Reality television often thrives on manufactured drama, but one Australian export continues to prove kindness actually scales.
As Love on the Spectrum prepares to launch its fourth US season globally on Netflix this April 1, Mediaweek spoke to co-creator Karina Holden, as she reflects on the phenomenon her team at Northern Pictures has created.
The seed for the series was planted in 2018. With the first Australian cast season running on ABC in 2019.
Not surprisingly, it quickly became a popular comfort watch for viewers navigating our chaotic world.
That comforting formula clearly works. The phenomenal success of the franchise has helped propel Northern Pictures to seven Primetime Emmy Awards and one International Emmy, making it the most Emmy awarded production company in Australia.
Love on the Spectrum co-creators Karina Holden and Cian O’Clery. Image: Northern Pictures
The television equivalent of a hug
Holden says audience feedback consistently highlights the warmth of the format.
“A lot of the things I’ve heard the audience talk about is how it’s almost like the show puts its arms around you like a big hug,” she said.
She notes the series cuts through the noise because it actively avoids typical reality television tropes.
“I just love the fact that it’s not a show about celebrities winning,” Holden said. “It’s actually a show about people who are often underrepresented, who are broadening our understanding of the world and different perspectives.”
The benefits of a dual-national production
Netflix commissioned the series through Los Angeles-based executive Molly Ebinger. The production operates with a dual national setup, keeping a production office in Los Angeles for casting and shooting, while post-production happens back here, in Australia.
Holden highlighted how this split setup provides immense benefits for the local Australian crew.
“It has allowed us to bring American production sensibilities to Australia and have Australians working, whether it’s in post or a cinematography team,” she said. “It has just really given them an opportunity to work on something international, which has been great.”
An OG from season 1, James is back for season 4. Image: supplied
Protecting the cast in a reality world
Despite the massive global success, the production footprint remains intentionally tiny to protect the cast.
Holden works alongside co-creator and showrunner Cian O’Clery, who shoots and directs the series. They utilise just two cameras, one sound operator, a production assistant, and a dedicated field associate producer.
This field producer stays with the cast members from the first meeting right through to broadcast, acting as a wingman and ensuring absolute duty of care. Holden stresses the production team operates with a strict ‘do no harm’ policy.
“We’re making a show, it’s positive. We’re not trying to catch people out,” she said. “We’re not trying to create villains or set people up for failure.”
So, when it comes to the intensive vetting and support process, Holden shared her ultimate benchmark for success.
“You want people to stand up and say, I love this show, I’m proud I was part of it, it has done the world of wonders to me and I can stand by it,” she said. “It is centred around authenticity and inclusion and care, and I think people trust that.”
Measuring success beyond the match
The new season spans seven episodes.
And returning this season is fan-favourite, James, who has been part of the journey since season one. Along with Connor and Madison and their respective partners, Georgie and Tyler.
They join three newcomers ready to begin their own love stories: Logan, Emma, and Dylan.
While dating shows typically measure success by weddings and long-term couples, Holden views the mission differently. She explained the series explores how participants step out, learn, and grow.
“Love on the spectrum for me has always been about the love, not just between romantic partners, but the love that people have with their siblings and their friends and their parents,” Holden said.
Easter eggs in the trailer
As for what fans can expect in the upcoming episodes, Holden remained tight-lipped on specific relationship spoilers but offered a compelling tease.
She urged viewers to pay close attention to the recently released promotional footage.
“Watch the trailer, all the questions will come from that,” she laughed. “There are lots of Easter eggs in the trailer.”
Feature image: supplied.