Atypical backdrop
Drama•Comedy

The Best Episodes of Atypical

Every episode of Atypical ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Atypical!

Binge this in 19h 49m•Peaking at 9.1/10

Sam, an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum, takes a funny, yet painful, journey of self-discovery for love and independence and upends his family.

Airs on
Netflix
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons4

All1234

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    Atypical Season 2 Episode 10 - Ernest Shackleton's Rules for Survival
    9.1/10(1744 votes)

    #1 - Ernest Shackleton's Rules for Survival

    S2:E10

    Cruel yearbook comments show Sam who's got his back, a favor he repays at graduation. Feelings for Izzie confuse Casey. Elsa asks Doug a key question.

    Director:Ken Whittingham
    Writers:Robia Rashid, Bob Smiley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Atypical Season 3 Episode 6 - The Essence of a Penguin
    8.9/10(1416 votes)

    #2 - The Essence of a Penguin

    S3:E6

    Sam’s art assignment inspires an impromptu field trip. Casey navigates a fight with Izzie. Evan works hard for a second chance with Doug.

    Director:Michael Medico
    Writers:Michael Oppenhuizen, Lauren Moon

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Atypical Season 1 Episode 8 - The Silencing Properties of Snow
    8.8/10(1745 votes)

    #3 - The Silencing Properties of Snow

    S1:E8

    After a disastrous dinner with Paige's family, Sam makes amends at the school dance. Casey's fury at her mom affects her relationship with Evan.

    Director:Michael Patrick Jann
    Writer:Robia Rashid

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Atypical Season 4 Episode 10 - Dessert at Olive Garden
    8.8/10(1150 votes)

    #4 - Dessert at Olive Garden

    S4:E10

    Sam deals with a big disappointment, Casey clashes with Elsa over college plans, and a recurring dream vexes Doug.

    Director:Michael Medico
    Writer:Robia Rashid

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Atypical Season 3 Episode 8 - Road Rage Paige
    8.7/10(1189 votes)

    #5 - Road Rage Paige

    S3:E8

    A hard truth keeps Casey up at night. Sam experiences a rough season with Zahid -- and Paige. Elsa and Doug brace for their next chapter.

    Director:Ken Whittingham
    Writer:Robia Rashid

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Atypical Season 3 Episode 10 - Searching for Brown Sugar Man
    8.7/10(1250 votes)

    #6 - Searching for Brown Sugar Man

    S3:E10

    A rogue plan for Zahid leads to a last-minute mission for Sam, Casey, Paige and Abby. Meanwhile, Doug faces a major test and makes a pivotal choice.

    Director:Ken Whittingham
    Writer:Robia Rashid

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Atypical

    READ
  7. Atypical Season 2 Episode 9 - Ritual-licious
    8.4/10(1272 votes)

    #7 - Ritual-licious

    S2:E9

    Ignoring Casey's wishes, Elsa throws her a big birthday party, while Sam insists on following a decade-old birthday ritual. The bartender haunts Doug.

    Director:Ryan Case
    Writers:Michael Oppenhuizen, Bob Smiley, D.J. Ryan

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Atypical Season 3 Episode 9 - Sam Takes a Walk
    8.4/10(1054 votes)

    #8 - Sam Takes a Walk

    S3:E9

    As Sam gets political with his art, Elsa and Doug explore a (not-so-normal) weekend away. Casey and Izzie re-examine their relationship.

    Director:Robia Rashid
    Writers:Robia Rashid, Annie Mebane

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Atypical Season 4 Episode 8 - Magical Bird #2
    8.4/10(912 votes)

    #9 - Magical Bird #2

    S4:E8

    As Casey reaches a crossroads, she finds herself questioning a lot of things. But in the meantime, she helps Sam get over a hurdle of his own.

    Director:Robia Rashid
    Writer:Robia Rashid

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Atypical Season 2 Episode 4 - Pants on Fire
    8.3/10(1242 votes)

    #10 - Pants on Fire

    S2:E4

    Zahid teaches Sam to lie, while Elsa practices being honest. Evan helps Casey get over an embarrassment. A doctor visit forces Julia out of denial.

    Director:Geeta Patel
    Writers:Michael Oppenhuizen, Bob Smiley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Atypical Season 2 Episode 6 - In the Dragon's Lair
    8.3/10(1249 votes)

    #11 - In the Dragon's Lair

    S2:E6

    To prepare for college life, Sam sleeps over at Zahid's. Sam's $700 loss reunites Doug and Elsa with Arlo's parents, former friends of theirs.

    Director:Silver Tree
    Writers:Robia Rashid, Bob Smiley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Atypical Season 3 Episode 5 - Only Tweed
    8.3/10(1094 votes)

    #12 - Only Tweed

    S3:E5

    As Paige makes a plan in the face of adversity, Sam awaits a crucial academic update. Elsa endures an uncomfortable encounter.

