Let’s get real—autistic characters on TV have not had the best treatment. For decades, the majority of depictions on television were reduced to that same simplistic formula: the socially inept prodigy, the eccentric friend, or the person whose value is tied solely to their contribution to others. But over the past few years, there’s been a sea change in programming, and a new wave of shows has set out to change that story, offering autistic characters that ring true—hilarious, imperfect, complex, and decidedly human. Here are five shows that lead the pack for getting it (most of the way) right.
5. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
This drama erupted worldwide, thanks to its star, Woo Young-woo—a talented young lawyer with a photographic memory and an abiding interest in whales. The series should be praised for depicting sensory sensitivities and relationship challenges with sensitivity, but it can’t entirely shake the “genius savant” trope. Her idiosyncrasies occasionally come off as being turned up for drama, and that the character is portrayed by a neurotypical actress has elicited varying responses.
Nevertheless, her halting romance, moments of introspective vulnerability, and unshakeable adoration of gimbap make her impossible to forget. A considerate production—just be aware of the tropes lingering on.
4. Astrid & Raphaëlle
French TV isn’t long on neurodiversity with a head-on approach, but this series takes a stab at it. Astrid is an autistic archivist who collaborates with a detective to solve tricky cases. There are thoughtful touches: her sensory issues are addressed sensitively, and exchanges with her support group, played by autistic actors, provide warmth and authenticity. All that aside, the writing stays heavy on her incredible memory, occasionally at the expense of describing a wide variety of everyday situations. She’s also sometimes made to sound more extraterrestrial than human. Despite all this, its empathetic moments and friendship scenes make it worthwhile.
3. It’s Okay Not to Be Okay
This drama brings one of the most genuine portrayals of autism in recent times. Moon Sang-tae, the older autistic brother of the male lead, is seen as sensitive, imaginative, and likable. His meltdowns are depicted unjudgmentally, and his journey toward autonomy is as inspiring as it is authentic.
Though some aspects—such as a fondness for dinosaurs—rest on comforting stereotypes, the emotional richness of the character and his inner development make him truly feel three-dimensional. It’s an uncommon combination of warmth, truthfulness, and determination.
2. As We See It
If you’re looking for an unvarnished, emotionally honest portrayal of autistic adulthood, this series offers it. It takes three autistic roommates, all portrayed by autistic actors, through work, romance, and the cringeworthy aspects of everyday life. Violet’s explosive feelings and quest to find love are both hilarious and gut-punch authentic. Harrison is kind, gentle, and easily misinterpreted, and Jack, who gets a little closer to stereotype, still manages complexity and vulnerability. The show does not avoid difficulties such as underemployment and sensory overload, but also honors strengths, humor, and self-discovery. Authenticity is its strength.
1. Everything’s Gonna Be Okay
This is the gold standard of autism representation on television. Its heart is the teenage girl, Matilda, navigating love, grief, and coming-of-age autistic. Portrayed by an autistic actor, she’s supported by a cast featuring several autistic characters, each with their personality and trajectory. The show nails the little but important things—sensory mannerisms, delayed diagnoses, the tension between fitting in and being yourself. It also describes relationships and sex with candor, humor, and not a lick of condescension. Tightly written, well-acted, and uncomfortably honest in its approach, it stands out.
Of course, not all iconic characters do it correctly. Sheldon Cooper has been named as a stereotype bundle—uptight, egocentric, and used as the punchline rather than having any honest depth.
Chidi Anagonye, being much more endearing, still tips into “adorkable nerd” space without quite feeling like a completely fleshed-out autistic character. Then some ensemble comedies allow their neurodivergent-coded characters room to breathe as equals, flaws and all.
Representation is important—deeply so. When autistic audiences are represented on screen as whole human beings, with lives as complicated, humorous, and vibrant as everybody else’s, it has a tremendous impact. And when television does get it right, it doesn’t just serve autistic audiences—it creates more humane, better storytelling for everybody.