Love on the Spectrum wins hearts with two more Emmys

Love on the Spectrum’s Cian O’Clery is driving down Sunset Boulevard at dusk, having just won two Emmys.

“Our little homemade show from Australia, we’ve managed to break into the US and still find success and find an audience, which is really nice,” he told AAP.

The second night of the 76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards was held in Los Angeles, California on Sunday.

The US reality show follows people on the autism spectrum as they navigate the world of dating, and is based on an Australian format co-created by executive producer Karina Holden with O’Clery, who is the showrunner and director.

It is clearly winning hearts – the latest awards take the program’s haul of Emmys to five, after the program won three in 2022, making Northern Pictures one of the most-awarded production companies in Australia.

On Sunday night it beat some massive productions – shows such as Squid Game: The Challenge and RuPaul’s Drag Race – to win outstanding directing for a reality program and outstanding casting for a reality program.

Winning a gong for casting is especially sweet, said O’Clery, because Love on the Spectrum’s participants are the reason audiences adore the show so much.

“They’re the most important people on this whole journey, they’re really opening themselves up and being really honest and truthful,” he said.

Cast members Abbey, David and Dani went onstage to present two awards for lighting, and O’Clery said the show has brought them a measure of fame with fans.

“A lot of people gave them a lot of love in the room – they already get a lot of love out on the streets of the US, but I think it’s extra special for them to be at such a prestigious event,” he said.

While the reality television genre often thrives on conflict and has a patchy reputation for its treatment of participants, the Love on the Spectrum team says caring for its cast is paramount.

“We’re not out to stitch anyone up or give anyone a bad edit or make somebody a villain,” said O’Clery.

“We’ve always cast people we like and that we want the best for, and hopefully that comes across in the show.”

The Sydney production team flew to Los Angeles for the awards night to celebrate with the US cast.

Love on the Spectrum airs on Netflix and the team has just finished filming season three of the series.

 

Liz Hobday
(Australian Associated Press)

 

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