In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, discuss the many autistic themes and characters in TV show "The Good Place.”
The character Chidi displays numerous Autistic traits, including a clear special interest he can insert into any conversation, process complexity, a concrete thinking style, consistent anxiety, interoception difficulties, and a high level of integrity adhering his own personal morality. His method of reading tables of contents to calm down also resonates—especially with Angela!
“So Chidi, my god, if there's ever an autistic coded character, it is definitely Chidi.” —Matt
Eleanor is Queer, loyal, and a human “bullshirt” detector. She demonstrates perspective-taking challenges, a tendency to miss allistic social cues, direct communication, and is lectured about her “tone.” Her backstory of trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) also fits the pattern of many late-diagnosed autistic women.
Jason embodies passionate interests with his fixation on the Jacksonville Jaguars and Molotov cocktails. This monotropic focus combined with a tendency to be inattentive aligns with ADHD which has a lot of overlap with autism.
“Well, so back in May, they discovered that ADHD brains are hyperconnected just like ours. So that's why there's such a large overlap. And now, again, for the longest time…they knew that our brains were immune to the mTORs, which caused the hyperconnected brains, which again, they try to cure us by pruning our brains, which resulted in a lot of brain cancer.” —Matt
The gradual evolution of the AI Janet's identity, as she asserts her preferences beyond what her original programming dictated, mirrors an autistic unmasking journey.
Tahani is exhausted from a lifetime of masking to fit her family's standards. Actor Jameela Jamil shares she has EDS, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome, and other conditions common among autistic individuals.
Architect Michael displays fascination with humans, impatience with excessive details, preference for concrete examples over philosophical debate, and a literal interpretation style.
Overall, the hosts see The Good Place as profoundly Autistic in its monotropic moral philosophy focus, diverse representation of neurodivergence, and insightful illustrations of autistic experiences.
Starting around 53:24 Angela spontaneously demonstrates which aspects of Autistic Culture? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
Show notes and resources:
Book: How to Be Perfect by Michael Schur
Video: How to be perfect with "The Good Place" creator Michael Schur
Article: Chidi Anagonye, the Autistic Nerd Character Done Right
Article: How The Good Place taught moral philosophy to its characters — and its creators
Article: 5 Moral Philosophy Concepts Featured on The Good Place
TikTok: Character analysis It’s literally all of them
TikTok: Chidi Autistic traits analysis
TikTok: Chidi - I love this line
TikTok: I relate to Janet so much
YouTube: The Good Place - The Trolley Problem (Episode Highlight)
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 12: Parks & Rec is Autistic
Book Club #05: How to be Perfect
Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Learn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTok
TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickly as we are able.
**TACP recognizes that ABA for autism is harmful to Autistic mental health. We reject the use of ABA therapy and pathologizing language like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated functioning labels as well as the harmful monolith: Autism Speaks. To learn more, please listen to: Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic and Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple Grandin.
Episode 58: The Good Place is Autistic