2017 American comedy-drama television series
For a definition of the term "atypical", see the Wiktionary entry
atypical
.
Atypical
|
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Poster for season 1
|
Genre
| |
---|
Created by
| Robia Rashid
|
---|
Starring
| |
---|
Composer
| Dan Romer
|
---|
Country of origin
| United States
|
---|
Original language
| English
|
---|
No.
of seasons
| 4
|
---|
No.
of episodes
| 38
|
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|
Executive producers
| |
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Producer
| Jennifer Jason Leigh
|
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Production locations
| Los Angeles
, California
|
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Running time
| 26?38 minutes
|
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Production companies
| |
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|
Network
| Netflix
|
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Release
| August 11, 2017
(
2017-08-11
)
?
July 9, 2021
(
2021-07-09
)
|
---|
Atypical
is an American
comedy-drama
television series created by
Robia Rashid
for
Netflix
.
[1]
The series takes place in
Connecticut
, and focuses on the life of 18-year-old Samuel "Sam" Gardner (
Keir Gilchrist
), who is
on the autism spectrum
.
[2]
The first season was released on August 11, 2017, consisting of eight episodes. The 10-episode second season was released on September 7, 2018. In October 2018, the series was renewed for a third season of ten episodes, which was released on November 1, 2019.
[3]
In February 2020, it was renewed for a fourth and final season, which premiered on July 9, 2021.
The first season received mostly positive reviews, but was criticized by some reviewers for its lack of autistic actors, and inaccuracies in its depiction of autism.
[4]
[5]
[6]
The second season featured autistic actors and writers, giving them an opportunity to work and represent their community, and received mostly positive reviews. The third season continued this positive development and received overwhelmingly positive reviews.
[7]
Cast and characters
[
edit
]
Main
[
edit
]
Recurring
[
edit
]
- Nik Dodani
as Zahid Raja,
[14]
Sam's best friend, a "dweeby and foul-mouthed
lothario
"
[10]
- Jenna Boyd
as Paige Hardaway, Sam's high-achieving friend and later girlfriend.
- Graham Rogers
as Evan Chapin,
[12]
Casey's boyfriend from the beginning of the series. At the end of season 3, however, they split up as Casey realizes she is
bisexual
. He works at a local pizza place, but later decides to become an EMT like Doug.
- Christina Offley as Sharice (seasons 1?2 & 4; guest: season 3), Casey's childhood best friend.
- Kevin Daniels
as Coach Briggs
- Rachel Redleaf as Beth Chapin, Evan's sister, who Casey stands up for after witnessing her get bullied for her weight.
- Ariela Barer
as Bailey Bennett (seasons 1?2)
- Anthony Jacques as Christopher (seasons 1?2)
- Wendy Braun as Kathy
- Karl T. Wright as Chuck (seasons 1 & 3?4), Doug's EMT partner
- Raul Castillo
as Nick (season 1; guest: season 2),
[15]
a bartender Elsa has an affair with and one of her friends
[16]
- Nina Ameri as Luisa, Elsa's friend.
- Fivel Stewart
as Izzie Taylor (seasons 2?4), a student at Casey's new school. A fellow runner, she becomes Casey's best friend, and later, girlfriend.
- Kimmy Gatewood
as Coach Crowley (seasons 2?4)
- Angel Laketa Moore as Megan (seasons 2?4), Doug's female friend & confidante from the Autism support group.
- Domonique Brown as Jasper (seasons 2?4) a student in the peer group who later enrolls at Denton.
- Layla Weiner as Amber (seasons 2?3), Megan's daughter.
- Naomi Rubin as Noelle (seasons 2?4), a girl in Sam's peer group who later attends Denton with Jasper and Sid.
- Graham Phillips
as Nate (season 2; guest: season 3), Izzie's ex-boyfriend.
- Casey Wilson
as Ms. Whitaker (season 2)
- Major Curda as Arlo (season 2; guest: season 1)
- Jeff Rosenthal as Bob (seasons 3?4; guest: seasons 1?2), Sam and Zahid's boss at Techtropolis.
- Sara Gilbert
as Professor Judd (seasons 3?4), Sam's ethics professor at Denton University.
- Allie Rae Treharne as Gretchen (seasons 3?4), Zahid's disgraced troublemaking girlfriend.
- Kimia Behpoornia as Abby (seasons 3?4), Sam's friend.
- Eric McCormack
as Professor Shinerock (season 3), Sam's art professor at Denton University.
- Tal Anderson as Sid (seasons 3?4) a new friend that Sam meets while she is volunteering at the Denton Disability Services office.
