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Love on the Spectrum season two premieres on May 18 at 8.30pm on ABC and iview. The TV show continues to tell the stories of people on the autism spectrum as they navigate the world of dating and relationships.
With a few familiar faces, and some new ones, Season 2 represents an even wider range of people and personalities, showing just how diverse the autism spectrum really is. The series once again features singles looking for love, and couples who have found their match.
While Season 1 saw participants stepping out on dates for the very first time, this second season sees relationships form and develop. We see first kisses, confessions of love, and our first couple walk down the aisle.
Love on the Spectrum introduces audiences to real Autistic people, who genuinely want to find love and connection. The premise in itself busts misconceptions about Autistic people not wanting to find love and have meaningful relationships. The series unequivocally shows that relationships and belonging are just as important to Autistic individuals as they are to anyone else.
Often misconceptions come from people anchoring their ideas of autism around a particular character from a fictional film or TV show. That’s not to say that films and TV shows shouldn’t feature autistic characters, but the more diversity there is in that representation of autism the better.
Making the series
"The most important aspect of making the series was caring for our participants and enabling them to tell their stories in a comfortable and collaborative way. (...) On the dates we made sure people knew they could put up their hand to stop filming if they felt overwhelmed, anxious or uncomfortable. It was made clear they should feel in control. Ultimately, there is a responsibility in telling such personal stories and we hope our compassionate, collaborative and ethical approach is imbued throughout the series." (Northern Pictures/ABC press release)
The Love on the Spectrum team sought feedback and consulted not only with neurotypical experts including former Aspect staff Jodi Rodgers but, importantly, with individuals who are experts in the neurodiverse community and are on the spectrum themselves. Judy Singer, a sociologist, author and international speaker, had a consultant role on the series, providing support, direction and feedback and guiding the approach to the making of the new series.
Love on the Spectrum season two premieres on May 18 at 8.30pm on ABC and iview. Until then, fans can rewatch the first season on Netflix.
