms really dumb in this show and just nothing really special here but 10 outta 10 would play again also no lag.
  10. jeremiedoiron
    Sep 3, 2017
    6
    There is something endearing about this show that made me binge watch the first season in two sittings. In the same breath I must admit that Sarah Jason Leigh's performance of the mother feels flat and forced. It seems like the casting was more focused on getting a 'name' in this show than actually caring about the believability or acting skills of it's female lead. Her obvious cat-likeThere is something endearing about this show that made me binge watch the first season in two sittings. In the same breath I must admit that Sarah Jason Leigh's performance of the mother feels flat and forced. It seems like the casting was more focused on getting a 'name' in this show than actually caring about the believability or acting skills of it's female lead. Her obvious cat-like plastic surgery further adds to the implausibility of her portraying a middle-class mom.… Expand
  11. Jes1310
    Sep 23, 2019
    8
    review after 4 episodes.
    Great cast, elegant humor, love the dilemmas Sam is facing.
    I watched it with my teenage daughter (13) and she loves it even more than i do.
    I has a "Wonder" kind of feeling about it, and that is purely a good thing.
  12. AthanasiosT
    Sep 3, 2017
    10
    A nice viewpoint into autism that combines comedy and drama, excellent acting and writing that give a nice summer TV surprise. Keir Gilchrist exhibits superb talent and is a pleasure watching him act.
  13. diegonelli
    Feb 16, 2018
    9
    Very fun to watch. I also felt identified with many of the situations.. hopefully this puts my self esteem a bit higher.
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  14. justinhow
    Sep 19, 2018
    10
    Good start for a new TV series with a simple but beautifully balanced central theme of a family living with a son who is autistic. However it is far from just about that and all the main casts performances are very solid.
  15. cherold
    Feb 18, 2018
    7
    This enjoyable dramedy focusses on an autistic teenager and his family. Sam is an interesting, quirky character who you feel for even though he's not especially likable. The cast is uniformly excellent, but the standout is neither the lead nor the brilliant Jennifer Jason Leigh as the mom, but rather Brigette Lundy-Paine as the sister. Maybe it's just the short hair, but to me she's like aThis enjoyable dramedy focusses on an autistic teenager and his family. Sam is an interesting, quirky character who you feel for even though he's not especially likable. The cast is uniformly excellent, but the standout is neither the lead nor the brilliant Jennifer Jason Leigh as the mom, but rather Brigette Lundy-Paine as the sister. Maybe it's just the short hair, but to me she's like a more kick-ass version of Angela Chase from My So-Called Life. I find her plight as the talented student in the shadow of the problem sibling extra compelling because of how rarely she gives in to self-pity. I feel it would be a better series if it was more her series than Sam's.… Expand
  16. night4
    Oct 27, 2018
    8
    Wholesome, yet not saccharine. The main actor is amazing. Can be a bit preachy at times and tries too hard to be multi-ethnic and inclusive, but overall it's very enjoyable.
  17. alejandro970
    Sep 10, 2017
    8
    The problem of autism narrated with all seriousness and respect in a sensitive, fun mix of drama and comedy. One of best choices of upcoming autumn. Remarkable Jason Leigh.
  18. MatiasZamo_
    Aug 22, 2017
    10
    bien icónica esta serie, mejor que la trece razones para matarta porque esta serie no romantizó algún mental illness, como en trece razones para rajarte las venas uwuza
  19. blunderfuljoe
    Sep 18, 2017
    9
    Everyone has their own issues; everyone has their own way with dealing with them. Netflix’s Atypical is about Sam, an eighteen-year-old high school student diagnosed with ASD—Autistic Spectrum Disorder—and the family that supports him. This Netflix series follows Sam as he begins his pursuit of finding a girlfriend. Sam's family has supported and protected him their whole lives and as heEveryone has their own issues; everyone has their own way with dealing with them. Netflix’s Atypical is about Sam, an eighteen-year-old high school student diagnosed with ASD—Autistic Spectrum Disorder—and the family that supports him. This Netflix series follows Sam as he begins his pursuit of finding a girlfriend. Sam's family has supported and protected him their whole lives and as he transitions into becoming more independent, they begin to realize that he doesn't need them anymore. His mother, Elsa, centered her whole life around helping Sam and his sudden want to grow left her without a sense of identity. The father, Doug, struggles to understand Sam and connect with him. Casey, the younger sister, begins to feel the burden of being under her brother’s shadow for the past sixteen years. Each character is shown having to adjust and change their lives based on Sam’s wish to find a girlfriend which in turn begins to show how much Sam has grown up. Atypical is light-hearted comedy that introduces the struggles for people on the spectrum and for those around them.

