‘Love On The Spectrum’ Tanner Smith’s Mom Talks Joys Of Watching Her Son Date On TV
When it comes to reality shows, some of the star’s biggest fans are the people who knew them from before their television debut. On Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, fans have gotten to know Tanner Smith as he explores his own love life. Recently, his mother has opened up about the series, especially watching him as he goes on dates.
Tanner Smith Was Introduced On The Second Season Of The U.S. Version Of Love on the Spectrum
Love on the Spectrum is an American reality series based on the Australian series of the same name. The series, which premiered on Netflix in 2022, explores the love lives of people on the autism spectrum.
Tanner Smith is a cast-member who was introduced on the show during the second season. In his everyday life, he works in maintenance at the Shepherd Hotel in South Carolina. Through his job, Tanner is especially known for his warm, friendly personality.
Recently, his mother Nicci Smith opened up about the show, especially watching her son go on dates. Speaking with Today, she noted it was especially difficult watching Tanner recently go on a blind date with Shyann. In particular, Tanner was dealing with increased anxiety and Shyann was very introverted.
Nicci shared, “To me, that date was very uncomfortable, because I know him. I felt bad for both of them — I think she had a bit of stage fright and didn’t know what to say, and he felt like it was his responsibility to carry the conversation but didn’t know how to draw her out.”
On Love on the Spectrum, viewers saw Tanner and Shyann have a date at a goat farm. While the two shared a love of animals, there were some notable awkward pauses between the two.
Nicci Noted Tanner Had Good Chemistry With Another Date
Their personalities also seemed to contrast with each other, with Tanner being more outgoing while Shyann was more reserved. While the two appeared to enjoy the outing, they ultimately decided they would be better as friends.
Nicci noted that people can misread her son because of his warm demeanor. She noted, “Everybody sees Tanner as the happy, joyful guy. But when you’re autistic, anxiety is always there — and he was really struggling. I was ready for the goat date to be over. It just wasn’t clicking. But he learned from it, and he did a good job.”
View this post on Instagram
Nicci also noted that her son seemed more comfortable going out with Callie Truelove, who she described as “an open chapter.” As she noted, “There was a lot of chemistry. They bounce off each other very well, and let’s just see where it goes.”
“They’ve been coming to see us, and we’re planning to visit them next. They have a pool and horses, and Callie wants to show Tanner her world.”
Nicci also touched on how her son wasn’t always so outgoing. She noted, “The world is seeing happy, social Tanner now, but there were years when he didn’t play with other children. I couldn’t take him to basketball games because the buzzers were too loud. And every time we went out as a family, we were all on edge — wondering what might upset Tanner.”
Nicci noted, “I want people to understand that Tanner hasn’t always looked or interacted the way he does now,” As she shared, decades of therapy had helped him reach his current point.
Tanner is notably graduate of Clemson University’s LifeSkills program. He is currently living with roommates.
In addition, Nicci notably speaks about her experiences on the podcast series, “Talk to Me Sis.” On the show, she is joined by Lise Smith, the mother of Connor Tomlinson, another star of Love on the Spectrum.
Have you been keeping up with Love on the Spectrum? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest reality TV and celebrity news.
- Noah Centineo Shocks Fans With Full Body Transformation - August 13, 2026
- ‘Let’s Marry Harry’ Is Harry Jowsey Legally Married After Wedding? - August 12, 2026
- ‘The View’ Ana Navarro Has ‘Refreshing’ Reaction To Being Cursed Out On Vacation - August 12, 2026