    Directors:Victor Nelli, Jr.
    Writer:D.J. Ryan

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Atypical Season 1 Episode 4 - A Nice Neutral Smell
    8.2/10(1579 votes)

    #13 - A Nice Neutral Smell

    S1:E4

    When a classmate shows interest in him, Sam makes a list of pros and cons to see whether she's girlfriend material. Casey gets a prestigious offer.

    Director:Seth Gordon
    Writer:Annabel Oakes

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Atypical Season 3 Episode 4 - Y.G.A.G.G.
    8.2/10(1123 votes)

    #14 - Y.G.A.G.G.

    S3:E4

    Casey and Evan take to the open road for a tense reunion. Back home, Sam and Zahid get ready to party, and Elsa bids farewell to the past.

    Director:Wendey Stanzler
    Writer:Michael Oppenhuizen

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Atypical Season 3 Episode 7 - Shrinkage
    8.2/10(1148 votes)

    #15 - Shrinkage

    S3:E7

    While Sam and Casey face friendship dilemmas, Elsa uncovers a charming surprise, and Doug makes an unexpected decision.

    Director:Annabel Oakes
    Writers:Bob Smiley, Nicole Betz

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Atypical Season 1 Episode 5 - That’s My Sweatshirt
    8.1/10(1513 votes)

    #16 - That’s My Sweatshirt

    S1:E5

    Sam becomes rattled after Paige invades his bedroom. Casey visits Clayton Prep and gets a taste of what life away from her brother would be like.

    Director:Michael Patrick Jann
    Writer:Dennis Saldua

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Atypical Season 1 Episode 6 - The D-Train to Bone Town
    8.1/10(1459 votes)

    #17 - The D-Train to Bone Town

    S1:E6

    Paige proposes having an autism-friendly school dance to the PTA. Sam makes preparations for losing his virginity. Doug and Julia help each other.

    Director:Michael Patrick Jann
    Writers:Michael Oppenhuizen, Jen Regan

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Atypical Season 1 Episode 7 - I Lost My Poor Meatball
    8.1/10(1452 votes)

    #18 - I Lost My Poor Meatball

    S1:E7

    When Paige makes a confession to Sam, he creates a checklist to figure how he feels. Things with Nick suddenly get too real for Elsa.

    Director:Joe Kessler
    Writer:Robia Rashid

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Atypical Season 2 Episode 7 - The Smudging
    8.1/10(1197 votes)

    #19 - The Smudging

    S2:E7

    Casey tells Izzie what Nate did. Sam tries to figure out which colleges to apply to. Doug discovers a need to educate first responders about autism.

    Director:Pam Thomas
    Writers:Robia Rashid, Dennis Saldua, Bob Smiley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Atypical Season 1 Episode 1 - Antarctica
    8.0/10(2027 votes)

    #20 - Antarctica

    S1:E1

    Interested in having a girlfriend, Sam researches dating advice and puts it to the test. Meanwhile, his overprotective mom Elsa must learn to let go.

    Director:Seth Gordon
    Writer:Robia Rashid

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Atypical Season 2 Episode 1 - Juiced!
    8.0/10(1331 votes)

    #21 - Juiced!

    S2:E1

    Sam's frustration at being unable to find a therapist and Casey's anxiety about going to a new school spark a blowup between the two.

    Director:Joe Kessler
    Writers:Robia Rashid, Bob Smiley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Atypical Season 2 Episode 5 - The Egg Is Pipping
    8.0/10(1217 votes)

    #22 - The Egg Is Pipping

    S2:E5

    In peer group, Sam realizes he needs to manage his own money. Doug gets advice from Megan on dealing with Elsa. Evan meets Casey's new friends.

    Director:Wendey Stanzler
    Writer:Bob Smiley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Atypical Season 2 Episode 8 - Living at an Angle
    8.0/10(1180 votes)

    #23 - Living at an Angle

    S2:E8

    Sam loses his portfolio for his art school application and panics. Megan gets flirty with Doug, who makes a decision about Elsa. Julia calls Miles.

    Director:Pete Chatmon
    Writers:Jen Regan, Bob Smiley, Theresa Mulligan

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Atypical Season 2 Episode 2 - Penguin Cam and Chill
    7.9/10(1251 votes)

    #24 - Penguin Cam and Chill

    S2:E2

    Casey feels less than welcome at Clayton. Sam asks Paige to spell out the rules of their "casual relationship," while Doug sets boundaries with Elsa.

    Director:Ryan Case
    Writers:Robia Rashid, Bob Smiley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Atypical Season 2 Episode 3 - Little Dude and the Lion
    7.9/10(1238 votes)

    #25 - Little Dude and the Lion

    S2:E3

    A peer group meeting leads Sam to an important decision. Detention with Izzie shows Casey they have more in common than she thought.

    Director:Silver Tree
    Writers:Bob Smiley, Theresa Mulligan

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Ernest Shackleton's Rules for Survival" is the best rated episode of "Atypical". It scored 9.1/10 based on 1744 votes. Directed by Ken Whittingham and written by Robia Rashid, Bob Smiley, it aired on 9/7/2018. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Essence of a Penguin".