Love on the Spectrum is what reality TV should be--a way to share what reality is for people experiencing life in a different way. Of course, it is edited, but the creators did a great job balancing the triumphs and heartbreaks and showing us all the little steps along the paths to love that the participants are taking. Very glad to hear there will be another season--each person interviewed shows us a different world view.
136 Reviews
Truly heartwarming
mvallipuram6 April 2020
Fantastic and refreshing
cjdbean22 July 2020
This 4 part documentary is unexpectedly charming. Each person has a unique story and a completely different way of navigating through dating while being on the spectrum.
I laughed, cried, cringed, applauded, and screamed at the tv. It will give you all the feels! Definitely worth the watch.
"Whenever a person is feeling bored or unhappy in their relationship with someone, all they need to do is stop and do one thing that everyone should do: smell the flowers. They don't bloom everyday" - Michael
A lovesong to human courage
Amazing-Stories12 August 2020
Being on the spectrum and looking for love seems almost identical to not being on the spectrum and looking for love. The main difference seems to be that some people with ASD are more aware of all the challenges you must face when going on dates and therefore prepare more for them. We can all learn something from this.
That's why this series is so moving. You recognize yourself in every situation. The nervousness and awkwardness you feel when you meet someone for the first time; the rules and rituals that make the dates feel a bit strange and unnatural; the difficult task of reading the other person's signals and sorting out your own feelings - we've all been there.
I laughed, cried, cringed, and went aaaww many times while watching this. The people in this series are incredibly brave. It's a privilege to be allowed to follow them in their pursuit of a life partner. They inspire me to face my own fears with more courage.
This is a wonderful series that I'd recommend to anyone.
That's why this series is so moving. You recognize yourself in every situation. The nervousness and awkwardness you feel when you meet someone for the first time; the rules and rituals that make the dates feel a bit strange and unnatural; the difficult task of reading the other person's signals and sorting out your own feelings - we've all been there.
I laughed, cried, cringed, and went aaaww many times while watching this. The people in this series are incredibly brave. It's a privilege to be allowed to follow them in their pursuit of a life partner. They inspire me to face my own fears with more courage.
This is a wonderful series that I'd recommend to anyone.
Absoloutely Spectacular
GarnetVersus723 July 2020
I loved this show. I am on episode 3 right now, but so far I'm really enjoying it. It shows the realism of dating on the spectrum, and if you're neurotypical this gives you a whole different point of view. There were funny moments, cringey moments, and happy moments and I just love the emotion in this show. It shows what dating is, sometimes it's imperfect but it takes a while to hit a gold mine. I hope they make more shows like this, well done.
A must see!
Tiionax23 July 2020
Just do yourself a favor and watch this show!
A wonderful and heartwarming show that we can all learn from!
Very happy to know that they are doing season 2, i cannot wait!
Congratulations to all cast and crew who made this show happen
Exceptionally wonderful!
UniqueParticle22 August 2020
Better than a 10 to me, I almost wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this series so much! I have Asperger's syndrome disorder I like to use all the variations of it. Such a great documentary show about people on the spectrum; so glad this was recommended to me a few times. I love everything about this unique gem! So heartwarming, inspirational, perfectly awkward, and well made! I've barely had relationships, mostly weird ones and never a proper one with common interests maybe one day.
Amazing show
tatiana-nunes23 July 2020
As a mom of 3year old on the spectrum, with my husband who's also on the spectrum, I would definitely recommend this show. I cried many times, mainly when the parents were interviewed. It's not easy to be different in a society that wants everyone to be the same or alike... But people on the spectrum are looked differently when they shouldn't. I hope all of you, in the spectrum or not, find true love and happiness. For parents, it's not easy, I know but everything is easier with love and understanding.
Makes your Heart HAPPY
shannonhennen-574-1692662 August 2020
This show is exactly what we all need. Some honest, genuine, heart-warming people trying to find love. My 13 yr old boys & my husband even enjoy this show! I'm so happy to hear there will be a 2nd season because I'm already trying not to watch the first season too fast. My smile was so big watching these people that I would find myself crying alittle cheering them on through their dates. I truly wish I could meet them all & be part of their lives. I wish I could partake in being a part of this show because I feel everyone needs to be more understanding of differences in people.
Life affirming
nigelmacdonald-971739 October 2021
This is such a brilliant and heart warming series. All the participants deserve to find the love they're seeking. I found myself rooting for them all and it was such an eye-opening watch and their uncynical view of the world is so refreshing. I especially like Michael whos honesty is at turns hilarious and humbling. Congratulations to all involved in educating people on a very misunderstood condition.
Heartwarming!
meadowsmiaow25 July 2020
Although very similar in concept to the utterly charming British show "The Undateables" this is worth watching because it's so very sweet and eye opening. Everybody needs and deserves love and human connection, it's heartbreaking and also so inspiring to see them try and try and try to find their happy ever after. You will cheer for them and cry for them and wish for another season!
Whimsical to actual Autistics
CCBabcockCW27 July 2020
Here's a review from an actual autistic.
Good intentions don't fix a bad execution.
Imagine a world where everyone was autistic, except maybe 1% of the people, and we made a series surrounding just them, called 'dating on the normy spectrum' and then put a whimsical soundtrack under it when they speak or move, every episode.
Sounds belittling? Like a freakshow?
Yep, because that's exactly what it feels like for us when they make a show about us and our condition to entertain others like we're 'so cute'.
And people ask me how I became so cynical.
I wish autistics would just have their own roles in actual series and movies without them being the subject of ridicule or morbid curiosity.
Good intentions don't fix a bad execution.
