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Disability Wiki

Disability on Television

Television series featuring disabled characters and creators. This list highlights authentic casting, disabled writers and showrunners, and shows that center disability experience without relying on harmful tropes.

About This List

Section titled “About This List”

This list prioritizes shows with authentic casting (disabled actors playing disabled characters) and disabled creators behind the scenes. We note representation quality and flag concerns.

Labels used below (after an entry):

  • Authentic casting — disabled actors play disabled characters
  • Disabled creator — disabled creator/writer/showrunner
  • International — non-US / international
  • Essential — essential viewing

Contents

Section titled “Contents”

Essential Viewing

Section titled “Essential Viewing”

Groundbreaking Representation

Section titled “Groundbreaking Representation”

  • Switched at Birth (2011-2017) – ABC Family/Freeform. Drama centering two families, one with a Deaf daughter. Features extensive ASL, Deaf actors (Katie Leclerc, Marlee Matlin, Sean Berdy), and storylines about Deaf culture, cochlear implant debates, and Deaf education. Landmark for Deaf representation on mainstream TV. Authentic casting, Essential.

  • Deaf U (2020) – Netflix. Reality series following Deaf and hard of hearing students at Gallaudet University. All Deaf cast. Explores dating, identity, Deaf culture, and the diversity within Deaf community. Authentic casting, Essential.

  • Special (2019-2021) – Netflix. Ryan O’Connell (gay man with cerebral palsy) created, wrote, and stars in this comedy about a gay man with CP navigating life, work, and relationships. Groundbreaking for authentic disabled creator telling own story. Authentic casting, Disabled creator, Essential.

  • Speechless (2016-2019) – ABC. Comedy about family with teenager (Micah Fowler, who has CP) who uses AAC device. Fowler is authentically cast; show consulted disability community. Rare positive portrayal of AAC user as full character. Authentic casting, Essential.

Currently Airing

Section titled “Currently Airing”

As of December 2025. Check streaming services for current availability.

  • All American (2018-present) – CW. Kayla Smith plays character with limb difference. Authentic casting.

  • The Good Doctor (2017-present) – ABC. Freddie Highmore as autistic surgeon. [Note: Non-autistic actor; mixed reception from autistic community. Some praise visibility, others critique portrayal.] Authentic casting.

  • Extraordinary (2023-present) – Hulu. UK comedy where everyone has superpowers except the main character. Features disabled actor Sofia Sheridan (wheelchair user). Authentic casting.

  • Echo (2024) – Disney+. Marvel series with Alaqua Cox as deaf, amputee Indigenous superhero. Authentically cast. Authentic casting.

Recent Series (2020-Present)

Section titled “Recent Series (2020-Present)”

  • Deaf U (2020) – Netflix. [See Essential Viewing] Authentic casting, Essential.

  • Only Murders in the Building (2021-present) – Hulu. James Caverly (Deaf actor) plays Deaf character Theo in multiple episodes with ASL storylines. Authentic casting.

  • This Close (2018-2019) – Sundance. Two Deaf best friends navigate Los Angeles. Created by and starring Shoshannah Stern and Josh Feldman, both Deaf. Authentic casting, Disabled creator.

  • As We See It (2022) – Amazon Prime. Three autistic roommates. Cast includes autistic actors (Rick Glassman, Albert Rutecki, Sue Ann Pien). Created by Jason Katims. Authentic casting.

  • Sex Education (2019-2023) – Netflix. George Robinson plays Isaac, wheelchair user and love interest, in later seasons. Robinson is a wheelchair user. Authentic casting, International.

  • Undone (2019-2022) – Amazon Prime. Animated series addressing mental health and possible psychiatric disability through multiverse narrative. Authentic casting.

  • Dopesick (2021) – Hulu. Opioid crisis miniseries addressing chronic pain and addiction.

  • Station Eleven (2021-2022) – HBO Max. Features Deaf character (Matilda Lawler) and ASL. Authentic casting.

Classic & Influential Series

Section titled “Classic & Influential Series”

1980s-1990s

Section titled “1980s-1990s”

  • Life Goes On (1989-1993) – ABC. Chris Burke, actor with Down syndrome, starred as Corky. First series with main character with Down syndrome. Groundbreaking for era.

  • Reasonable Doubts (1991-1993) – NBC. Marlee Matlin as Deaf assistant DA. Early mainstream Deaf representation.

  • Facts of Life (1979-1988) – Geri Jewell, actress with cerebral palsy, had recurring role as Cousin Geri. First actor with CP in recurring primetime role. Authentic casting.

