Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum has earned a reputation for being one of the most wholesome, feel-good dating shows out there. With its real people, heartfelt stories, and low-drama vibe, it’s managed to win over both critics and audiences alike. The show is currently in its third season, and if you’ve been on TikTok or Reddit lately, you know everyone’s talking about it, for reasons both good and complicated.
As the show’s popularity grows, so does the conversation around how it represents autism, handles its cast, and chooses what stories make the final cut. Now, after weeks of online debate and fan speculation, we’re finally hearing from someone who’s stayed pretty quiet until now.
Love on the Spectrum: The Show Has Grown, But So Have the Conversations
Let’s roll back a minute. Love on the Spectrum debuted back in May 2022 and was basically love at first stream. By season two in early 2024, it was obvious the show wasn’t holding back. They brought on older cast members such as 63-year-old Steve, individuals with ADHD and dyslexia, and singles with all types of dating histories.
Lastly, after some side-eyeing in season one, the show kicked it up a notch with its LGBTQ+ representation. Journey, a lesbian, was added to the cast in season two. Subsequently, viewers learned that Dani, who only dated men on the show, is pansexual. And if you’ve been along for the ride with Abbey and David from the start, you already know that season two brought us ultimate cuteness when they went to Africa to visit lions together.
But even with all that love, the comment sections weren’t all sunshine. Autistic viewers started pointing out settings, pairings, and behind-the-scenes details. Even Allison Wall and Glenn Sumi began wondering: Can one show really speak for such a wide range of experiences?
Love on the Spectrum: Cian O’Clery Finally Speaks Out!
Following a lot of online drama (and some side-eye from former cast members), creator Cian O’Clery finally sat down for a tell-all-type interview with Vanity Fair. If you were expecting receipts, he gave them. First, he confessed that producing reality shows was “a lot harder,” particularly while he was on Married at First Sight Australia. But Love on the Spectrum?
Complete change of atmosphere. He referred to the contestants as “lovely and kind,” and indicated that the crew genuinely cares about everyone who’s involved. Cian also clapped back at claims like Kaelynn’s, who said producers didn’t think her story was “interesting enough.” He said that’s not how they roll.
Sometimes, they do cut moments that are juicy or dramatic, but only if they feel it doesn’t show the person in a good light. His rule? “You don’t want them to feel like we’ve done them a disservice.” He also mentioned that what is most important isn’t who the audience is, but the mood of the cast. And so far? They’re happy, and that’s the victory that he’s shooting for.
He also talked about Brandon’s moment in season three, when he left a date with Madison early. Cian said they chose to keep it in because it was real. And that’s the point, they’re not telling one autism story, they’re telling each person’s individual story. He explained that there is no algorithm for making matches. Cian explained that they speak to each individual to determine who they’re interested in—neurotypical, autistic, or a person with Down syndrome—it’s vibes, not labels.
In the end, Cian’s response shows that the team behind Love on the Spectrum is listening. The show might not be perfect, but it’s trying to do things right, and that’s why people keep tuning in. Stay tuned to TV Seasons & Spoilers for more updates, cast interviews, and all things reality TV.