Down for Love (2022– ) User Reviews

Heart Warming and Lesson Teaching

[destiny_west · 9/10 · 13 August 2023]

For the reviews saying this show is exploitation of people with Down syndrome, I say that is a lot of absolute rubbish. This first series (and hope there are more to come) is genuine and heart warming and it has lessons for all of us.

You follow the story of several people with Down syndrome whilst looking for love.

I actually was reminded of what is the most important thing in life whilst watching this show and that is love.

I loved getting glimpses into their family life and feeling the excitement of them going on their first date and hoping it would go well for them.

Like everyone in life if you take the time to listen, they have lessons to teach us and I definitely felt them and listened. These singles were full of wisdom. I really hope we get another season as I was absolutely invested in their love.

Uplifting and edifying...

[emmyboden · 9/10 · 14 August 2023]

This is a wonderful series, produced in consultation with the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association. It's about adults with DS---handled with sensitivity, humour and respect---and the challenges and joys they face (like the rest of us) in pursuit of romantic love. It showcases the fundamental importance of love, reminding us that we're a pair-bonded species, and that regardless of our circumstances or the hand we've been dealt by life, we should remain resilient and never lose hope in matters of the heart.

Anyone who claims this is exploitative is not only ignorant but patronising towards people with DS. We must stop infantilising those with disabilities by not treating them with condescendence. Every individual who participated in this series is an adult who's already had some public exposure, is confident and enjoys the limelight, evidenced by their interest in activities like acting, modelling, being on social media etc. It's no different to any other adult without a disability who decides to partake in dating shows like these, except the daters on this show have a great deal of supervision and familial engagement and support.

My 20-year old niece with DS loved this series so much that it made me emotional just watching her face as she laughed, cried and cheered for the couples. Condescension is hurtful and isolating so please before you make judgments based on your ignorance and prejudices that are thinly disguised as sympathy, reflect for a moment on why you'd ever view this show as "exploitative" or "sad".

Sympathy of this kind is demeaning, presumptuous and a tad bit arrogant. It disempowers, and DS adults do not want to be treated as eternal children or labelled and segregated based on their diagnosis. Don't assume that they can't defend or speak up for themselves. Don't dehumanise but equally don't idolise and give them special treatment by putting them on pedestals. Recognise that they are regular people with special needs and unique abilities who have the right to be represented and who are capable of making decisions and giving consent. Most of them are a great deal smarter and wiser than some of us without developmental disabilities.

They are not helpless children and don't wish to be treated as such. Let's include people with all disabilities fully into our society by allowing them the same platforms as the rest of us, including one such as Netflix. I'm not denying that exploitation does occur but in cases like this, the self-righteous forget that their sometimes misplaced defence of people with disabilities can be more detrimental than helpful.

Apologies for my rant but common sense is becoming so uncommon these days that one has to treat an IMDB review as an opportunity to express and point out the obvious.

What an uplifting show!

[artistmoon · 9/10 · 18 August 2023]

As a person with a family member with Downs I was so pleased to find this show. It's an antidote to the negativity in the world. It's hard for some people to understand that these people are not children they are adults who want the same thing most people want. They want a partner that will love them for who they are. They are smart, kind, lovely people and it is wonderful to see them find happiness. Their families are supporting them in their quest for a partner and while every match doesn't always hit the mark they learn that there are more fish in the sea. Ignore the negative reviews. The more people can see people with downs as real people capable of most things the rest of us can do the better. They deserve to live the best lives they can like all of us and this show is helping them get one step closer to that.

Absolutely love, equally as wholesome as LOTS

[gracechrista · 10/10 · 15 August 2023]

I love wholesome shows that also help educate the world on a minority group. Love on the Spectrum was a great example of this. Down for Love is another great show that succeeds in this. I loved the whole season and cannot wait for more. There were many funny moments that I shared with friends as well. Carlos was such a sweet, romantic, and funny part of the cast. I also got the warmest feeling in my heart watching Lily's bowling date. I need to see more of these sweet people living with Down's syndrome. Netflix, please create more shows on people living with disabilities, the world loves to watch them!