2000s

Section titled “2000s”

  • Joan of Arcadia (2003-2005) – CBS. Featured characters with disabilities; addressed chronic illness.

  • House (2004-2012) – Fox. Hugh Laurie as doctor with chronic pain, uses cane. [Note: Disability often used as character flaw rather than identity]

  • Breaking Bad (2008-2013) – AMC. RJ Mitte, actor with CP, plays Walter Jr. who has CP. Authentically cast supporting character.

2010s

Section titled “2010s”

  • Switched at Birth (2011-2017) – [See Essential Viewing] Authentic casting, Essential.

  • Speechless (2016-2019) – [See Essential Viewing] Authentic casting, Essential.

  • Glee (2009-2015) – Fox. Kevin McHale played wheelchair-using Artie. [Note: Non-disabled actor in wheelchair; criticized. But also: featured Ali Stroker, disabled actress, and Lauren Potter, actress with Down syndrome]

  • Parenthood (2010-2015) – NBC. Max Braverman, autistic character central to family drama. [Note: Non-autistic actor; but consulted extensively]

  • The OA (2016-2019) – Netflix. Brit Marling as woman with NDE and possible psychiatric experiences; featured blind character.

Reality & Documentary Series

Section titled “Reality & Documentary Series”

  • Deaf U (2020) – [See Essential Viewing] Authentic casting, Essential.

  • Born This Way (2015-2019) – A&E. Reality series following adults with Down syndrome. Cast are real people with Down syndrome living their lives. Authentic casting.

  • The Employables (2019) – A&E. Autistic and Tourette’s adults seeking employment. Authentic casting.

  • Queer Eye (2018-present) – Netflix. Multiple episodes feature disabled participants; also features chronic illness openly.

  • Love on the Spectrum (2019-present) – Netflix. Dating show featuring autistic adults. Australian original, US version followed. Authentic casting, International.

  • Too Large / My 600-lb Life – TLC. [Note: Controversial. Some see as exploitative; others value visibility of fat disabled experiences]

  • The Last Leg (2012-present) – UK Channel 4. Comedy talk show hosted by Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe, and Alex Brooker (disabled). International.

Children’s Programming

Section titled “Children’s Programming”

  • Sesame Street – Julia, autistic Muppet introduced 2017. Ameera, character who uses wheelchair (2022). Long history of disability inclusion. Authentic casting.

  • Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – Chrissie, character who uses leg braces and crutches.

  • Paw Patrol (2023) – Added character who uses wheelchair. Authentic casting.

  • Pablo (2017-present) – CBeebies (UK). Animated series created by autistic writer, featuring autistic characters voiced by autistic actors. Authentic casting, Disabled creator, International.

  • Blue’s Clues & You – Features diverse representation including disability.

  • Dino Dana (2017-2020) – Amazon. Saara Chaudry plays Dana; show includes disabled characters and accessibility. Authentic casting.

By Disability Type

Section titled “By Disability Type”

Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Section titled “Deaf & Hard of Hearing”
  • Switched at Birth (2011-2017) Authentic casting, Essential.
  • Deaf U (2020) Authentic casting, Essential.
  • This Close (2018-2019) Authentic casting.
  • Only Murders in the Building – Theo character Authentic casting.
  • The Last Leg (UK) Authentic casting, International.
  • Echo (2024) Authentic casting.
  • Reasonable Doubts (1991-1993)

Blind & Low Vision

Section titled “Blind & Low Vision”

  • See (2019-2022) – Apple TV+. Post-apocalyptic world where everyone is blind. [Note: Some blind consultants; lead actors sighted]

  • In the Dark (2019-2022) – CW. Blind protagonist. [Note: Sighted actress playing blind character]

  • Conan the Barbarian (2024) – Character uses blindness.

Physical Disability & Mobility

Section titled “Physical Disability & Mobility”
  • Special (2019-2021) Authentic casting, Essential.
  • Speechless (2016-2019) Authentic casting, Essential.
  • Sex Education – Isaac character Authentic casting, International.
  • Breaking Bad – Walter Jr. Authentic casting.
  • Facts of Life – Geri Jewell Authentic casting.
  • Echo (2024) Authentic casting.