- Jenny O'Hara
as Lillian (seasons 3?4), Elsa's mother.
Episodes
[
edit
]
Series overview
[
edit
]
Season 1 (2017)
[
edit
]
Season 2 (2018)
[
edit
]
Season 3 (2019)
[
edit
]
Season 4 (2021)
[
edit
]
Background, production, and release
[
edit
]
The
coming-of-age
[9]
series, originally known as
Antarctica
, was created and written by Robia Rashid,
[12]
who previously worked on
How I Met Your Mother
and
The Goldbergs
as a producer.
[17]
For a more accurate portrayal, she consulted with Michelle Dean, a professor who worked at
UCLA
's Center for Autism Research and Treatment.
[18]
[19]
Gilchrist said in an interview for
Vulture
, "[Rashid] wrote the script. We talked a ton and I did research and I watched movies and I read books".
[20]
The supporting character Christopher is played by Anthony Jacques, who is autistic.
[21]
Season 1 was released on August 11, 2017, and consisted of eight episodes.
[18]
[22]
On September 13, 2017,
Atypical
was renewed for a ten-episode second season.
[23]
David Finch, who is autistic, joined the writing team.
[21]
Eight autistic actors from
The Miracle Project
have supporting roles in the second season as members of a peer support group which Sam joins,
[24]
and other autistic actors play neurotypical characters.
[25]
Executive producer Mary Rohlich also said the show was "bringing in more female directors and female diversity":
[26]
seven of the ten episodes were directed by women and half of the writing team were female.
[27]
The second season was released on September 7, 2018, and consisted of 10 episodes.
[28]
[29]
On October 24, 2018,
Atypical
was renewed for a third season of 10 episodes.
[30]
In May 2019, it was announced
Eric McCormack
and
Sara Gilbert
would appear in the third season.
[31]
The third season was released on November 1, 2019, and consisted of 10 episodes.
[3]
On February 24, 2020,
Atypical
was renewed for its fourth and last season. The season consisted of ten episodes and premiered on July 9, 2021.
[32]
[33]
Reception
[
edit
]
Season 1
[
edit
]
At the
review aggregator
Metacritic
, the first season received a score of 66 from 20 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".
[34]
On
Rotten Tomatoes
, 74% of 42 critics have given the season a positive review with an average rating of 5.4 out of 10. The website's consensus is: "Great performances and a likable, realistic family dealing with autism lift
Atypical
above its alarming tonal shifts and predictability."
[35]
The acting was generally well-received,
[36]
[37]
[38]
although Gilchrist's portrayal received criticism for being "inaccurate" and "stereotypical".
[4]
[6]
The lack of autistic people in the cast was also questioned.
[4]
[5]
Season 2
[
edit
]
Sara Luterman of
The New York Times
wrote that the second season improves on the first. Sam's decision to go to art school deviates from common depictions of autism, and his being autistic is no longer "the source of [his family's] misery". Luterman praised the involvement of more autistic people as writers and actors, but criticized that Sam's misogyny is unaddressed and that he is "still portrayed as more of a checklist than a person".
[21]
Lorraine Ali of the
Los Angeles Times
lauded the show's continuing "unique perspective, sharp humor and empathy", and described the show as a "wonderfully atypical family drama" with "many moving and awkward moments".
[25]
In a negative review, Jen Chaney of
Vulture
wrote that the show "loses some of its focus" in the second season, such as with the "unnecessary side plot" of Julia, an "underdeveloped side character", or by attempting to make Zahid a "lovably wacky sidekick". Chaney stated that the show's situations "often seem contrived or aim blatantly for the easy joke", and criticized scenes between Doug and Elsa which "don't seem reflective of actual human behavior". However, Chaney praised Lundy-Paine's acting, which switches between "understanding" and "exasperation", and Gilchrist's "yard-stick straight" acting.
[39]
Season 3
[
edit
]
On
Rotten Tomatoes
, season 3 has a 100% rating based on 7 reviews, and the average rating is 7/10.
[40]
Merrill Barr of
Forbes
wrote, "Season three of
Atypical
is the show's boldest to date and truly feels like it has reached its stride. [...] Now, the show just gets to live and breathe as it explores its unique story in ever-evolving and fascinating ways."
[41]
Holly Edwards of
Film Inquiry
concluded that "the dramatic and comedic beats almost always hit the right notes and know when a shift in tone is required." She called the show a "step up from many shows of the same variety and a worthwhile viewing experience."
