TV programmes for adult siblings

Dinosaur is a sitcom set in Glasgow co-created by autistic actress and comedian Ashley Storrie and writer Matilda Curtis.

It primarily explores the relationship between two sisters in their early thirties living together in the city. Romantic Evie is enthusiastically in the throes of planning her wedding to Ranesh who she has only recently met, older sister Nina, an academic working as a Palaeontologist in The Kelvingrove Museum, is autistic.

We see the close supportive bond the sisters share on a day-to-day basis as well as the emerging threat that a new relationship with fiancé Ranesh poses to their familiar and safe routine together.

Nina is propelled out of her comfort zone as plans for the wedding get underway and, as maid of honour, she finds herself trying to manage the conventions surrounding hen parties and dress fittings.

Other character roles develop as the series progresses feeling less deliberately exaggerated. Chaotic brother Bo offers real insight into the relationship between his two sisters recognising that Nina’s vision of them growing old together in their flat has been shattered. In an open and honest relationship, he teases Nina for being rigid and risk averse whilst being available when she requests his help.

Supporting characters on the autistic spectrum are warmly portrayed; Nina’s high functioning colleague Declan, who has learnt to mask his condition, is supportive and understanding as is Lee who emerges as a potential “love interest”. The conflicts and bonds of the sister’s sibling relationship is poignantly and seriously depicted in episode five when, under the pressure of the impending wedding, Evie’s long-standing resentments that surrounding their sibling relationship erupt. Her emotional description about always having to stand back while Nina gets to be loud and interesting whilst bending over backwards to accommodate her needs is raw. The confrontation leaves both sisters devastated.

Although not everyone with autism will be as high functioning, quick witted and comedic as Nina’s larger than life character, viewers with autistic siblings of differing abilities will certainly be able to identify with some of the struggles depicted in this production that grows on you.

Review by adult sibling Anne

This hour-long documentary explores the barriers people with disabilities face when trying to fulfil their dreams and the importance of representation in film and TV through siblings Tommy – an actor – and Will – a documentary maker.

Tommy is a trailblazing actor, best known for his role as Terry Boyle in Line of Duty and the first professional actor with Down Syndrome to tour as Hamlet. For Tommy, who is keen to take his career to the next level, the problem is that there are very few roles, let alone leading roles, for actors with Down Syndrome. So Tommy and Will hatch a plan to pitch a movie with a Down Syndrome superhero lead, taking it all the way to Hollywood.

As the sister of a keen performer, I was very interested to watch this as I know my sister would love to have these sorts of opportunities, as well as see other people with Down Syndrome on the big screen. But it also highlights sibling dynamics and the tensions between independence and support.

The strong bond between the brothers is heart-warming with Will determined to help Tommy to fulfil his potential as an actor and blaze a trail for others. And whilst the documentary is ostensibly all about getting to that important pitch in Hollywood (whilst getting to meet some impressive A-list names along the way – hello Kit Harington!), I love that the brothers’ relatable relationship is shown throughout the documentary. As the trip to LA looms, the handover from mum to Will in terms of Tommy’s needs is met with what feels like a very recognisable sibling response: “Do you think he’d be alright if we didn’t do any of this?”. And I loved that they showed the ‘slightly manic morning’ they had packing up and getting ready for their pitch meeting, including obligatory phone call to mum for a last-minute pep talk, and a badly timed car key joke from Tommy…

I am keeping everything crossed for a second part to this documentary!

Review by adult sibling Charlotte

A raw, honest, and deeply moving drama/comedy created by Shaun Pye, based on his own experiences raising a non-verbal daughter with severe learning difficulties. There She Goes does not shy away from the realities of parenting a child with complex needs. Be warned, at times it is a difficult watch—particularly the scenes depicting Rosie’s first year, as her parents begin to realise that she is not developing in the same way as her older brother and cope in very different ways.

The narrative alternates between Rose’s early years and moments from when she is around nine, showing how the family has adapted to life with her. Obviously everyone’s experience is different, but from my perspective as a sibling, few TV dramas have felt so personally resonant. Episode 5 of the first series is especially poignant, as Ben’s birthday is completely overshadowed by his sister. His mixed emotions—embarrassment, understanding, and deep love—are portrayed really effectively.

This series offers a real insight into the highs and lows of life in a family navigating the challenges of family life with a child with learning disabilities. An emotional watch.

Review by adult sibling Jane