Love this show

[lcorkysue · 10/10 · 13 August 2023]

I love this show. To see these young men and women searching for love is so inspiring. It makes you feel hope in this crazy sad world. Disabled People have the same wants and needs as everyone else.. they want to have a partner in life to share things with. To the people who say it's Exploiting people with Down syndrome. I disagree .. I think it shows anything is possible in life. To the parents and families of these young people, I applaud you . You are showing them it's ok to be who you are, and love who you want to love. Semi spoiler, keep a box of tissues near by while you are watching this wonderful series! Bravo, Netflix!

I so need kind, loving shows like this

[mcbette · 10/10 · 19 August 2023]

I love this show and it's stars. Let's stay positive and not look for criticism. The fact that the name of the show is offensive to some is not the most important thing about the show. Thank you Netflix for this gentle, loving show and thanks to those kind enough to share their stories. The people who have raised these young people are very kind and loving. It's refreshing to see people who are stripped of anger and criticism and who understand the essence of acceptance and love. I have known a couple of people with Down syndrome and they had very kind, upbeat personalities. I truly miss them. This show educates and helps people see that everyone needs love and acceptance.

Great to have a series showing that people with DS can find love

[leroilaw · 10/10 · 20 August 2023]

People with Down Syndrome are competent adults who can and should find love like anyone else. This series shows their abilities, not just their disability. They have the same rights and should have the same opportunities as any other adult. To the parent of a toddler with DS who panned the show and insisted on people with DS being forever treated like children, shame on you and I fear for your child as the child grows into becoming an adult. I work for a nonprofit that advocates for the rights of all people with disabilities to be treated the same as anyone without disabilities and this show is sorely needed to humanize people with Down Syndrome to the general public. This series was incredible and is a must watch for everyone.

Challenging

[coldinan · 7/10 · 4 September 2023]

This is a very challenging series. On the one hand it seeks to portray the search for love of young adults with Downs Syndrome with sensitivity, and on the other it attempts to avoid any exploitation or stereotyping. Not an easy task. And it is understandable why some parents with Downs kids are cautious with their praise for the series.

On balance, I think that the series does a very good job with a most difficult task. It gives you a real insight into the fact that these people are just like you and me. They may have some limitations but at the core they are you and me. Desiring love and companionship.

Every episode is great!

[charliecarter-92118 · 10/10 · 26 August 2023]

I love how each one of the parents love and support each "child's" needs and dreams. A lots of parents out there could learn a lesson on how to treat their adult children like adult children. It had to be hard to let these people go out into the world and let them have their own adventures, even if they don't all go well. I hope we get updates on the couples featured this season. I really hope some of the relationships that were started work out. And I admit there were a few times I got a little teary! I think the show was well made with a lot of respect, and I can't wait for the next season! Thumbs up!

Sad

[rosannasamboy · 5/10 · 16 August 2023]

Wow. As a mother to a toddler with Down syndrome, I was very upset and disturbed to see this. For one they don't represent all kids with Down syndrome. It broke my heart to see childlike adults searching for love. Most have the mind of a child so let them live as one. I think they need company and not a partner. I was very disturbed with the one thinking she likes girls where she might just be looking for a female best friend. I personally will not encourage dating if the mindset is not there. I hope people understand my point of view as a mother to a 4 year old boy with this condition and only child.

Love is for everyone

[evelinechristine · 8/10 · 16 February 2024]

This series is a big eye-opener for many people with, and without Down Syndrome. It displayes both strength and weakness in the path to finding love, no matter what you 'have' or who you are. Just like every human being.

The common public view on Down Syndrom needs an update, and educate people. Many people treat these persons as children. They are very capable of having relationships. They are not children, and want to practice their adult life in real life, like anyone else. Also, the focus on parents with their children with Down Syndrome, is a very welcome and educational part. No one has a syndrome or disease alone.

The only aspect that irritated me was the narrator's voice. It may be just me, but I think the voice is exaggerated and more suited to a nature documentary.