    I found that best part about the show was Sam himself. His straightforwardness and honesty got him into awkward yet genuine situations each episode. Sam is the epicenter of the family, everything they do revolves around him. This feeling can be seen in Casey’s interactions with her family about getting recruited by Clayton Prep, a nearby private school. Sam seemingly was the only one in the family that spoke the truth when it came to emotions. While he struggled to figure out what love is, he was still the only one in the family who spoke his mind, something the rest of the family struggled to do. Although I love Keir Gilchrist and his portrayal of Sam, I do think that the character was written to be a bit too extreme in certain stereotypical aspects. There are moments when you feel like Sam is purposely put in as comic relief like when he tells his girlfriend that he doesn’t love her while at Olive Garden with her entire family or when he yells **** after mentally repeating the word multiple times. If you look at it that way, it makes Keir’s scenes seem more like he is supposed to add dry humor that is reminiscent of Michael Scott from The Office rather than to demonstrate what Autism is.

    I think people forget that the premise of the story isn’t really about Autism. When you watch the show, you see more than just Sam’s life. You look into the lives of the people around him and when I watched it, I felt more connected to the entire family than just Sam. The show was written to have people laugh at the ridiculously awkward things that Sam would say/do, but this made also made Sam a more endearing character. I rooted for Sam every time he would gain the courage to say or do anything on his mind. An example would be the scene from the first episode after he talks about his first session with his therapist—Julia who is portrayed by Amy Okuda—he says, “Julia thinks that I should put myself out there and find someone to have sex with. Well, she didn’t say the sex part. I added that” while at a family dinner. This line explains the rest of Sam's actions through the season. It is because Sam is the center of the family that as he begins to find more independence, the rest of them don’t really know what do without him.

    Atypical is a casual window into the understanding of what it means to be different. I say different because to me, Sam is just like any one of us; he is trying to live his life the way he wants to live while also finding someone to love and accept him. This show is a perfect way to get people who don’t really know the struggles of both the diagnosed and the family. Each family member of the Gardners are learning more about themselves and realizing that they need to find a life outside of Sam. To top it off, the writing and character interactions drive the show home. To put it simply, it’s a light-hearted comedy that introduces and get viewers acquainted with the normality of Autism. Although it does take some of the stereotypes of Autism and push them to the extreme, the show is not meant to exactly display what being on the spectrum means. It really is more about how the Gardners are each being more truthful to themselves thanks to Sam. This is only reflected more as the show continues through the episodes, each character becomes happier as they confront their issues truthfully. If you’re looking for a short and entertaining to watch, Atypical is my recommendation. I didn’t expect much, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.    … Expand
  20. xxxsssjjjk
    Oct 23, 2017
    6
    There are a few funny moments here and there but this is more of a drama. I had to stop watching when they focused so much on the moms affair. I want to know about the kid and the situations he gets into not how his mom and dad have a hard time dealing with his issues.
  21. evii1975
    May 12, 2018
    8
    This TV show shines for two main reasons. The first being that it is really quite eye-opening as it follows a character with autism, and his difficulties in finding a girlfriend. It educates on how difficult life can be for those people, but also their family and friends who have to look after them. It also shines because it contains some quite cute, and interesting relationships betweenThis TV show shines for two main reasons. The first being that it is really quite eye-opening as it follows a character with autism, and his difficulties in finding a girlfriend. It educates on how difficult life can be for those people, but also their family and friends who have to look after them. It also shines because it contains some quite cute, and interesting relationships between many characters. Teenagers should enjoy this show, as it is something quite different but still something which they could relate to.… Expand
  22. Fareeha
    Feb 4, 2018
    8
    Autism is an issue that affects everyone in the family, and the way this show focuses on each family member's issues represents this well. Whatever issue they each face, it can be credited to both their own flaws and to the effect the protagonist's autism has on them as well - I find the interplay of this to be quite admirable. I won't go into too many details because I don't want to spoilAutism is an issue that affects everyone in the family, and the way this show focuses on each family member's issues represents this well. Whatever issue they each face, it can be credited to both their own flaws and to the effect the protagonist's autism has on them as well - I find the interplay of this to be quite admirable. I won't go into too many details because I don't want to spoil anything.

    I find the acting and characters to be compelling. The most interesting character is definitely Casey, the younger sister of the protagonist, Sam. She is sarcastic, somewhat whiny, dry-humored, and has a righteousness to her; however no matter how sarcastic or mean she is to Sam, her sisterly care for him shines always through.

    Some symptoms of Sam's ASD seemed a bit overdone at times. His character is not as nuanced as some others, however it still feels genuine. The show gets more personal with Sam's thoughts as the season progresses, and I hope we get to see a more nuanced and personal aspect of Sam in the second season, as for now he seems genuine yet flat.

