By Alexia Howell
Atypical is a show on Netflix about a teenage boy with autism and the lives of him and his family. The second season was just added to Netflix in September, and I think it’s a show everyone should check out. Here’s why:
1. The characters
The characters are all relatable, whether it be because of their attitudes, habits, phrases, or conditions. I can see part of myself in each one which fuels my love for the show and keeps my attention during each episode. Atypical doesn’t try too hard to be relatable – it strikes the right balance.
2. The storyline
The storyline isn’t overdone, and while the show may contain some popular themes (such as betrayal and major adjustments), it gives a nuanced view of them and makes them more real than dramatic. Because there are families that go through the exact same things the Gardners do, whether on a small scale or large one, the show doesn’t seem too out of reach.
3. Representation
While the only person on the autism spectrum in Season 1 was Sam, Season 2 was filled with more representation of people with autism. There were more supporting characters who showed the range of the spectrum and how each human is unique. I really enjoyed Season 2 a lot more for this reason, as it gave you a more expansive view of autism than the myopic view of Sam.
4. It teaches important lessons
It helps you realize that everyone goes through their own struggles, whether we can see them or not. It teaches you being more understanding and appreciative can go a long way.
5. It keeps getting better
The improvements from Season 1 to 2 and the continued great plot has made Atypical one of my favorite shows. While some shows decline in quality from one season to the next, Atypical continues to be great and strives for the best. While the representation flaws in this show are inherent, it’s nice that they keep improving each season and finding ways to be more inclusive, diverse, and more accurate in their portrayal of autism. While some have critiqued the show’s portrayal of autism, many agreed the writers/producers did much better in Season 2, and there is still room to grow.