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'Austin' Premieres on BBC One, Showcasing Groundbreaking Autism Representation

The joint Australian-British comedy series features Michael Theo, an autistic actor, in a leading role, but has drawn mixed reviews for its humor and narrative execution.

  • 'Austin,' a comedy series starring Ben Miller and Michael Theo, debuted on BBC One on April 4, 2025, with all episodes now available on iPlayer.
  • The series has been praised for its positive and authentic portrayal of autism, with Theo, an autistic actor, also serving as a script consultant.
  • The plot follows Julian, a children's book author, as he navigates a social media controversy and the unexpected arrival of his long-lost autistic son, Austin.
  • Critics have commended the show’s sincerity in addressing autism but noted its uneven comedic tone and reliance on some stereotypes.
  • 'Austin' also explores broader themes of family, identity, and societal issues like cancel culture and media exploitation of minority voices.
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