Neurodivergence

Section titled “Neurodivergence”

Autism

Section titled “Autism”
  • As We See It (2022) Authentic casting.
  • Love on the Spectrum (2019-present) Authentic casting, International.
  • Pablo (children’s) Authentic casting, Disabled creator, International.
  • The Good Doctor (2017-present) [non-autistic actor]
  • Parenthood – Max Braverman [non-autistic actor]
  • Atypical (2017-2021) [non-autistic lead; added autistic writers later]
  • The Big Bang Theory – Sheldon [coded autistic; no formal diagnosis in show]

ADHD

Section titled “ADHD”
  • How to ADHD – YouTube educational, sometimes featured on TV

Chronic Illness

Section titled “Chronic Illness”
  • This Is Us (2016-2022) – Multiple storylines on chronic illness, addiction.
  • Dopesick (2021) – Opioid crisis, chronic pain
  • House (2004-2012) – Chronic pain [problematic framing]

Psychiatric Disability

Section titled “Psychiatric Disability”
  • BoJack Horseman (2014-2020) – Animated. Depression, addiction, trauma portrayed with depth.
  • Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019) – BPD diagnosis explored. Rachel Bloom series.
  • You’re the Worst (2014-2019) – Clinical depression storyline.
  • United States of Tara (2009-2011) – DID. [Note: Controversial representation]
  • Silver Linings Playbook (2012) – Bipolar. [Film, but influential]

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Section titled “Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities”
  • Life Goes On (1989-1993) – Chris Burke Authentic casting.
  • Born This Way (2015-2019) Authentic casting.
  • Glee – Becky Jackson (Lauren Potter) Authentic casting.
  • Sesame Street – Various characters Authentic casting.

International Series

Section titled “International Series”

United Kingdom

Section titled “United Kingdom”
  • The Last Leg (2012-present) – Channel 4 comedy panel show. Authentic casting, International.
  • Pablo (2017-present) – CBeebies animated series. Authentic casting, Disabled creator, International.
  • Years and Years (2019) – BBC. Features disabled character. International.
  • Sex Education (2019-2023) – Netflix UK. Isaac character. Authentic casting, International.
  • Derek (2012-2014) – Ricky Gervais. [Note: Controversial—disability coded character] International.

Australia

Section titled “Australia”
  • Love on the Spectrum (2019-2021) – Original Australian version. Authentic casting, International.
  • You Can’t Ask That – ABC. Episode on disability. International.

Canada

Section titled “Canada”
  • Workin’ Moms (2017-present) – Features characters with disabilities. International.

Other

Section titled “Other”
  • Deaf-Mute Samurai (Japan) – Classic series featuring Deaf protagonist. International.
  • Various Korean dramas – Increasing disability representation. International.

Problematic but Notable

Section titled “Problematic but Notable”

Shows that achieved visibility but have significant representation issues.

  • Atypical (2017-2021) – Netflix. Non-autistic actor in lead; criticized for stereotypes. Later seasons added autistic writers and actors.

  • The Good Doctor (2017-present) – Non-autistic actor; savant tropes. Popular but mixed community reception.

  • Glee (2009-2015) – Non-disabled actor in wheelchair. But also featured genuinely disabled actors in other roles.

  • Me Before You (2016) – Film, but so widely discussed. [Warning: Disability as fate worse than death trope]

  • House (2004-2012) – Chronic pain portrayed as character flaw, addiction normalized negatively.

Behind the Scenes

Section titled “Behind the Scenes”

Disabled Showrunners & Writers

Section titled “Disabled Showrunners & Writers”
  • Ryan O’Connell – Special (creator, writer, star) Disabled creator.
  • Shoshannah Stern – This Close (co-creator, star) – Deaf Disabled creator.
  • Josh Feldman – This Close (co-creator, star) – Deaf Disabled creator.
  • Grainne McGuinness – Pablo (creator) – autistic Disabled creator.

Writers’ Rooms with Disabled Writers

Section titled “Writers’ Rooms with Disabled Writers”
  • Speechless – Consulted disability community; hired disabled writers
  • Atypical – Added autistic writers in later seasons after criticism
  • As We See It – Included autistic perspectives in development

Casting Directors Prioritizing Authentic Casting

Section titled “Casting Directors Prioritizing Authentic Casting”

Growing industry movement toward authentic casting. Organizations like RespectAbility advocate for disabled actors.

Contributing

Section titled “Contributing”

To suggest additions:

  1. Note authentic casting (disabled actors)
  2. Note disabled creators behind the scenes
  3. Include streaming availability if known
  4. Flag representation concerns

See How to Contribute

Section titled “Related Pages”

This page centers authentic disability representation and disabled creators in television.

Contribute to This Page

Section titled “Contribute to This Page”

Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.

Suggest an edit or addition →

This page centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.