The Netflix original, Atypical, is a compelling and dramatic sitcom that first came to Netflix in early August. This show follows 18-year-old Sam Gardner (played by Keir Gilchrist), who is on the autism spectrum, as he develops new feelings and wants to have a girlfriend. With twists and turns throughout the season, it shows how the people in Sam’s life support him and are affected by him. These people consist of Sam’s family, therapist and best friend.

As Sam handles his new emotions, the people in his life have life changing experiences as well. His sister, Casey (played by Brigette Lundy-Paine), goes through difficult decisions, debating whether to follow her dreams or continue to watch out for her older brother. Elsa and Doug Gardner, Sam’s parents, (played by Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael Rapaport) also go through an emotional roller coaster as they discover new things about each other and their relationship. With the help of his therapist, Julia, and his best friend, Zahid, Sam slowly discovers the feeling of love and all the things that go along with it.

This show is especially good at expressing how a person who is high functioning on the autism spectrum handles day to day situations. How the characters are developed throughout the season and some of the  revealed in the show are fascinating. The only thing I wish is that the show had more than one season but a season two is expected from Netflix in the future.