If you’ve spent any time on Netflix lately, you probably know that Love on the Spectrum has this weird, magic ability to make you cry and cheer at the same time. But Season 3 hit differently. Specifically, it was the arrival of Madison Marilla and her instant, almost startling connection with Tyler White that had everyone talking.
One minute she’s showing off her massive American Girl doll collection (over three dozen and counting, by the way), and the next, she’s meeting a guy who can recite country music release dates like he’s a walking Wikipedia page. It was a match made in neurodivergent heaven.
But as with any reality show, once the cameras stop rolling, things get complicated. Fans have been obsessing over whether they’re still together or if the "cowboy sweetheart" romance was just for the screen. Honestly? The truth is actually way more grounded than the usual reality TV drama.
Who is Madison Marilla?
Madison wasn't just another face in the cast. She came onto the show with a very specific energy—bright colors, green beaded necklaces, and a serious passion for jewelry making. At 27, she’s much more than a reality star; she’s an entrepreneur. Her brand, Madizen LLC, is where she pours her creativity into accessories, using gifting as her primary love language.
She didn't just stumble into the show, either. She was actually inspired by Abbey Romeo and David Isaacman. You remember them—the Season 1 legends who basically became the gold standard for dating on the spectrum. Madison wanted that. She wanted someone who could actually keep up with her conversationally.
Before the show, Madison was pretty open about her struggles. She’s dealt with a "dual diagnosis" situation: autism, OCD, ADHD, and generalized anxiety. That’s a lot for anyone. She’s mentioned before that loud noises—like fire drills or sports games—give her major sensory overload. Yet, there she was, putting herself on a global platform to find love.
The Tyler White Connection: Not Just Country Music
Then comes Tyler. Or "DJTYWY," as he’s known in the Tampa Bay area.
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When they met at the Sunken Gardens in Florida, it wasn't the usual awkward "first date" silence we sometimes see on the show. They clicked over country music immediately. It wasn't just "Oh, I like Alan Jackson too." It was deep-cut knowledge. Tyler is a singer, an event DJ, and a concert emcee. He didn't just meet her; he saw her.
Their chemistry led to a pretty big moment for the series: Madison’s first kiss.
She was 27 and had never kissed a guy before. When it finally happened, it wasn't some polished, Hollywood-style take. It was real. Some people on Reddit complained it was "awkward" or "cringey" to watch them make out, but honestly? That’s kind of the point of the show. It’s about people experiencing these milestones in their own time, on their own terms. Calling it "infantilizing" to suggest they needed a "talk" from their parents about it—as some commenters did—totally misses the mark. They are consenting adults in their late 20s. Let them live.
Are Madison and Tyler Still Together in 2026?
Here is the big update everyone wants. Yes. Madison and Tyler are still together.
As of early 2026, they aren't just "dating"—they’ve basically integrated their lives. Madison actually moved to Plant City, Florida, specifically to be closer to Tyler. That’s a massive step for anyone, but especially for someone who has spoken about how much they struggle with changes in schedule or routine.
They recently hit a major milestone that proves they’ve become local celebrities in the best way possible. In January 2026, the couple was named the Grand Marshals for the Children’s Gasparilla parade in Tampa. Think about that: from a Netflix dating show to leading a massive community parade down Bayshore Boulevard.
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They use their platform for "Madizen" and Tyler’s DJ business to talk about neurodiversity, but they also just do normal couple stuff. They go to Outback Steakhouse (where Madison learned she has to sit on Tyler’s right because he’s left-handed and they kept bumping elbows). They go to country concerts. They celebrated their anniversary with a trip to Nashville where Tyler actually got to announce some performers at the CMA Fest.
Why Their Relationship "Works" Where Others Failed
If you look at some of the other matches on the show, they often felt like the producers were just throwing two people with autism together and hoping for the best.
Take Madison’s first date on the show with Brandon. That was a disaster. It was a complete personality mismatch, and it left Madison feeling pretty discouraged. It felt like the show was trying to teach her a "lesson" about expectations, which felt a bit cruel to watch.
But with Tyler, it’s different because they have functional compatibility.
- Shared Communication Styles: Both are high-energy talkers.
- The "Country" Factor: It sounds trivial, but having a deep, shared obsession gives them a "language" to speak when social cues get tricky.
- Support Systems: Both families seem incredibly involved without being overbearing. Tyler even got permission from Madison’s parents before taking her on a big trip to Universal Studios.
What Most People Get Wrong About Madison and Tyler
There is this weird tendency for viewers to treat the Love on the Spectrum cast like they’re characters in a Pixar movie. They aren't.
Madison is an educator and a college graduate with a degree in psychology. Tyler is a working professional in the music industry. When you see them on screen, you’re seeing a highlight reel of their "awkward" moments because that’s what makes for "good" TV. In reality, they are navigating a long-term, committed relationship that has survived the transition from "Netflix stars" to "actual partners."
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They’ve also had to deal with the darker side of reality fame. There’s been a lot of gossip about other couples from their season—like the "are they/aren't they" drama with Connor and Georgie. But Madison and Tyler have stayed remarkably consistent. They post photos in cowboy hats, they sing together, and they keep it moving.
What We Can Learn From Their Story
If you’re looking for a takeaway from the Madison and Tyler saga, it’s basically this: compromise is the secret sauce.
Madison admitted in an interview that she’s had to learn to be flexible. For someone with autism, OCD, and ADHD, "flexibility" isn't just a personality trait; it’s a hard-won skill. She’s expanded her interests because of Tyler. He’s called her his "miracle."
They’ve shown that a "successful" relationship on the spectrum doesn't have to look like a neurotypical one. It can involve American Girl dolls, specific seating arrangements at restaurants, and a shared obsession with 90s country stars.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to support them, check out Madison’s jewelry line, Madizen, or follow Tyler’s DJ journey. They are very active on Instagram and often share updates that the show’s editing team leaves out. If you're in the Tampa area, keep an eye out for them at local inclusion events—they’ve become huge advocates for the community, proving that "love on the spectrum" isn't just a show title, but a very real, very functional way of life.