TV Shows With Autism Focus Snag Emmy Nominations

An actress with autism and a reality show about individuals on the spectrum who are looking for love are both in the running for Emmy Awards.

Tal Anderson, who has autism, was nominated this week for her role on HBO’s acclaimed hospital drama “The Pitt.”

Anderson is up for outstanding guest actress in a drama series for her portrayal of Becca King, who has autism and is the sister of Dr. Mel King on “The Pitt.”

“As an autistic actress in particular, it feels like a very big moment,” Anderson told The Hollywood Reporter after learning of the nomination, which is her first. “This acknowledgement of my work, doing my best to tell the awesome story the writers on ‘The Pitt’ gave Becca to tell, also seems like an acknowledgement of me and that it’s OK to be autistic, disabled and different.”

Emmy nominations were also announced for the Netflix hit “Love on the Spectrum,” which will compete in five categories.

The show, which follows a group of adults with autism from across the U.S. as they pursue dating and relationships, will contend for awards recognizing casting, cinematography, directing, picture editing and outstanding unstructured reality program.

“Love on the Spectrum,” which is a spinoff of an Australian version, was nominated in each of the same categories last year. The show has netted seven Emmys overall.

Netflix recently renewed the documentary series for a fifth season.

The Emmy Awards will be held Sept. 14 in Los Angeles and will air on NBC. However, the awards that “Love on the Spectrum” is nominated for will be handed out earlier in September at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.