Eight years after the premiere of Netflix’s Atypical, the series remains a significant touchstone for viewers seeking authentic, nuanced portrayals of sapphic romance in teen television. The relationship between Casey Gardner and Izzie Taylor, which began in the show’s second season, is frequently cited by critics and audiences as a benchmark for slow-burn storytelling within the young adult genre.
The series, which centers on Sam Gardner—a teenager on the autism spectrum—gained critical attention for its balanced ensemble cast. Among these, the character of Casey, played by Brigette Lundy-Paine, undergoes a substantial arc involving her transition to a competitive prep school and the subsequent discovery of her own sexual identity. Her relationship with track teammate Izzie, portrayed by Fivel Stewart, moved from initial hostility to a complex, multi-season partnership that resonated with viewers for its focus on the internal “messiness” of adolescent self-discovery.
The Evolution of Casey and Izzie
When Casey joins the Clayton Prep track team, the dynamic between her and the team captain, Izzie, is marked by tension. As the narrative progresses through the second and third seasons, this rivalry gives way to a deeper connection. The writing team opted for a gradual, “slow-burn” approach, allowing the characters to navigate their evolving feelings while managing the external pressures of high school life, athletic expectations, and Casey’s existing relationship with her boyfriend, Evan.
The depiction of their bond was particularly noted for its realism in how it handled the confusion of first love. By the third season, key narrative beats—including a dance and a pivotal confession on the track field—solidified the pair as a central focus of the show’s romantic subplot. This arc allowed the characters to explore their identities as queer women while simultaneously dealing with societal perceptions and individual insecurities.
Representation in Young Adult Television
The portrayal of Casey and Izzie is often discussed alongside other notable queer pairings in television history, such as the relationships depicted in Buffy the Vampire Slayer or more contemporary series like Yellowjackets and The Sex Lives of College Girls. The significance of the Atypical storyline lies in its refusal to make the characters’ sexuality the sole defining trait of their existence; instead, it presented their romance as a natural, if complicated, component of their coming-of-age experience.
For many viewers, the appeal of the relationship was its grounded nature. The show did not rely on stereotypical tropes often associated with sapphic teen romances, choosing instead to emphasize the characters’ personal flaws and the ambiguity of their future. Even as the series concluded with an open-ended resolution for the couple in its fourth season, many fans appreciated the realistic acknowledgment that high school relationships do not always result in permanent outcomes.
The Cultural Legacy of the Series
In the years following the show’s conclusion, the conversation surrounding the representation of queer women on streaming platforms has shifted. As various networks and streaming services have faced criticism for the cancellation of shows centering on bisexual and lesbian characters, the impact of Atypical’s narrative arc has become a frequent point of comparison. The show is often held up as an example of how to execute a nuanced, character-driven queer romance within a limited number of seasons.
The legacy of Casey and Izzie is not just in their on-screen chemistry, but in the show’s commitment to showing the growth of two individuals who, regardless of their romantic future, were fundamentally changed by their connection. For those who followed the series from its 2017 debut through its final season in 2021, the story of these two track athletes remains a definitive example of how television can effectively map the complexities of identity and emotional maturation.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, the discourse surrounding inclusive storytelling remains active. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the portrayal of queer relationships in modern media in the comments section below.