Netflix recently released Love On The Spectrum, which was quickly followed by Love On The Spectrum: U.S. Both shows were successful hits that got fans obsessed with the cast. With the massive success of the reality show, co-creator, producer, and director Cian O'Clery knew that it was important to keep expanding the series.
Combatting misconceptions about autism and reaching a wide audience were at the forefront of producing Love On The Spectrum. The production team played an important role in comforting the cast members who felt severe anxiety about dating, along with being vulnerable for the world to watch. With a supportive team and stereotypes to break, Love On The Spectrum's endearing nature set it up for success.
8 Showing Off The Real Dating World
With all the stereotypes around people on the spectrum, Love On The Spectrum is a refreshing glimpse at all the similarities between the dating world for people with autism and people without autism. One way the show is breaking stereotypes is by showing people with autism in the dating world directly. Instead of trying to inform the viewers with other resources, giving viewers a direct insight into what dating looks like for people on the spectrum is helping to slowly break down the misconceptions.
7 The Cast Members' Straightforward Attitudes
In a world full of ghosting, Love On The Spectrum has a cast full of brutally honest people looking for love. Not a single episode has shown someone ghosting a date or leading them on. Instead, people on the show have a straightforward attitude and are honest with the other person if they are no longer interested. Even during dates, some cast members have decided to cut the date short because they were not interested in sticking around.
6 The Mutual Respect Amongst The Couples
An aspect of dating that should be normal and standard is having mutual respect toward the other person. Luckily for people on this show, they are always aware of their date's boundaries and understand what it is like to not have that respected. Many cast members bring flowers and always ask for permission, whether that be before holding hands or giving a hug. This aspect of the show is certainly something that neurotypical people could learn from.
5 The Unique Hobbies And Interests Of Cast Members
Another interesting part of Love On The Spectrum is the fact that people on the spectrum typically have very strong interests and hobbies that they love to talk about. When introducing new cast members, the host names two things the cast members likes and two that they dislike.
4 Changing The Way Society Views Autism
Breaking societal stereotypes and showing that people with autism aren't that different from the rest of society has been a huge theme for Love On The Spectrum. Far too many people believe that those with disabilities cannot or are not interested in finding love. Love On The Spectrum shows that, although it may be a bit more daunting and nerve-wracking, many people on the spectrum still want to find love. Jodi Rodgers, the dating specialist featured on the show, helps the cast members prepare for their dates and helps to show them, and the viewers, that dating really isn't that different for people on the spectrum.
3 Everyone Has Someone Right For Them
Not only is Love On The Spectrum an endearing show that is giving people on the spectrum an opportunity to find love, but it is also showing that everyone has that perfect person out there for them. Season 2 of Love On The Spectrum shows Jimmy and Sharnae, a couple that was together before the show, getting married. When anxiety takes over during filming, they are each other's comfort and safe space.
Sexuality is another huge element of the show. It is a common stereotype that people on the spectrum are always straight, but the series includes multiple cast members who are part of the LGTBQ+ community.
2 The Creators And Producers Are Invested In Helping The Cast Find Love
Many reality TV series and dating shows are focused on the drama of the experience. It is pretty clear to viewers that the production crew of Love On The Spectrum is genuinely hoping for romance for the cast members. Producer and director of Love On The Spectrum, Cian O'Clery, is heard throughout the series giving comfort to the cast members who are feeling anxious about being on TV and the thought of dating in general.
1 'Love On The Spectrum' Shows A More Realistic Dating World
Unlike shows such as The Bachelor franchise and Love Is Blind, Love On The Spectrum took a more realistic approach to the dating world. Cast members went on regular dates with people similar to themselves, in a setting that felt safe and comfortable for the two of them. Instead of focusing on the shock factor, Love On The Spectrum gave an endearing insight into what a realistic dating world looks like for those on the spectrum.
