Tanner's Boss Jokes 'Love On The Spectrum' Fans Are Swarming Shepherd Hotel

The Shepherd Hotel in downtown Clemson, South Carolina is combining heartwarming hospitality with purpose by employing workers on the autism spectrum. One of those employees is Tanner, star of the hit Netflix series "Love on the Spectrum." The Shepherd Hotel owner Rick jokes that Tanner's fans have swarmed the hotel looking for him since his appearance on the show, and Tanner thanks Rick for giving him, and other people on the spectrum, an opportunity to find work and become financially independent. Watch till the end for a huge surprise for Tanner and Rick.
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[@zonkedmusician1502]

I think Chris at SBSK needs some credit for revealing the wonderful Tanner to the world long before Netflix did. That's where I discovered that wonderful guy. He really does bring nothing but joy to the world and we really need that right now.

[@ChantalOfTheNorth]

YES! That's true isn't it? I forgot about that!

[@hannahstilwell3803]

Yes!!

[@alexialuvscats]

Yes!!!

[@ariesgirl9592]

That's my son @2:16! He is a freshman in the HCP program at Clemson!

[@trevorcraig2824]

That smile must bring joy to anyone walking up to the front desk!! beautiful! love the proud mama moment!

[@ariesgirl9592]

@@trevorcraig2824 thank you!

[@catherinequigley569]

Always felt that these folks just had beautiful souls and were a blessing from God.

[@kennethdrake7686]

Congrats your clearly doing a great job as a mother!!!! And tell your son keep up the good work!!!

[@ariesgirl9592]

@@kennethdrake7686 I certainly will!

[@lchanceiv]

Oh my. Why am I crying? Tanner is pure joy!!!!!

[@DancingOnGlass89]

Okay it's not just me. My heart.

[@D_A_Marv]

I had to find tissue myself

[@Melindajane09]

Im crying too.

[@1teeny34]

I thought something was wrong with me lol IM LITERALLY CRYING BECAUSE I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. So innocent and pure!!!! 🥹

[@777sunnyside]

Me too! When Jack Black surprised him, I started crying 😢❤

[@carolinasilva7993]

I absolutely LOVE Tanner! He's such a ray of sunshine!

[@kinglouie313]

As a Clemson native, I can without a doubt say Tanner is as pure and wholesome in person as he is on camera. A true light to the world. Keep spreading joy 🧡💜

[@johnbarone8948]

Tanner has a heart of gold, his enthusiasm and positive energy is something to behold.

[@ejc5480]

This man is beautiful. Its people like him that enable progress. World changer. Love Tanner too ❤

[@TastemyAtrocity]

Awesome business owner. Well done, sir.

[@ciannomega]

Christ Jesus dwells in Tanner! The Joy of The Lord is with him. Such an incredible human being!

[@emmalove5080]

I’m 24, and on the autism spectrum myself and this truly is heart warming

[@lwatt060708]

Tanner is the best!!! I literally cried watching this because he is such a ray of light and truly does spread joy!!! Thank you Kelly for bringing awareness! And GO TIGERS!!!

[@Clarksavannah]

I cannot handle tanner. ❤❤❤❤ PROTECT THIS MAN AT ALL COSTS! He’s absolutely precious.

[@dhunter1423]

Thank you Kelly for SHINING THE LIGHT!!!😁🤩

[@yael1473]

How can you not smile and be happy with Tanner? Its impossible.❤

[@gobake3]

Made my day watching this. Tanner is a pure ball of light!!

