On the Spectrum Streaming on HBO Max

On the Spectrum, an Israeli comedy-drama series from yes Studios, is now available to stream on HBO Max.

On the Spectrum follows three roommates in their mid-20s who are all on the autism spectrum, sharing a sheltered apartment while learning to cope with the world around them. The first five episodes of On the Spectrum were launched on HBO Max on April 2 to coincide with Autism Awareness Day. The last five episodes will bow on the platform on April 9.

Created by Dana Idisis and Yuval Shafferman, On the Spectrum is produced by yes TV and Sumayoko Productions’ Udi Segal, Shlomit Arviv and Amit Gitelzon, with yes Studios handling worldwide distribution. The series stars Niv Majar, Naomi Levov, and Ben Yosipovic, and was inspired by Idisis’ brother, Guy, a young adult on the spectrum.

To assist with the localization of the series and keeping the story true to experience, HBO Max enlisted the help of Los Angeles-based nonprofit Exceptional Minds, a vocational academy and professional digital arts studio that trains artists with autism in the technical and work readiness skills required for careers in animation and digital arts. Three graduates and one current student of Exceptional Minds provided the dubbing voices for the English version of the series.

Dana Idisis, series writer and co-creator, said: “I wrote the series from a very personal place, my younger brother is on the autism spectrum. I wanted to write a story in which he was the hero, where he deals with society and not where society needs to deal with him. It was important for me to meet with as many people on the spectrum as possible—as every person has their own story—and I was grateful to meet so many that opened up their hearts and confided in me—sharing their dreams, their hardships, their big and small moments. It is with their help that I wrote this series, with the hope that it will reach people’s hearts. I am extremely excited that HBO Max is providing this platform—allowing our series to be seen by such a large audience.”

Exceptional Minds Executive Director David Siegel added: “By casting artists with autism as voice actors for On the Spectrum, the inclusive mission of the series has come full circle. Exceptional Minds provides education and on-the-job training for new and unique creative talents with autism who represent the world we live in. And the four Exceptional Minds artists that were cast shine a bright light on the many gifts of those with autism. On the Spectrum captures the spirit of what it’s like to be an adult with autism today while putting that spirit into practice!”