Born This Way

Born This Way is an inspiring, intrinsically emotional, reality television series that aired on A&E from 2015 to 2019. The multiple award-winning show is an unscripted six-season series which presents an intimate experience of seven young adults born with Down syndrome as they navigate life, love, and independence. The beauty of the series lies in its ability to capture the human spirit, the hopes, challenges, triumphs and dreams of these young adults while delicately weaving in the complexities their families encounter.

Set in the backdrop of Southern California, the series does more than just document the lives of the cast members. It highlights their individual journeys, their aspirations, and their driving ambition to pursue careers despite having Down syndrome. These roles range from passions in music, art, and sports to aspirations in entrepreneurship. True to the name, Born This Way endorses the philosophy that abilities, rather than disabilities, define the limits of an individual.

The series pivots around the daily lives of Rachel, Sean, John, Megan, Steven, Cristina, and Elena. Each cast member, with their unique quirks and personalities, endears themselves to the viewer while smashing stereotypes about Down syndrome. The show candidly tackles issues of love, employment, sibling relationships, and the pursuit of independence, delivering a genuinely human story each episode. The friendships, romantic relationships, and dynamics between the individuals and their families, serve to create poignant television which leaves viewers both educated and moved.

Rachel, known for her infectious laugh and incredible memory, serves as the heart of the group. Sean, athletic and fiercely independent, battles societal stigmas while fiercely advocating Down syndrome rights. John, following his dreams of a music career, captivates with his vocal talent and charisma. Megan, an aspiring fashionista and business owner, constantly encourages her friends to be confident and independent. Steven, with sharp wit and unmatched trivia knowledge, harbors a deep desire to be seen as an individual beyond his condition. Cristina lives her fairy tale love story on the screen, while Elena confronts her strengths and weaknesses head-on.

But Born This Way isn’t just about the seven individuals, it encapsulates the lives of their parents too. Each family unit, albeit strikingly different, share a common journey – their kids were Born This Way, presenting an honest reflection of the joys, fears and challenges they grapple with while raising a Down syndrome child to adulthood. The candid revelation is poignant and marked by moments of humor, tenderness and resilience.

What sets Born This Way apart from other reality shows is the widely noticeable absence of scripted drama. Each story treated with dignity and respect, unfolding naturally and gradually, delivering a beautiful narrative. The show is devoid of competition, conflict, or elimination rounds which are hallmarks of reality television. Instead, it is filled with celebrations of small victories, growth moments and honest discussions, making it a deeply wholesome and heartwarming viewing experience.

Another standout feature is the series' commitment to using a production crew filled with people who have disabilities, ensuring the narrative's authenticity and offering tangible opportunities to individuals with disabilities. This commitment paid off greatly, leading to an Emmy win for outstanding unstructured reality program.

Behind Born This Way is a high-caliber team led by executive producers Jonathan Murray, Gil Goldschein, Laura Korkoian, and Barry Hennesy, co-executive producer Elaine Frontain Bryant, and producer Shelly Tatro, in association with Bunim/Murray Productions. Murray's experience working on The Real World and Keeping Up with the Kardashians infuses the show with an experienced eye for reality television.

At its core, Born This Way represents an overdue shift in reality television. It addresses a core societal issue by providing a platform for their stories to be told and heard – creating valuable understanding of Down syndrome, debunks stereotypes, promotes inclusion, and nourishes the conversation surrounding disabilities. Each delicate thread is woven in a manner that communicates the beautiful message intertwined within its name - Born This Way. It is not just entertainment but valuable education. For anyone seeking heartfelt, honest television that offers a satisfying blend of warmth, humor, and charm, Born This Way delivers it all.