    As a side note, let me just say that I started watching this show because I saw that they used Glass Animals' tracks: Black Mambo and Cane Shuga. There better be some more Glass Animals for that season 2 soundtrack, or I'm gonna be damn disappointed.

    Atypical is an admirable show filled with great potential (and a fantastic soundtrack (more Glass Animals please)). I hope season 2 applies that potential.    … Expand
  23. Streetshooter
    Apr 9, 2018
    10
    I used to be a residential social worker at a special needs school working with young boys on the autistic spectrum, and I really like this show. It's insightful, funny, informative. It has interesting characters, that you end up caring about. I think it's a show that really tries hard to cover a lot of areas with wit without exploiting the condition for cheep shots. The writers and actorsI used to be a residential social worker at a special needs school working with young boys on the autistic spectrum, and I really like this show. It's insightful, funny, informative. It has interesting characters, that you end up caring about. I think it's a show that really tries hard to cover a lot of areas with wit without exploiting the condition for cheep shots. The writers and actors did a great job.… Expand
  24. WizardOfCoke
    Sep 24, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Atypical is an interesting show, there are parts I hate but also parts I love. At points I’m wondering what’ll happen next while at others I could’ve told you the exact thing that was going to happen. It has a great concept that very few pieces of media of explored in the past, it helps inform people about the inner workings of someone who has autism and it never feels like it’s trying to force this idea onto you, it happens in such a simple manner that allows people that know nothing about autism and those who know a decent amount to both enjoy the show.

    The characters are all extremely strong and well developed I enjoy the time I spend with each one of them, the writers are very good at making you feel a specific way towards certain characters whether that’s empathy or just pure hatred and I feel that very few shows can showcase their characters in such a strong way like Atypical does throughout.

    But the thing that bring this show down is parts of it’s story, like the entire story surrounding Sam and his therapist Julia I just didn’t enjoy it knowing how it would just end badly I just felt uncomfortable whenever it was brought back into the situation and would’ve preferred a stronger focus on the Paige relationship storyline, but I found the majority of the other stories to be enjoyable nothing else really stands out as unenjoyable as much as that one did for me.    … Expand
  25. Pluemox
    Sep 18, 2018
    9
    I really liked season 1 and same goes for season 2 - its just authentic to follow Sam and his obstacles as well as achievements in life. I laughed, cried and did both simoultaneously - I really do hope for a third season!
  26. hornysoul
    Sep 21, 2018
    9
    "Atypical" é uma série agradável e tocante que nos mostra claramente o que um jovem autista enfrenta no seu dia-a-dia e como o mesmo encara os diversos problemas que surgem. Um definitivo must-watch.
  27. kkrauss
    Sep 22, 2018
    10
    I finished season 2 in one sitting. Amazing and funny, atypical deserves a continuation into a third season, and possibly a 4th, 5th, and 6th. I cannot wait to find out what happens with Casey and Izzie, and to see Sam's journey in college, or even to see what happens with him and Paige after The Big Announcement. LOVE LOVE LOVE this show
  28. maxsteintrippfa
    Sep 27, 2018
    10
    I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Tremendous acting particularly from Sam and his sister, Casey.I very much want to see this series continued.
  29. PeterDenmark
    Oct 8, 2018
    10
    This is maybe the best show on Netflix. It touched me - especially season 2.
  30. elijahjacobs
    Nov 1, 2018
    10
    Funny, compelling, with good character development. Kept my wife and I watching episode after episode despite neither of us being binge-watchers.
  31. Metamanic
    Nov 11, 2018
    10
    Brilliant! This an entertaining, relatable and heartwarming series of a teenager with high functioning autism and his family. Thank you to the writers, cast and crew who nailed it! Looking forward to a third series.
  32. Xbluannax
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    Watched all the seasons on Netflix and sad it came to an end but glad the ending was happy.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
37
#37 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    Aug 14, 2017
    70
    In its finest moments Atypical is warmhearted, sincere, funny, and shrewd. It’s hard to tell whether its inconsistency is due to a blurry conception of what tone it should strike, or whether producers simply wanted to appeal to as broad a swathe of potential viewers as possible--the show skews so wildly from slapstick to gritty drama to teen soap to family sitcom that it should come with Dramamine.
    Read full review
  2. Reason.com
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    Aug 13, 2017
    90
    Extraordinary.
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  3. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: John Hugar
    Aug 11, 2017
    33
    This show desperately wants to get its depiction of autism right, and wants to pat itself on the back for doing so. All of which makes the uninspired characterization of Sam all the more infuriating.
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