Netflix Breaks Barriers With Autism Comedy ‘Atypical’; Premiere Date Announced [WATCH]

Netflix will be releasing its first autism-centered series, “Atypical,” on Aug. 11.

According to Entertainment Weekly, “Atypical” will follow the life of a teenage boy named Sam Gardner (Keir Gilchrist), who also falls on the autism spectrum. But despite his condition, Sam is just like any other high school student. He decides that it’s time to start dating.

Jennifer Jason Leigh also stars in “Atypical” as Sam’s mom, Elsa, and Michael Rapaport as Sam’s father, Doug. The latter wants to be able to connect better with his son, especially now that he’s become interested in girls.

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Netflix has dropped the first official teaser for “Atypical,” and it opens with Sam and Elsa talking to each other while in the car. Sam tells his mom that he wants to start dating, but Elsa, who appears to be very protective, asks her son if he’s not afraid of getting hurt. Sam explains that one of his friends told him that it’s good to do things that scare him, and this includes talking to girls. Towards the end of their conversation, Sam convinces his mother that it’s time for him to start dating, reasoning that he’s getting older, and sooner or later, he would have to see someone else’s breasts.

The series also aims to answer the question, “What does it really mean to be normal?,” according to Deadline. After all, Sam may have autism, but he still deserves to experience every other “normal” thing that his peers experience.

While speaking with USA Today, Gilchrist explained, “We’re telling a story of this one kids on the spectrum, and that’s his life. It’s a very specific story of this family.”

Despite not sharing his character’s autism, the 24-year-old actor said that he found several connections with Sam. “Sam’s honesty is the most relatable part of him. Most people will relate to the way he puts into words the difficulties of dating. The way he describes some situations is basically how everyone feels, but most people don’t actually put it into words,” he said.

“Atypical” was helmed by “The Goldbergs” creator, Robia Rashid. It is directed and executive produced by Seth Gordon. Bridgette Lundy-Paine and Amy Okuda have also been cast in the original series.