Netflix has been on a hot streak this summer when it comes to new original series, with shows like GLOW, Friends From College, and the soon-to-be released Ozark giving TV fans something fresh and intriguing to stream. Summer isn't over yet, and Netflix still has some new originals to release before fall TV season begins. August will bring the premiere of Atypical, which will be coming of age story of an autistic teenager as he tries to expand his horizons. The trailer for Atypical has finally been released, and it indicates that we're in for an open and honest portrayal of a family that has adapted to one member's difficulties. Take a look!
When Atypical was announced back in October 2016, it was hard to guess just how the show would work when tackling a sensitive matter like autism. The cast -- comprised of Keir Gilchrist, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael Rapaport, Brigette Lundy-Paine, and Amy Okuda -- was promising, and shows like ABC's Speechless had proven that it was quite possible to produce a wonderful family show featuring a character with a challenging condition. Still, there was no saying if it would be worth watching or not.
Well, we still have a few weeks to wait before the first full season of Atypical is released on Netflix, but I'd say the trailer indicates that we're in for a dramedy that is as heartfelt as it is hilarious. 18-year-old Sam is determined not to let his status on the autistic spectrum hold him back when it comes to finding his place in life and love. While his therapist Julia looks to be more than willing to help him on his journey, his mom Elsa doesn't seem like she'll have an easy time dealing with the reality that her son has really grown up and is ready to try new things.
Sam's dad Doug, on the other hand, seems to be ready for Sam to step out of his comfort zone. The whole family has evidently adapted to Sam's condition to the extent that it defines certain aspects of their lives, and Doug is hoping to see what life is like with a change to the status quo. The teenage Casey looks like she could be an ally to her brother as he goes through a difficult time.
The trailer definitely points to some heartache ahead for the whole family (and probably the viewers as well), but it also points to Sam finding happiness in ways he might never have dreamed of pursuing without a little push from the people who love him. All things considered, Atypical could be a great show for the whole family.
Season 1 of Atypical will run for eight episodes. You can catch the whole batch of episodes when they debut on Netflix on Friday, August 11 at 12:01 a.m. PT. Check out our 2017 Netflix premiere schedule for all the other important upcoming Netflix dates, and don't forget to swing by our summer TV premiere guide.
