Atypical
Reception

Atypical (2017)

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External reception

8.3
5 platform(s) · 7 ratings 135,216 votes
8.7/10 18,840 votes Synced 2026-08-03
8.2/10 114,801 votes Synced 2026-08-20
Audience 8.4/10 320 votes Synced 2026-07-19
Critics 6.6/10 Synced 2026-07-19
Audience 9.2/10 Synced 2026-07-18
Critics 9.0/10 Synced 2026-07-18
8.0/10 1,255 votes Synced 2026-08-05

External reviews

Rebecca Nicholson · The Guardian 80.00/100.00

It spins its many plates with skill. ... Not every storyline hits the high notes, and there is a definite sense, as the season progresses, that Atypical is winding down, having run its course and said what it needed to say. But it is a beautiful show, celebrating difference, adaptability and an open-hearted approach to life. In the sometimes stagnant world of half-hour sitcoms, it is refreshingly itself.

synced 2026-07-19
Megan Vick · TV Guide 85.00/100.00

Season 2 helps further break the preconceived mold that this is "The Autism Family Show." While Sam's disorder provides a unique perspective to the world of Atypical, the show is about so much more than that. Season 2 pushes this even further, as it was supposed to do, and finds new ways to enlighten, inspire and surprise by endearing us deeper to its characters.

synced 2026-07-19
Lorraine Ali · Los Angeles Times 80.00/100.00

The series is as compassionate as it is snarky, pairing a deep understanding about everyday life on the spectrum with a sense of humor rarely found in productions that deal with autism. “Atypical” risks offending some, but it does more good than harm by demystifying a sensitive and painful subject with an unapologetic candor.

synced 2026-07-19
Verne Gay · Newsday 75.00/100.00

Its tone can be inconsistent. With a couple of actors’ actors--Leigh and Rapaport--and Gilchrist at the helm, Atypical still manages to mostly stay on track. It’s a good newcomer with the potential to get better.

synced 2026-07-19
Rob Lowman · Los Angeles Daily News 80.00/100.00

It isn’t cute, but it’s mostly sharp and engaging.

synced 2026-07-19
Brian Tallerico · RogerEbert.com 80.00/100.00

At its best, Atypical allows its drama and comedy to come from that genuine, relatable place. It may have a rocky start, but stick with it. Atypical lives up to its title.

synced 2026-07-19
Ariana Bacle · Entertainment Weekly 75.00/100.00

What it lacks in originality it makes up for in charming performances and affection for its messy, refreshingly human characters. [11 Aug 2017, p.51]

synced 2026-07-19
Dave Nemetz · TVLine 75.00/100.00

A show like this sinks or swims on the lead performance, though, and Gilchrist (who previously played gay son Marshall on United States of Tara) makes the whole thing work as Sam. ... Gilchrist’s performance is so strong, in fact, that Atypical suffers a bit whenever Sam’s off-screen.

synced 2026-07-19

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