Love on the Spectrum

Love on the Spectrum offers an unbiased look at the romantic trials and triumphs of people on the autism spectrum. Since each subject interviewed is so darn endearing, you can’t help but root for them.

Many shows and films have focused on how hard it is to love an autistic person, but Love on the Spectrum takes the approach of showing how hard it is to be in love while being autistic. The focus varies from couples in long-term relationships to singles going on their very first date. The first season follows seven young adults on the spectrum, and a few notable standouts who return for the second season.

There’s Michael, who has determined that an “A+ partner looks like me” and has no greater desire than to find a wife. Michael does find a girlfriend in season two, and their courtship is very cute. He also proves that he has some serious game; he wears suits to dates and takes his girlfriend out to fancy restaurants.

Mark, who has a deep love for dinosaurs, eventually does meet a girl (who was featured in the first season) who also loves dinosaurs (and knits him an adorable triceratops). We also follow Ronan and Teo, two new additions to the cast, as they go on their very first dates. Meanwhile, Kassandra, another newcomer, reveals some fierce cosplay and a delightfully weird personality.

Love on the Spectrum doesn’t focus on sex and skin like many other reality dating shows, nor does it mock its subjects. The directors never appear to prod or manipulate the subjects, which results in them honestly revealing their true thoughts and feelings. If there is one fault in season one, it’s the limited focus; the subjects are mostly white and in their 20s. It would be interesting to see older subjects and people from different ethnicities in future seasons.

Ultimately, the series reminds us that it doesn’t matter who you are, everyone just wants to be loved.