About “Atypical” in a few words:

“Atypical” is a Netflix original series that follows the journey of a high school student named Sam, who has autism, as he navigates the ups and downs of adolescence, relationships, and independence. The show tackles complex themes with a blend of heart and humor, featuring a diverse and lovable cast of characters, including Sam’s family, friends, and therapist. Through its four seasons, “Atypical” has garnered critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of life on the autism spectrum and its heartfelt storytelling.

Meet the characters from Atypical

Elsa Gardner

Okay, Elsa is peak anxious-mom energy but like in the most earnest, lovable way — she’s fiercely protective and constantly overthinking everything (list-making queen, probably has a color-coded calendar). She’s the one who will give a long, sweaty hug and also awkwardly try to fix your life with unsolicited advice; incredibly practical but secretly dramatic about small things, like the proper fold of a napkin. You can tell she’s trying to be progressive and open-minded and then she immediately Googles “signs of trouble” at 2 a.m., so yes, contradictions. Also she has a weirdly specific passion for Scandinavian sweaters? Don’t ask, she’d defend them like a thesis.

Sam Gardner

Oh man, Sam is the heart — honest, brilliant in his own slice-of-the-world way, and obsessed with Antarctica (penguin stan, forever). He’s earnest to a fault, sticks to routines, says exactly what’s on his mind and then looks surprised you reacted — bless him — and there’s this adorable literalness that makes everything both harder and purer. He wants independence but also needs help; he’s learning, stumbling, and somehow every tiny victory feels huge (and yes, sometimes he’s stubborn as a refrigerator). Also low-key loves weird snacks? Like he’ll defend an odd sandwich combo at 3 p.m., not joking.

Casey Gardner

Casey is tough-as-nails protectiveness with soft edges that pop up at the worst — and best — times; she’s the sibling who will throw the first punch and then fold your laundry. Sarcasm is her native language and loyalty is her religion; she guards her family like it’s a championship trophy, and also cries in dumb rom-coms when no one’s looking (or loudly, who knows). She’s super competent and practical, hates unnecessary drama but will create some when needed, and somehow has this tiny display of sentimental tchotchkes that contradicts her “I don’t feel things” vibe. Also she probably eats cereal for dinner and pretends it’s gourmet.

Doug Gardner

Doug is the dad who thinks he’s chill but will absolutely go deep into feelings when the moment catches him — earnest, supportive, and slightly bewildered by modern parenting rules. He tries to be the steady, calming anchor and mostly nails it, but also has very specific dad-jokes and an overconfidence in his DIY skills that ends in a shrubbery-incident (I swear he has one). He’s a soft place to fall — patient, silly, and prone to melodramatic pep talks in grocery aisles — and somehow manages to be both hilarious and heartbreakingly earnest. Also he collects mugs? Like an alarming number.

Zahid

Zahid is the chaotic, hilarious, cinnamon-roll best-friend type who will make a pun and also help you through an identity crisis at 2 a.m. He’s loud, flamboyant, endlessly creative, and has this delightfully ridiculous optimism that sneaks up on you and makes you join his weird plans. He is sometimes annoyingly extra but only because he cares too much; also he’s suspiciously good with tech and tiny life hacks (the guy will MacGyver your phone charger with gum if needed). He probably owns three hats he swears are “just for emergencies.”

Paige

Paige is warm, quietly cool, and somehow both effortlessly kind and low-key intense — she’s the friend who reads five books and still remembers your weird childhood scars. She’s patient, very conscientious, and has an artsy vibe like she makes mood boards and also actually follows through on plans, which is very rare. She can be a little guarded but in an interesting way — you get the sense she’s keeping a thoughtful part of herself private, and she’s the sort who shows love through practical gestures (also through killer playlists). Oh and she probably drinks tea like a conspiracy theorist: very seriously and with close attention.

Evan

Evan’s this soft, cinnamon-bun sort of guy with big earnest eyes and a tendency to fumble but always mean well — the kind of boyfriend who brings you soup and then overthinks the spoon. He’s sweet, supportive, sometimes a little directionless but genuinely trying; charmingly awkward in a way that makes people forgive him things (like that one time he overshares at the worst possible moment). He cooks and is oddly proud of his grilled cheese technique; also, he’ll tell you about a philosophy he sort of half believes in, and then contradict himself ten seconds later. Somehow endearing and slightly chaotic in the best way.

Izzie

Izzie is bright, impulsive, and full of this lively energy where you can’t decide if she’s going to start a craft project or stage a musical number — seriously unpredictable and delightful. She’s the friend who says what she thinks (sometimes too loudly) and then makes up for it with ridiculous gestures of loyalty, like spontaneous road trips or dramatic apologies. There’s a vulnerable streak — she wants to be liked and can panic about fitting in, but also pulls off being unapologetically herself in small, stubborn ways. Also she collects funky earrings and will wear a mismatched pair to prove a point.

Julia Sasaki

Julia is quietly observant, thoughtful, and kind in a way that feels like a slow, steady hug — like low-key brilliant and calming to be around. She’s the one who listens twice as much as she talks, then drops a single perfect comment that makes you rethink your life choices, and she’s got boundaries in a neat, almost librarian-like way (but not boring, I promise). She seems composed but has these tiny rebellions — a secret karaoke obsession? — and you can tell she’s protective of the people she lets in. Also she probably organizes her books by color sometimes and then regrets it.