On a quiet Friday night, I was looking for something light-hearted to watch and stumbled across Geek Girl. I thought I’d give it a go, and before I knew it, I’d binged the entire series in two days, not unusually for me as I loved bingeing shows, but this one completely captivated me. I didn’t expect it to.
Geek Girl is about Harriet, a bright, bubbly high school student who is awkward, funny, clumsy, and incredibly smart and articulate, labelled a “geek” by her peers and regularly taunted. She has a keen interest in dinosaurs and animals, seems to have a prolific rock collection, a quirky fashion sense and a love for biology.
Harriet, like many teens, struggles to fit in, but her life changes when a top modelling agency scouts her. As she tried to navigate the world of fashion she learned that while some people may never quite fit in, they’re destined to stand out instead.
What stood out to me in Geek Girl was its depiction of Harriet’s anxiety—how hard it can be to focus when your mind is racing and your heart is pounding. I found myself wondering if Harriet was being portrayed as autistic. As I researched the show and the books it’s based on, I discovered that the author, Holly Smale, was diagnosed as autistic in her late 30s, and Harriet’s character is inspired by some of her own teenage experiences. Even more exciting is that Emily Carey, the actress who plays Harriet, is also autistic.
There’s something so refreshing about seeing lived experiences of autism represented authentically on TV. It’s a huge step forward in creating more diversity and meaningful representation on screen. What I especially loved is how Geek Girl challenges the outdated notion that there’s just one way to be autistic. Autistic people are incredibly diverse in their traits, strengths and challenges. Harriet’s portrayal highlights that while she might struggle with certain social interactions or overthink situations, she’s also incredibly clever, driven, and capable in ways that are often overlooked.
It’s this variety in how autism can present that I think is so important to show. Harriet doesn’t fit into a stereotype, and neither do other autistic characters. Seeing her anxiety, her inner world and her unique strengths reminded me of the many different ways my clients express themselves. The show doesn’t try to make her “fit in”—instead, it allows her to stand out in the most authentic way possible.
What I loved most about the show was how hopeful and joyful it felt. The people in Harriet’s life didn’t try to change her; instead, they found ways to help her shine as her true self. Wilbur, played by Emmanuel Imani, was an absolute highlight. His character, like a sassy, strong, and vulnerable fairy godmother, lovingly encouraged Harriet to embrace who she was. I kept waiting for him to undermine her or set her up to fail, but he didn’t. His character adored her. One of his lines stuck with me: “There are just as many ways to be a model as there are models.” That message—of embracing uniqueness, was beautifully woven throughout the series.
As a family therapist, I also appreciated the supportive and connected relationships Harriet has with her stepmother and father. It’s always heartwarming to see teen characters who can rely on their parents for support. Harriet’s father, in particular, was a joy to watch and sometimes was a little cringy for sure. He was funny, awkward and deeply caring. You could sense how much he had her back, accepting her as she was, rather than trying to mould her into something she wasn’t.
I also loved how the show portrayed Harriet’s inner dialogue, showing how much she overthinks and how challenging social interactions can be. As someone who works with many teens and adults who share similar struggles, this felt like a sneak peek into the exhausting thought loops that many people experience when navigating the world.
It’s truly refreshing to see a show that not only represents the diversity within the autistic community but also brings those lived experiences to life through the talents and perspectives of the author and actress themselves. Geek Girl is a light-hearted, fun show that also carries meaningful messages about acceptance, anxiety, and being true to yourself. If you’re looking for something uplifting and relatable, I highly recommend giving it a watch.