Atypical (2017-2021)

 

Sypnosis

Atypical is an American comedy-drama streaming television series created by Robia Rashid for Netflix. It focuses on the life of 18-year-old Sam Gardner (Keir Gilchrist), who is on the autism spectrum. 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. In February 2020, the series was renewed for a fourth and final season, which premiered on July 9, 2021. However, the producers of the series are planning on filming a fifth season, but nothing is sure yet.

The first season received mostly positive reviews, however, it is highly criticized for its lack of autistic actors, and many perceived inaccuracies in its depiction of autism. The second season featured autistic actors and writers, allowing them to have 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.

 

Cast & Character

• Jennifer Jason Leigh as Elsa Gardner,Sam and Casey's overprotective mother.
• Keir Gilchrist as Sam Gardner, an 18-year-old young man on the autism spectrum who has an interest in Antarctica and loves penguins. Gilchrist said about the character, "He's one person that is on the autism spectrum. He's a very specific character."
• Brigette Lundy-Paine as Casey Gardner,Sam's younger sister who also is very protective of him. She is very athletic and thanks to this gets a scholarship at a private school.
• Amy Okuda as Julia Sasaki (seasons 1–2, recurring season 3, guest season 4), Sam's dedicated therapist, whom he briefly has a crush on.
• Michael Rapaport as Doug Gardner, Sam and Casey's father and Elsa's husband. He works as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Recurring

• Nik Dodani as Zahid Raja, Sam's best friend, a "dweeby and foul-mouthed lothario"
• Jenna Boyd as Paige Hardaway, Sam's high-achieving friend and later girlfriend.
• Graham Rogers as Evan Chapin, Casey's boyfriend from the beginning of the series. At the end of season 3 they however split up as Casey realises she is bi. 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.
• 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
• Raúl Castillo as Nick (season 1, guest season 2), a bartender Elsa has an affair with
• 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.
• Angel Laketa Moore as Megan (seasons 2–4), Doug's female friend & confidante from the Autism support group.
• Domonique Brown as Jasper (seasons 2–3) a student in the peer group who later enrolls at Denton.
• Layla Weiner as Amber (seasons 2–3), Megan's daughter.
• 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)
• 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.