Watch As We See It

As We See It is a heartwarming and enlightening new original series from Amazon Prime Video that premiered in 2022. Created by Jason Katims, the critically acclaimed showrunner behind successful productions like "Parenthood" and "Friday Night Lights", this series initially sets out to challenge the conventional idea of modern television programming. Confirming its uniqueness right from the start, As We See It navigates the vast and often misunderstood spectrum of autism through a compelling, high-quality narrative.

The show follows the everyday life of Jack, Harrison, and Violet, three young adults sharing a home in Los Angeles, California, and striving to navigate the professional and personal realms of their lives. The uniqueness of this story lies in the fact that all three main characters are on the autism spectrum. Although they all share this common diagnosis, the show goes to great lengths to highlight that they each experience autism in their own unique way.

The central character, Jack, is played by Rick Glassman, a comedian who is incredibly poker-faced and physically awkward. He's different but likeable, and once you move past his quirks, you discover a rich, dynamic character with a profound sense of humour. On the other hand, Harrison, played by Albert Rutecki, brings to screen the high-functioning end of the spectrum. He's ultra-smart, highly independent, and yearns for love and acceptance just like anyone else. Violet, portrayed by Sue Ann Pien, is captivatingly complex. She's a talented artist wrestling with negative self-image and societal expectations.

In juxtaposition, their caretaker, played by Sosie Bacon, is neurotypical - allowing for the audience to relate and compare their experiences with the perspective of someone 'typical' and providing a balance to the narrative. This contrast significantly shapes the story progression, making it an inclusive piece for all audiences.

As We See It isn't just another show that uses autism for dramatic effect. Instead, it is a series that makes full use of its characters’ unique perspectives in exploring diverse themes such as friendship, love, career ambitions, independence, and everyday experiences. This unfiltered and honest representation of life's realities offers the audience an opportunity to empathize and appreciate shared human experiences despite our diverse neurofunctional spectrums.

Despite talking about serious and underrepresented subjects, the tone of the series is far from somber. As We See It successfully blends humor, drama, and the mundane in a way that is respectful, truthful, and entertaining. All episodes are filled with witty dialogues and brilliant acting that make you laugh out loud and ponder deeply at the same time.

The production value of As We See It is top-notch. The show breathes life into the characters and presents stunning cinematography that stays with the viewer long after the episode ends. The look and feel of the show are as unique as the stories it tells, with diverse settings maintaining the audience's gravitation toward both plot and characters.

Furthermore, it's worthy to note that the show offers a perfect blend of realism and surrealism. Realism is manifested through the character's authentic experiences, while surrealism is beautifully implemented in dreamlike sequences that represent the unique mindscapes and interpretations of the characters.

The beauty of As We See It is that it doesn't aim to solve the mysteries of autism. Rather, it presents a window for us to peep into the world as seen by those on the spectrum, a world that is filled with as much fun, joy, sorrow, and love as the neurotypical world.

On a broader scope, As We See It ushers us into the new era of television, where inclusivity and respect for different perspectives are crucial. The series breaks away from the established norms and takes the audience on an enlightening journey. The story, characters, atmosphere, and the overall viewing experience are as compelling as the mission that the show seeks to accomplish.

In the end, As We See It is not just a TV show—it's uniquely knitted tapestry of experiences, an empathetic narrative that challenges us to see the world through a different lens and inspires us to celebrate our differences.

As We See It is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between January 21, 2022 and on Amazon Prime Video