Love on the Spectrum is an American reality television show. Based on the Australian show of the same name, it follows autistic cast members as they explore the dating world. The show is produced by Northern Pictures for Netflix.[1] Karina Holden and Cian O'Clery are credited as the show's creators and producers, with O’Clery also directing.
Originally, the show was referred to as Love on the Spectrum U.S.
Release
Love on the Spectrum 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] The third season, announced on April 2, 2024, premiered on April 2, 2025.[5][6] On May 14, 2025, Netflix announced that the show had been renewed for a fourth season.[7]
Love on the Spectrum received positive reviews from most critics when its first season was released, including a 100-percent critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes[11] and a "Stream it!" from Decider.[12] Some critics highlighted format changes they felt were positive improvements when compared to the Australian version of the show. For example, the American version expanded the age range of the cast by featuring 63-year-old Steve Spitz, featured more types of dating experiences (e.g., online dating, high-school relationships and relationships with non-autistic people), featured a dating coach who is herself autistic and cast participants with co-occurring disabilities (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 Early, a lesbian, joined the cast.[15] It was also later revealed that Dani Bowman, who is shown only going on dates with men in the show, is pansexual.[15] Another critique was the lack of autistic couples who were already together, a departure from the Australian version. In season two, Abbey and David (who were introduced and started dating during 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 author and blogger 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 choice of dating venues, including restaurants. Wall noted, "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] O'Clery 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 noted: "For many of us in the autism community, Love on the Spectrum might feel like a goofball charade that too conveniently sidesteps the trauma and poverty pervasive among autism families, but 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]
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