Keir Gilchrist who you may know from the movie It’s Kind of a Funny Story plays Sam, an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum trying to navigate the “typical” aspects of a teenager’s life: dating, independence, friendships, etc. Perhaps people dealing with autism can better attest to this, but the show feels genuine and realistic. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a comedy, but it’s a really heartfelt approach to the funny sitcom format. In a lot of ways, Atypical is the perfect 2017 Netflix-age coming-of-age sitcom: it’s funny and smart, but also keen to be realistic. And Atypical is about Sam’s family almost as much as it is about him, and how they adjust to his new quest for self-discovery. Look out for newcomer Brigette Lundy-Paine, who does an amazing job playing Sam’s siter Casey!
"All of the performances in the show are great, which is helpful since the writing occasionally slips into predictable rhythms."
— Jen Chaney
"Chronicling the 18-year-old life of a young man on the autistic spectrum, "Atypical" does a fine job capturing choice insights into our protagonist's mind, but its overarching story is as predictable as they come."
— Ben Travers
Sam, an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum, takes a funny, yet painful, journey of self-discovery for love and independence and upends his family.
This coming of age show swept me off my feet. The characters are so likeable you want to keep binging from start to end. Forbes said this is the best show Netflix has ever made, and they are right in my opinion. Just give it a go if you like the genre, you won’t be disappointed.