Latest news with #LoveOntheSpectrum
Telegraph
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Austin, review: Ben Miller's cancel-culture comedy's real crime is its lack of originality
What would you do if a stranger contacted you to say they were the child you never knew you had, the product of a long-forgotten fling? This fictional device is given a new twist in Austin (BBC One), a British-Australian sitcom starring Ben Miller as the father who learns that he has a 20-something son. This son, named Austin, is on the autism spectrum. He is played by Michael Theo, who has been diagnosed with Asperger's and found fame on Netflix dating show Love On the Spectrum. He is open-hearted and says things as he sees them. He also loves the English language and takes things very literally. 'Bob's your uncle,' someone tells him. 'My uncle is called Jim,' says Austin. His newfound father is Julian Hartswood (Miller) who, with his illustrator wife Ingrid (Sally Phillips), has created a bestselling children's book character called Big Bear. Disaster strikes when they are on the Australian leg of a promotional tour and Julian retweets a message about free speech by someone who also happens to be a neo-Nazi. Of course, he's instantly cancelled. When Austin turns up, Julian sniffs the possibility of public redemption: a documentary about him connecting with his autistic son will surely win sympathy. The first half of the series takes place in Australia and the second in the UK when Austin accompanies the Hartswoods back to London. Phillips gets the best material including some funny scenes in which, stung by the realisation that Julian cheated on her all those years ago, she tries to engineer an affair. Mortifyingly, the young, hot barman reciprocates her interest because he has a thing for post-menopausal women. Aside from Austin's fish-out-of-water adventures, we've seen it all before: the mannered comedy, the husband being self-centred and bungling while the smart and capable wife holds things together. The cancel-culture element is light touch, Austin nailing it when he says there is nothing wrong with retweeting a non-racist comment made by a racist. Lest anyone think that sentiment leans towards the right, however, there is also a gag suggesting that The Telegraph is a bit racist. A perfect example of BBC balance.
CBS News
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Contestant on "Love On the Spectrum" from Massachusetts hopes to change perception of autism
A student at a Massachusetts college is a contestant on the upcoming season of "Love On the Spectrum" and she's hoping to to break down stereotypes for those living with autism. Pari, a local student at Lesley University, is not only seeking love but also bringing a unique perspective to the show as a member of the queer community. As someone on the autism spectrum, Pari's story is one of navigating life, love, and stereotypes. "I used to think I was the only one who liked the things I liked or felt so alone," said Pari. "I never knew there were so many other people on the spectrum too." Passion for trains Her involvement in the show aims to challenge the way autism is portrayed and to broaden the narrative of who can fall in love. But it is not just about breaking down barriers. Pari's biggest passion in life is something many might not expect: trains. Specifically, the trains of Boston's famous "T" system. Her connection to the trains is more than just a hobby; it is a passion that she holds dear to her heart. She hoped to find a partner who shares that same love for trains, and without spoiling the show, it seems like she was successful. Pari told WBZ-TV her new partner is perfect. "She wears blue a lot and I wear purple," she said. "She's like the Amtrak to my Commuter Rail." Hopes to have a positive impact It is a bold step for Pari to put her journey in front of the world, but she is determined that it will have a positive impact. She said she has experienced bullying in the past, and believes this show will make a statement for her. "There's some bullies who have said, 'You're weird for liking trains because you're a girl' and stuff and nasty comments, the trolls and haters. But I hope this will show them that I can be who I want to be and break down stereotypes. You can like trains, you can like princesses, nobody's ever too old or too young for that." Fans can catch Pari in the season premiere of "Love on the Spectrum" on April 2 on Netflix.
