Netflix has continued to release their own content. Most recently, the show “Atypical” was added to their list of originally produced content. This show follows the hardships of 18-year-old Sam, as he tries to navigate the world of dating with autism. With the help of his family, friends, and therapist, Sam hilariously struggles through his own insecurities and misunderstandings.

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Sam’s obsession with Antarctica is made apparent as he narrates the show’s eight episodes. He often relates his behavior and the behavior of others to his favorite animal, the penguin, in addition to other antarctic animals and explorers. Sam also takes everything very literally, which is considered a typical trait of autism. He recognizes if someone is making fun of him or making a joke even though he often does not usually understand the joke.

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Although the show centers around Sam, it also looks at how he has influenced his family. Sam’s mother, Elsa, is very protective of her son and is against him trying to date. Elsa also struggles with Sam and Casey, Sam’s younger sister, not needing her as much since they are growing up. In contrast, Sam’s father, Doug, has always had a difficult time connecting with his son and does not always react in the appropriate ways. The show explores these relationships using relatable examples of what it is like to have a child with autism.

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Casey is two years younger than Sam and struggles with being responsible for him. She feels torn between pursuing her own path and staying behind to care for Sam. During a family and friend dinner, someone close to Casey has an outburst because he feels that they care more about Sam and do not consider Casey’s feelings. This opens Elsa’s eyes to how she has been treating her daughter.

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Sam’s friend and coworker, Zahid, is also trying to navigate Sam’s different way of communicating and thinking. Certain things cause Sam to respond strongly that most people are fine with. Sam’s girlfriend, Paige, also learns this throughout the show. For example, Paige wants to attend a school dance with Sam, but Sam does not like loud noises or crazy lights.

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A strong theme is also how Sam’s autism alienates him. At a PTA meeting, Paige suggests having a “silent dance”. At this event students would wear headphones to hear the music rather than it being blasted in the gymnasium. A parent is strongly opposed to the idea because the headphones would mess up her daughter’s hair. Elsa responds, arguing that her son does not get to experience the majority of things that other kids his age have done.

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As expected, there have been criticisms of the show. Critics see misrepresentations of autism, but others applaud the effort and the things the show gets correct. Autism varies greatly between individuals, so those applauding the show recognize that it is impossible to represent a “typical” case of autism.

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Although this show is formed around Sam’s autism, there are also many examples of things that Sam experiences that are expected for anyone. As Sam’s therapist, Julia, tells him, everyone struggles with dating and growing up. Sam has more things in common with his peers than he may realize.

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Netflix has not yet announced whether or not they will continue the show. The last episode left parts of the story unresolved, so it is a toss-up whether or not there will be another season.