[42]
Season 4
[
edit
]
Lorraine Ali of the
Los Angeles Times
wrote that the final season of
Atypical
"deftly tackles" the fears parents of atypical children may have when watching their son or daughter come of age. She also noted the season "cement[ed] the show's legacy as one of the best series to deal with autism and its butterfly effect on family, friends, and loved ones".
[43]
Accolades
[
edit
]
See also
[
edit
]
References
[
edit
]
- ^
Rock, Audrey (July 8, 2021).
"How 'Atypical' Creator Robia Rashid Prepped to Create a Show on Autism"
.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet
.
Archived
from the original on January 19, 2022
. Retrieved
January 19,
2022
.
- ^
Lidia Ryan (March 31, 2020).
"TV shows set in Connecticut"
. Connecticut Post
. Retrieved
September 29,
2023
.
- ^
a
b
Harnick, Chris (October 1, 2019).
"Atypical Season 3 Premiere Date, First Look Revealed"
.
E! News
.
Archived
from the original on March 10, 2021
. Retrieved
October 8,
2019
.
- ^
a
b
c
Rowe, Mickey (August 8, 2017).
"Netflix's "Atypical" Was a Major Disappointment for Autism Representation"
.
Teen Vogue
.
Archived
from the original on September 30, 2017
. Retrieved
August 12,
2017
.
- ^
a
b
Murray, Noel (August 11, 2017).
"My teen son has autism. Here's what Netflix's new dramedy
Atypical
gets wrong"
.
The Week
.
Archived
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. Retrieved
August 12,
2017
.
- ^
a
b
Moss, Haley (August 11, 2017).
"My Autistic Opinion: Atypical is a Stereotypical Representation of Autism"
.
The Huffington Post
.
Archived
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. Retrieved
August 12,
2017
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- ^
Barr, Merrill.
"
'Atypical' Season 3 Review: The Stride Of Perfection Continues"
.
Forbes
.
Archived
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. Retrieved
July 11,
2021
.
- ^
Andreeva, Nellie (October 17, 2016).
"Netflix Greenlights Autism Comedy From 'The Goldbergs' Duo; Jennifer Jason Leigh, Keir Gilchrist & Michael Rapaport To Star"
.
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.
Archived
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. Retrieved
August 14,
2017
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a
b
Wagmeister, Elizabeth (October 17, 2016).
"Netflix Greenlights 'Atypical' Autism Family Comedy Starring Jennifer Jason Leigh"
.
Variety
.
Archived
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October 17,
2016
.
- ^
a
b
Gilbert, Sophie (August 13, 2017).
"Atypical Is So Close to Great"
.
The Atlantic
.
Archived
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. Retrieved
August 17,
2017
.
- ^
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Atypical
, Keir Gilchrist Is Done Playing Teenagers"
.
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. Retrieved
August 12,
2017
.
- ^
a
b
c
d
e
f
Andreeva, Nellie (October 17, 2016).
"Netflix Greenlights Autism Comedy From 'The Goldbergs' Duo; Jennifer Jason Leigh, Keir Gilchrist & Michael Rapaport To Star"
.
Deadline Hollywood
.
Archived
from the original on August 11, 2019
. Retrieved
August 14,
2017
.
- ^
Spellberg, Claire (August 22, 2017).
"Who is Brigette Lundy-Paine? Meet the Star Making Waves in 'Atypical' and 'The Glass Castle'
"
.
Decider
.
Archived
from the original on August 22, 2017
. Retrieved
August 22,
2017
.
- ^
Petski, Denise (November 3, 2016).
"
'Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later' Casts Joey Bragg; Nik Dodani In 'Atypical'
"
.
Deadline Hollywood
.
Archived
from the original on November 4, 2016
. Retrieved
November 3,
2016
.
- ^
Schwindt, Oriana (December 5, 2016).
"
'Looking' Star Raul Castillo Joins Netflix's 'Atypical' (EXCLUSIVE)"
.
Variety
.
Archived
from the original on December 6, 2016
. Retrieved
December 6,
2016
.
- ^
Chaney, Jen (August 10, 2017).
"Atypical Is a Sensitive Look at Life With Autism"
.
Vulture
.
Archived
from the original on August 16, 2017
. Retrieved
August 15,
2017
.
- ^
Bacle, Ariana (August 10, 2017).
"
Atypical
star Keir Gilchrist on new Netflix show: 'Everybody's kind of odd'
"
.
Entertainment Weekly
.
Archived
from the original on August 12, 2017
. Retrieved
August 13,
2017
.
