Tanner Smith’s Absence From Love on the Spectrum Season 4, Explained

If you hit play on Love on the Spectrum season 4 the day it dropped (April 1, 2026 ) and immediately wondered where Tanner went, you were not alone. The Clemson, South Carolina fan favorite — 27 when we first met him, living with a roommate, open about being on the autism spectrum and having auditory processing disorder — was a no-show. Here is what happened, and where he is now.

Why Tanner sat out season 4

Tanner addressed his absence head-on in an Instagram video on April 2, 2026. Short version: his life goals shifted, and he did not want to fake it for a dating show. He praised the series for changing his life and giving him experiences he never expected, then explained he is not in a place to pursue a serious relationship or marriage right now — and he wants to leave space on the show for people who are.

'Guys, I'm not ready for a serious relationship and I'm definitely not ready to get married yet... and since that's my truth, it wouldn't be fair or honest for me to be on a show about dating.'

He also said he wants to travel, chase big dreams, and — in his words — is not ready to be somebody's boyfriend. He promised to keep sharing his journey on social media, just not in front of Netflix cameras this time.

A quick refresher on why viewers loved him

From his first appearance, Tanner's enthusiasm and vulnerability made him easy to root for. Across seasons 2 and 3, you could see his confidence grow while he figured out what he wanted and what he did not. That genuine, sometimes awkward, always sincere energy is exactly why his absence in season 4 felt so noticeable.

The on-screen timeline

• Season 2 (January 2024): All seven episodes dropped at once, and we watched Tanner go on his first-ever date with Kate Liggitt, who has Down syndrome. They grabbed burgers, he said a prayer before eating, and he talked about hoping to meet someone who was pretty, talkative, and Christian. After filming, he told Netflix's Tudum they stayed very good friends, kept up over text, and even met up with friends after Christmas to see the zoo lights.
• Season 3 (April 2025 ): Tanner met Shyann on a blind date at Split Creek Farm, showing up with a pink gift bag and his usual optimism. They decided there wasn't a romantic spark and stayed friends. Later, he went out with Callie Truelove — he even called her 'smoking hot' — and they clicked enough to plan a second date at the Janie Earle Furman Rose Garden. He told her he liked her kindness and that she was easy to talk to, but in the end they agreed to keep it platonic. As of his April 2 video, Tanner said he had a great time with both Kate and Callie and still speaks highly of them.

So what is he doing now?

Right after season 2, Tanner confirmed he was still working at The Shepherd Hotel, and fans were apparently showing up there hoping to say hi. Lately, he has been more active with brand work and collaborations on social media — including a spot with Cove Soda for their Pink Slushie flavor.

He is also the current brand ambassador for an app called Wable, which is designed to help neurodivergent people connect — for friendship, dating, or anything in between. That tracks with how he left the show: he is not closing the door on love, he is just choosing to live a little and let others take the screen time he once had.

It is a refreshingly candid reason to step away from reality TV, and honestly, a smart one. If you miss him, keep an eye on his socials — that is where the next chapter is playing out.