Atypical is an entertaining, sensitively-rendered Netflix show about Sam, an 18-year old on the autism spectrum, and his loving, but damaged, family members. The dramedy follows Sam through his challenges and growth in high school with his on-again-off-again girlfriend Paige and his neurotypical friend Zahid, who is hilarious, loyal, kind, and sometimes misguided. The show also showcases Sam’s younger sister Casey, who is juggling difficult teen relationships, and his mom and dad, who have marital problems exacerbated by Sam’s condition. This is a sweet show that highlights flawed, but usually well-meaning characters who are managing heavy circumstances as gracefully as they can.
