Why everyone's talking about Love on the Spectrum

Love on the Spectrum is a reality dating series unlike any other.

Instead of being set on an island, or asking people to connect through a wall, or focusing on whether people are "there for the right reasons," this show brings a decidedly warmer energy to the genre. Now in its third season, the series follows people on the autism spectrum in the U.S. as they navigate the world of dating and relationships.

The new season lands at a particularly crucial time for autistic people in the U.S., as U.S. Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has recently made troubling and scientifically inaccurate comments about the condition. Some of the cast have even spoken out about these comments, and suggested the U.S. Health secretary might benefit from watching the show.

Though it's won multiple Emmys and earned a loyal fanbase of viewers, some point out that the series isn't without its faults. Can a reality show change people's perceptions — and is this the show to do it for the autistic community?

Today on Commotion, author Sarah Kurchak and culture critic Glenn Sumi join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the popular Netflix reality dating series, and what it can tell us about mainstream television's perceptions of autistic people.

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Panel produced by Ty Callender.