Imagine a world where everyone was autistic, except maybe 1% of the people, and we made a series surrounding just them, called 'dating on the normy spectrum' and then put a whimsical soundtrack under it when they speak or move, every episode.
Sounds belittling? Like a freakshow?
Yep, because that's exactly what it feels like for us when they make a show about us and our condition to entertain others like we're 'so cute'.
And people ask me how I became so cynical.
I wish autistics would just have their own roles in actual series and movies without them being the subject of ridicule or morbid curiosity.
Best reality series / documentary I've seen on Netflix
speizer-595171 August 2020
The quest for love is universal and poignantly told through the eyes and hearts of those on the spectrum. Not only do we gain a deeper appreciation of those on the spectrum, but also an understanding of their various hopes and dreams; particularly around love. I watched the series twice over two days and loved it.
Heartwarming & life affirming
karenwalsh-282412 August 2020
Just came across this accidentally while browsing on Netflix & put it on as a background watch while online. My husband and I however, had put our phones down within minutes and were totally absorbed in the stories of lovely people with aspergers attempting to find love & their incredible families.
We laughed. We cried. We were totally invested in every story & watched the whole series that evening. It's just wonderful & a perfect antidote to the horrible world out there. Just do yourself a favour & watch it.
We laughed. We cried. We were totally invested in every story & watched the whole series that evening. It's just wonderful & a perfect antidote to the horrible world out there. Just do yourself a favour & watch it.
New perspective
Pielola22 July 2020
Genuine, and beautiful people looking for love and a future family. Each person in this show has such a positive outlook on life as they search for love.
It's definitely heartwarming to watch them and their loving family. Everyone shows a new perspective.
It's definitely heartwarming to watch them and their loving family. Everyone shows a new perspective.
A Great Bingewatch
deborah-9917229 July 2020
The thing that struck me most about this show is that dating on the spectrum is not so different from regular dating. We all want to connect with someone, love someone, build a life with someone. And some of us have a harder time than others in making that happen.
I haven't been diagnosed as on the spectrum but I certainly share some of the characteristics of the people featured -- I don't like loud noise, I have trouble with big crowds nearby messing with my concentration, my senses are heightened, I have trouble reading cues from men.
So I was really rooting for everyone. Some of the men featured in this show are the loveliest people, really extraordinary in their kindness. And many of the women are funny and smart. I applaud their willingness to get out there in the dating world.
I haven't been diagnosed as on the spectrum but I certainly share some of the characteristics of the people featured -- I don't like loud noise, I have trouble with big crowds nearby messing with my concentration, my senses are heightened, I have trouble reading cues from men.
So I was really rooting for everyone. Some of the men featured in this show are the loveliest people, really extraordinary in their kindness. And many of the women are funny and smart. I applaud their willingness to get out there in the dating world.
A must watch!
cuinnton24 July 2020
Really the Australian continuation of the UKs The Undateables. Truely heart warming and enjoyable for anyone. Restores your faith in humanity. I really hope they are able to make another season once the pandemic blows over.
Made me laugh, smile, cry, giggle and feel "warm"
elizrug30 September 2021
That is what will happen when you watch this, especially the second season. These are some of the most genuine, honest people ever and the rest of us could learn a thing or two from them about what being truly human is about.
Just a show about love.
Just a show about love.
Mixed review from an autistic woman
beckerkorn-672548 November 2021
I am autistic like the characters in the show. I liked it for its funny moments and the refreshingly honest and intimate interviews with the participants. However, I have some criticisms - the main one being that they always seemed to match people with other autists. But there are plenty of successful relationships between neurotypical people with autistic people, so it seemed a bit presumptive and condescending to think that the best match for an autistic person is another autistic person. I hope that future episodes are less prescriptive as to whom the participants "should" be dating. Personally, I prefer to date neurotypical people because I like to have someone to help me interpret what is happening in social situations. Also, I've had casual sex too, and that is not covered in the show. Not all autistic people are interested in those wholesome "take it slow" relationships *all* of the time. Like it is with most people, there is a mix of encounters and emotional/physical needs among neurodivergent folks, perhaps even moreso because autistic people frequently don't feel a need to follow the status quo.
I LOVE THISSSS
vzlaginia-2127 July 2020
Oh man, I fell hard for Michael. He had me hooked the second i saw him. He's so smart and kind and oh any lady that ends up with him would be the luckiest woman on the earth.
Maddi is soooo sweet. She really is funny, I'd love to be her friend!
Anyone who would want to watch a heart warming TV reality show on Netflix should binge this. You wont regret it!
Maddi is soooo sweet. She really is funny, I'd love to be her friend!
Anyone who would want to watch a heart warming TV reality show on Netflix should binge this. You wont regret it!
Refreshing and enjoyable
TikkiMia17 August 2020
Young people dating
purpleredruby27 May 2021
Noble, but forced and unnatural
thermann9-174-16032830 September 2021
My wife was totally sucked into this show so I watched a couple of episodes with her. It made me uncomfortable as the producers tried to assimilate the participants into traditional dating conformities.
Why not take a different tack and come up with a way for them to become comfortable with each other on their own level?
If someone is socially uncomfortable and perhaps awkward, it's seems cruel to set them up for failure.
I'm certainly no expert on social norms but it really hurt to see their souls crushed again and again.
Why not take a different tack and come up with a way for them to become comfortable with each other on their own level?
If someone is socially uncomfortable and perhaps awkward, it's seems cruel to set them up for failure.
I'm certainly no expert on social norms but it really hurt to see their souls crushed again and again.
Love on the Spectrum
jldivelbiss22 September 2021
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