Two years ago, on May 18, Netflix surprised its audiences with an unexpected new show, revealing the most authentic version of love, called Love on the Spectrum. The show documents seven adults with autism as they navigate the world of dating and romance. You may have seen some clips of one of the more popular cast members, Abbey, on TikTok, as her mom posts content of her to her 1.8 million followers. If not, you should be sure to watch as it not only promotes the entertainment of sweet and innocent romance but also highlights the unfiltered rawness that can present itself in a relationship between two people on the spectrum that most people aren’t always aware of.

Love on the Spectrum invites its viewers to get to know the cast members on a deeper level, in attempts to help people understand how people on the autism spectrum are just as deserving of love as anyone else. They all attend their own respective date, each episode allowing time for recollection, and if the cast member feels like they want to continue the relationship then they will continue dating. If not, the pair will go their separate ways.

I find Love on the Spectrum so endearing because of the way that it captures pure love. The cast members on this show are there for truly nothing but honest companionship. Payton Baughman (12) says it best, stating, “The cast is not so concerned with shallow values, but rather true, genuine love.

I often find that all of the “reality” shows revolving around love are so superficial. Everyone there is hyper-materialistic and extremely surface-level, the viewers never get to see the heart of the cast. Shows such as Love Island and The Bachelor definitely have their entertaining moments, but we often forget that humans were created to form bonds with people deeper than merely physical. It is scientifically proven that individuals need companionship, even just platonic relationships, in order to maintain homeostasis.

I urge you to at least give Love on the Spectrum a try, it highlights all of the best aspects of love. So, if you need a pick-me-up, and maybe a laugh, look no further. As Payton Baughman (12) “It’s genuinely one of the best shows ever created, everyone should watch Love on the Spectrum.”