- ^
a
b
"First Look: Teen with autism comes of age in Netflix's 'Atypical'
"
.
USA Today
.
Archived
from the original on August 16, 2017
. Retrieved
June 19,
2017
.
- ^
Thaxton, Ryan (July 18, 2017).
"Watch: Netflix's Atypical Trailer Is Hilarious, but Will It Be Poignant?"
.
Paste
.
Archived
from the original on August 13, 2017
. Retrieved
August 12,
2017
.
- ^
"After
Atypical
, Keir Gilchrist Is Done Playing Teenagers"
.
Vulture
. August 11, 2017.
Archived
from the original on August 11, 2017
. Retrieved
August 12,
2017
.
- ^
a
b
c
Luterman, Sara (September 11, 2018).
"How Season 2 of 'Atypical' Improves the Show's Depictions of Life as an Autistic Person"
.
The New York Times
.
Archived
from the original on September 11, 2018
. Retrieved
September 12,
2018
.
- ^
Goldberg, Leslie (October 17, 2016).
"Jennifer Jason Leigh, Keir Gilchrist to Star in Netflix Family Comedy 'Atypical'
"
.
The Hollywood Reporter
.
Archived
from the original on October 18, 2016
. Retrieved
October 17,
2016
.
- ^
Goldberg, Lesley (September 13, 2017).
"
'Atypical' Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix"
.
The Hollywood Reporter
.
Archived
from the original on September 14, 2017
. Retrieved
September 13,
2017
.
- ^
Patton, Rebecca (September 5, 2018).
"Sam's Peer Group In 'Atypical' Season 2 Is Comprised Of 8 Budding Actors With Autism ? VIDEO"
.
Bustle
.
Archived
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. Retrieved
September 12,
2018
.
- ^
a
b
Ali, Lorraine (September 7, 2018).
"Sharp, quirky and empathetic, the second season of Netflix's 'Atypical' grows with its characters"
.
Los Angeles Times
.
Archived
from the original on September 12, 2018
. Retrieved
September 12,
2018
.
- ^
Saval, Malina (September 7, 2018).
"
'Atypical' Team on Bringing 'More Voices From the Autism Community' in Season 2"
.
Variety
.
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from the original on September 13, 2018
. Retrieved
September 12,
2018
.
- ^
Reynolds, Daniel (September 9, 2018).
"Why
Atypical
Is Part of the Queer TV Revolution"
.
The Advocate
.
Archived
from the original on September 13, 2018
. Retrieved
September 12,
2018
.
- ^
Petski, Denise (August 20, 2018).
"
'Atypical' Season 2 Trailer: Sam Looks To The Future Post-High School"
.
Deadline Hollywood
.
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. Retrieved
August 20,
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.
- ^
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.
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. Retrieved
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- ^
Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (October 24, 2018).
"
'Atypical' Renewed For Season 3 By Netflix"
.
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.
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from the original on October 24, 2018
. Retrieved
October 24,
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.
- ^
Pedersen, Erik (May 10, 2019).
"
Atypical
: Eric McCormack To Recur As Art Professor On Season 3 Of Netflix Dramedy"
.
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.
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. Retrieved
May 10,
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.
- ^
Andreeva, Nellie (February 24, 2020).
"
'Atypical' Renewed For Fourth & Final Season By Netflix"
.
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.
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. Retrieved
February 24,
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.
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Del Rosario, Alexandra (June 1, 2021).
"
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.
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.
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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.
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.
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
"
Atypical
: Season 1"
.
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
Gay, Verne (August 9, 2017).
"
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.
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.
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
Tallerico, Brian (August 9, 2017).
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.
rogerebert.com
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- ^
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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.
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
Barr, Merrill.
"
'Atypical' Season 3 Review: The Stride Of Perfection Continues"
.
Forbes
.
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from the original on January 14, 2020
. Retrieved
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.
- ^
Edwards, Holly (November 26, 2019).
"ATYPICAL Season 3: Slow Start Proves Worthwhile In The End"
.
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.
Archived
from the original on January 14, 2020
. Retrieved
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.
- ^
"
'Atypical' made life on the spectrum into great TV. Here's what it got right"
.
Los Angeles Times
. July 9, 2021.
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
Pond, Steve (November 29, 2017).
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Dunkirk
,
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- ^
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. April 9, 2019.
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. Retrieved
January 14,
2020
.
External links
[
edit
]
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First
released
2012?2014
| |
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First
released
2015
| |
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First
released
2016
| |
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First
released
2017
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First
released
2018
| |
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|