Do you remember 10 years ago when an ‘autistic character’ in TV was almost exclusively a white, socially awkward genius, post-diagnosed in some online chatroom? Those were dark times indeed. However, now in the ‘Golden age of TV’, autism is finally getting the treatment it deserves; with new properties introducing new characters, showing a new side to the spectrum each year.
This has resulted in undoubtebly some of our strongest representations to date. This is why, today, I wanted to pull together a comprehensive list of all the autism TV shows you’ll want to have on your radar over the next 12 months. This way, when another 10 years has passed and we once again reflect on how far autistic characters in TV have come, you can say: ‘I was there’.
1. Atypical
Genre: Coming of Age Comedy
Release Date: November 1st 2019
Plot: High school student Sam Gardner is on a mission to find love and, thanks to the often-inappropriate advice from his friends and family, it seems that autism is far from the thing stopping him. Featuring a lot of chuckles, some questionable autism depictions and the fantastic Brigette Lundy-Paine as Casey (who must be SO toned from carrying the entirety of season 2 on her own) Atypical is the premier autism show for young adults.
Should you watch it? To me, Atypical is a bit like bumping into a partner’s work colleague whilst running some errands; it’s a nice distraction at first, but you quickly realize you don’t have as much in common as you’d expect: inevitably leading to you saying something which ultimately causes a bit of controversy later on (please stop emailing me about why my season 2 review is wrong). Nevertheless, season 1 of the show certainly won my heart and the crew behind the show is undeniably strong, so maybe season 3 can turn this view around.
2. Everything’s Gonna be Okay
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Release Date: January 16th 2020
Plot: After the passing of his terminally ill father, ‘neurotic’ 25-year-old Nick takes guardianship of his two younger half-sisters (one of whom is autistic) and suddenly must learn the ropes of adulting after a life as a lay about. Covering concepts of love, grief, diversity and self-understanding, Everything’s Gonna be Okay is sure to bring both tears of joy and tears of sorrow from the get-go.
Should you watch it? With an autistic actor playing an autistic character (always a plus) and Josh Thomas (of Please Like Me fame) at the reigns, Everything’s Gonna be Okay should definitely be one to watch next year. However, as all we have so far is one interview and a trailer, I wouldn’t commit your weekly viewing schedule to it just yet.
3. Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
Genre: Animated Superhero Romp
Release Date: Sometime in 2020
Plot: Produced by Laurence Fishbourne of Matrix fame, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is the latest Marvel TV show to be announced for the upcoming Disney streaming service (Disney+) and will star the socially awkward Lunella Lafayette, as she struggles with your average school hijinks, a family which she believes doesn’t understand her and, oh yeah, a whopping great red dinosaur who has time travelled right into Lunella’s care.
Should you watch it? While in the comics Lunella’s autistic status has not entirely been clarified (although her creators have spoken briefly about the possibility), some may be put off Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur as it is the only entry on this list not to contain an openly autistic character.
That being said, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur will be a new property set to take place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and contains a E.T.esque dinosaur which, coupled with the fact that the house of the mouse (Disney) is behind it, means that you know something roar-some is on its way!
4. On the Spectrum
Genre: Comedy Drama
Release Date: Late 2020 (potentially)
Plot: With a tagline of ‘3 roommates in a world of their own’, On the Spectrum is a slice of life comedy that has been praised for its accurate representation of daily autistic life (although with a greater focus on the interesting stuff as opposed to the bits where we’re just over analyzing the outcomes of having toast over yoghurt for breakfast).
Now, after picking up multiple awards at 2019 Monte-Carlo Television festival (including best show and 2 best actor awards), On the Spectrum has been scooped up for a U.S. remake set to release later next year.
Should you watch it? Unfortunately, after watching a few choice clips from the original Israeli series, it seems that the lead trio often fall into stereotypical autistic behaviour for cheap laughs. That’s not to say this comes at the expense of spectrum celebration (which the show certainly achieves overall). However, if the remake can find a way to lose this shortcoming, On the Spectrum has the potential to become something really special.
5. Pablo
Genre: Family Animation
Release Date: October 2019
Plot: Pablo may ‘think differently and see the world in different ways’, but what makes this family animated show so special is how involved and embracing of the autism community he and his program are. Featuring a fantastic cast of autistic voice actors, Pablo’s episodes are short 10-minute wonders in which the titular Pablo must overcome daily challenges with the support of his imaginary animal friends .
Should you watch it? Having already kicked off the announcement of the new season with a bunch of promotional videos featuring many of my favorite faces from the autism community (as seen here), the new series of Pablo looks to be more of the same (which is definitly a good thing). Not sold yet? Well, what about if I told you that Pablo also includes a show-stealing, socially awkward orangutan called ‘Tang’, who is just as hilarious as he is endearing? Yeah, I thought that would sway you.
6. The A Word
Genre: Drama
Release Date: Spring 2020
Plot: Picking up after Season 2’s dramatic shake up (no I’m not going to spoil anything here), the new season of The A Word will feature a flash forward in the lives of the divided Hughes family.
With more neurodiverse representation, more British Rock bangers and the same old misguided grandad Morris (as played by Christopher Eccleston), season 3 isn’t just going to be a step in the right direction for The A Word but looks to pave the way for all future autism shows to follow.
Should you watch it? There’s a reason I have an entire article on Why The A Word is the most relatable show on TV and that’s because, well, it’s because in 2018 The A Word was easily the most relatable autism TV show… but now, after taking a short 2 year break, the gold standard of autism depictions is set to return to our TVs – is that seriously something you want to miss!?
[Side note: As of June 2019, a U.S. remake of The A Word is also in the works]
7. The Good Doctor
Genre: Medical Drama
Release Date: September 23rd 2019
Plot: Following the exploits of autistic surgeon, Shaun Murphy (as played by Bates’ Motel’s Freddie Highmore), The Good Doctor is a gorgeous depiction of how, even with savant skills which put Sherlock to shame, a career in medicine is still a challenge when social skills stand in the way of a good bedside manner.
Should you watch it? Although I somewhat fell off The Good Doctor bandwagon after season 1, I am no doubt a big fan of this knockout show, and after asking close friends for a one sentence review of what’s to come (and subsequently finding out that none of them understand what ‘one sentence’ means), I’ve been left to assume that the hospital show with heart is still brilliant beyond words.
Carry on the Conversation:
Which autism tv show are you looking forward to the most? Let me know in the comments below! And, if you want more advice on autism related watching then check out the review I did for Amazon’s The Madness & The Mandolin.
As always, I can also be found on Twitter @AutismRevised and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.
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Thank you for reading and I will see you next Saturday for more thoughts from across the spectrum.
