Atypical 2017
“Normal is overrated.”
What is Atypical?
Atypical is an American comedy-drama television series created by Robia Rashid for the streaming service Netflix. The show is set in Connecticut and centers on the life of Samuel Sam Gardner, an eighteen-year-old on the autism spectrum.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 2017
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 38
- Runtime
- 33 minutes
- First aired
- Aug 11, 2017
- Last aired
- Jul 9, 2021
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- Netflix
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
Netflix
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NetflixNetflix Standard with AdsStreaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 38 episodes and an average 33-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
Atypical is an American comedy-drama television series created by Robia Rashid for the streaming service Netflix. The show is set in Connecticut and centers on the life of Samuel Sam Gardner, an eighteen-year-old on the autism spectrum. As Sam decides it is time to find a girlfriend and pursue greater independence, his journey of self-discovery impacts his family members, who begin their own paths of change. The narrative explores Sam's funny and often painful experiences as he navigates his personal growth. The series features a cast including Keir Gilchrist, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael Rapaport, and Brigette Lundy-Paine. The first season of the show premiered on August 11, 2017, and consisted of eight episodes. The program continued until its fourth and final season, which concluded in 2021. Throughout its run, the series was recognized as a critically acclaimed comedy-drama that provided a look into the life of a teenager with autism as he sought to define his own identity and independence.
Should you watch it?
“An autistic teen's quest for love and independence disrupts his family's dynamics.”
- Authentic portrayal of autism and family life
- Strong character development and emotional depth
- Balances humor with meaningful social commentary
- Some storylines feel rushed or unresolved
- Occasional tonal inconsistencies between comedy and drama
You enjoy character-driven dramas about family, identity, and growing up.
Suitable for teens and adults, deals with mature themes around sexuality and family relationships.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 8 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 Antarctica Aug 11, 2017
- E2 A Human Female Aug 11, 2017
- E3 Julia Says Aug 11, 2017
- E4 A Nice Neutral Smell Aug 11, 2017
- E5 That’s My Sweatshirt Aug 11, 2017
- E6 The D-Train to Bone Town Aug 11, 2017
- E7 I Lost My Poor Meatball Aug 11, 2017
- E8 The Silencing Properties of Snow Aug 11, 2017
Season 2 · 10 episodes
- E1 Juiced! Sep 7, 2018
- E2 Penguin Cam and Chill Sep 7, 2018
- E3 Little Dude and the Lion Sep 7, 2018
- E4 Pants on Fire Sep 7, 2018
- E5 The Egg Is Pipping Sep 7, 2018
- E6 In the Dragon's Lair Sep 7, 2018
- E7 The Smudging Sep 7, 2018
- E8 Living at an Angle Sep 7, 2018
- E9 Ritual-licious Sep 7, 2018
- E10 Ernest Shackleton's Rules for Survival Sep 7, 2018
Season 3 · 10 episodes
- E1 Best Laid Plans Nov 1, 2019
- E2 Standing Sam Nov 1, 2019
- E3 Cocaine Pills and Pony Meat Nov 1, 2019
- E4 Y.G.A.G.G. Nov 1, 2019
- E5 Only Tweed Nov 1, 2019
- E6 The Essence of a Penguin Nov 1, 2019
- E7 Shrinkage Nov 1, 2019
- E8 Road Rage Paige Nov 1, 2019
- E9 Sam Takes a Walk Nov 1, 2019
- E10 Searching for Brown Sugar Man Nov 1, 2019
Season 4 · 10 episodes
- E1 Magical Bird #1 Jul 9, 2021
- E2 Master of Penguins Jul 9, 2021
- E3 You Say You Want a Revolution Jul 9, 2021
- E4 Starters and Endings Jul 9, 2021
- E5 Dead Dreams Jul 9, 2021
- E6 Are You in Fair Health? Jul 9, 2021
- E7 Channel the Cat Jul 9, 2021
- E8 Magical Bird #2 Jul 9, 2021
- E9 Player's Ball Jul 9, 2021
- E10 Dessert at Olive Garden Jul 9, 2021
Frequently asked questions
Is this show good for people with autism?
Many viewers with autism appreciate its authentic representation, though individual experiences may vary.
What age group is this appropriate for?
Teens and adults, due to mature themes around sexuality and relationships.
Does the show have a lot of humor?
Yes, it balances comedic moments with more serious dramatic elements throughout.
How many seasons are there?
The series runs for multiple seasons following Sam's journey and his family.
Is this based on a true story?
It's inspired by real experiences but is not directly based on a specific true story.