This new season of Love on the Spectrum takes you through every emotion and introduces several new members. My husband and I never binge-watch shows, yet we finished this whole season in two nights because it was just so sweet and refreshing to watch. The familial support exhibited and the friendships that have grown over the years is such a beautiful thing to witness – even the polite parental jabs, such as James’ parents poking fun, asking him if he ever lets Shelley get a word in.
Season 4 of Love on the Spectrum aired on April 1st and involves lots of travel, laughter, and self-discovery. There were also several great date ideas in this season. Some of the date settings included an old western theme park, a ghost town, and a presidential family residence – who knew these could be so romantic? The way that the couples can have fun with each new experience and engage in activities together really takes the pressure off conversation and holding eye contact, which can make anyone nervous. Despite the one wind-blown date that almost knocked Emma and Eric off their feet, most of the outdoor dates had gorgeous golden-hour backdrops. Plus, not even the wind could have stopped the budding flirtations between them as they both came out of their shell a bit more.
One observation I had about the show is that the producers did an excellent job being intentional in protecting and prioritizing the show’s values. For example, they cut out breakup scenes out of respect for the members of the show, which saves them any extra embarrassment or shame. It also keeps them from watching it back. Nowadays, so many reality tv shows feed on messy drama and amplifying breakups while Love on the Spectrum does quite the opposite. Cian and the producers do a really good job of not dishonoring anyone.
Other love shows such as Love Island or The Bachelor, have a lot of direction that leans into the tears and the breakups. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives also leans into this messy genre highlighting arguments and jealousy while expelling their drama to the world. Therefore, I feel like it’s incredibly refreshing to have a reality tv show like Love on the Spectrum that’s so positive and rooted in love and friendship and not toxicity.
To further this point, Madison and Tyler are such a wonderful example of what gentle, kind, and patient love looks like. In episode 6, Madison and Tyler are enjoying a beautiful walking tour together when a fan calls out to Madison saying “Maddie,” instead of Madison which triggers Madison. Tyler handles the situation with love and care as Madison explains to producers that nicknames are a big trigger for her and defines that Maddie is just simply not her name. Tyler listens and validates that Madison felt thrown off and reassures her as she processes her emotions. After pausing a moment, he then reminds her that this is something she’s working on overcoming and that they’ll overcome it together.
It was a simple display of love and understanding and working together to grow that is good for the shows viewers to witness. Madison and Tyler navigating a trigger together truly illustrates a healthy relationship, which is important for all couples to observe. It sets an example for how everyone should treat their partner in a relationship and navigate life’s triggers together, not just neurodivergent couples.
This is just one of many examples of how this show is a wholesome, calming space. It focuses on family and how families and friends support one another in times of need, struggle, and also celebration. Last but not least, in terms of magical moments met with magical backdrops, the rainbow appearing at the end of the season when all the show’s members joined together in celebration was a perfect moment captured on screen. Every individual gathered together to enjoy the rainbow which prompted them to sing Judy Garland’s Somewhere over the Rainbow together.
This one small moment in this season of Love on the Spectrum was so defining and pure. The cast singing together under rainbow skies offers a glimpse of hope and unity for viewers that I feel is important to experience. We could all use a little hope and a little escape with the current state of our world, and TV is oftentimes such an escape. I feel like the TV industry should lean into more shows like this that follow along the lives or snippets of everyday life for people navigating every day challenges. This possibility would open up a whole new creative direction that allows shows to focus on the resources that are out there to lean on for people of all ages and backgrounds.
For example, there could be a reality tv show that shows glimpses of an assisted living home, following two or three residents illustrating what their daily life is like for about a week long. The show could follow their activities and recommend chair exercises or brain games like sodoku that they may enjoy. It could allow a vulnerable space for these seniors to share some of the emotions that come with this stage of life. Then, this same show could feature three college students learning to live on their own for the first time and how they embrace new friends and new journeys for a couple of weeks. Once a year, the college students and seniors could be brought together for a special where they’ve shared what they learned and this could be the annual season finale.
A show such as this, or even a reality tv show showing young people exploring their local library, museums, and checking out classes at their community centers could be so helpful for people that aren’t sure of the free resources available to them. The world would be a lot better place if we all consumed feel good content such as Love on the Spectrum that inspires us to spread kindness and walk humbly. It might even help us shift our focus on to what really matters.
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