Parents' Guide to Love on the Spectrum U.S.

Love on the Spectrum US poster.

Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Sweet series challenges stereotypes; has drinking, kissing.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 14+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 13+

Based on 3 kid reviews

What's the Story?

Based on the Australian reality series of the same name, LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM U.S. is a docuseries featuring six neurodiverse adults from across the United States as they navigate the dating scene and look for love. Cameras follow as participants go out on blind dates or set out on their own to meet potential partners. Before the meetings, they get the support of family, friends, and, in some cases, autism expert Jennifer Cook, who is called in to help clients work on behavioral skills and address their concerns. One-on-one interviews allow the cast to offer details about themselves, talk about what they are looking for in a partner, and share their thoughts about the people they meet.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say ( 3 ):

Offered with sensitivity and humor, the U.S. version of the Australian series reveals the ups and downs that neurodiverse individuals experience when trying to find a partner. It highlights how each cast member, all of whom have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has their own set of different behaviors, aptitudes, and challenges that can make it difficult to navigate the dating scene. And, of course, it follows each of them as they meet new people, go out on dates, have awkward moments, flirt, and even kiss. But Love on the Spectrum U.S. is also about clearing up the many misconceptions surrounding what it means to be neurodiverse, including (but not limited to) the preconceived notions that many neurotypical people have about the desire and ability of people with ASD to date, get married, have children, and live full lives. Overall, it's sweet and honest and follows each person's story with kindness and respect.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what autism is. Why are people who are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum referred to as neurodiverse?

  • What kinds of challenges does the cast of Love on the Spectrum U.S. face when looking for people to connect with and going on dates? Are all of these challenges associated with their being neurodiverse? Or do neurotypical people also face some of those challenges when they enter the dating scene?

  • How does learning more about the challenges that people face encourage empathy and compassion?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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Love on the Spectrum US poster.

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