[@juliabutterfly3224]

The thing that really stands out to me here is that Kelly is conducting this interview, no differently than with any other guest. This seems so simple. But you wouldn’t believe the amount of people that talk down to people with disabilities or infantilize us. So happy to see this handled as the normal thing it is ❤️

[@mandcbruce]

My local YMCA employs several wonderful people who have DS. They have become dear friends. Their presence makes our Y community inclusive, warm and welcoming. My husband & I also have an adult child on the spectrum. I am more empathetic and patient person for sure having this experience. Kelly, thank u for shining a light on these beautiful people!!❤

[@laurenbendik2006]

I used to be a job coach for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and I can tell u that it can be a challenge to find employers willing to hire. And even when they do, sometimes it doesnt last long. And it has to be the right job. I had a client set on being a chef in a restaurant, but it really wasnt in their range of ability. That’s a difficult job for anyone. And some employers were not willing to budge even a bit; if he couldnt slice all the veggies in a consistent size, they let him go. Anyways, it really takes alot of persistence of matchmaking: the right job for the person and an employer who is willing to make reasonable accommodation.

[@cc-terfay]

I know a bakery in my area opened up because of this exact issue! Lots of people with disabilities want to work in a kitchen, so they made a bakery exclusively hiring those with disabilities to work! They are an amazing bakery / coffee shop and their sweets are delicious

[@dawsons9876]

Love tanner!! And I love how inclusive the hotel is with their employees. So awesome!!

[@tinyrachy]

Honestly, what a precious soul, hope this kind man is protected at all cost! ❤

[@miliar1234]

He literally brings joy to the world.

[@cpirtle]

Wow how cool! Rick is a perfect example of someone turning their circumstance into a blessing for others. Tanner is a special dude ♥️

[@catherinequigley569]

That fella is so happy and seems to have a beautiful soul. Kelly looks wonderful. She done found the fountain of youth.

[@tonifitz6831]

Well done to Mr Rick. A very good man xx

[@journeylvr]

I hope Tanner and all of the other “ stars” in Love On The Spectrum find love. I was a Special Education Teacher before I retired.I miss the students/clients so very much!!

[@emmarose6590]

Omg crying. He’s such a light

[@ChantalOfTheNorth]

Can we get more people like Tanner walking around in the world, please?

[@Brainjoy01]

This is no disrespect to anyone but its going to have to wait until business can afford to do this again. At least in major cities, people with masters degrees cannot get hired at minimum wage jobs. So someone like myself, disabled, needing part time or "patience" is last last last. We need more bosses like that

[@59markr]

Beyond heartwarming. Go Tanner!!

[@TeranceThatch]

If I am ever in Clemson, I will book a room at the Shepherd Hotel to meet Tanner and be in his amazing presence.

[@Erica_America32]

We love you Tanner!! ❤❤ Such a sweetheart

[@BookNerd1102]

I adore this young man.

[@spk633]

I have a 33 year old son that received his autism diagnosis at the age of two. It is beyond heartwarming to see this young man (Tanner) thrive. Having said that, it breaks my heart that programs like this are few and far between for our most vulnerable adults on the autism spectrum. My son deserves to thrive and reach his potential too. 🥰❤️

[@winertkid]

Love Clemson LIFE program! It’s an incredible program with incredible students and mentors!!! And Tanner is a very kind and hard worker!! ❤🎉

[@roxanneponder5240]

This is so wonderful! I had the biggest smile on my face as I watched, while tears streamed down my face. I absolutely love Tanner!

[@delaneymettey3946]

I'm 23 going on 24 and I have High Functioning Autism❤️ this video brought me so much Joy🩷

[@taralynn7441]

Tanner makes my whole heart happy. ❤

[@vanesavargas7728]

I just love love this!! Tanner is the best! Definitely will have to meet him one day! He is pure joy and always so sweet. ❤️🥰😘

[@CourtneyS24]

Pure joy 😊 everyone needs a Tanner in their lives ❤ What an amazing hotel!

[@Mommygirl4]

I love the show and had no idea about the hotel and its mission, absolutely beautiful! I know the show has mix review’s but as a mom w a child on the spectrum, it truly brings lots of comfort, joy and hope 💜🙏

[@lukerowlandmusic]

Yesss!! We need a Tanner segment every week! More Love on the Spectrum content please :)

[@TheRosalesFamily2025]

YOUR A BRIGHT LIGHT TANNER 😊AND MR RICK YOUR AMAZING AND KELLY AS ALWAYS SO ARE YOU A

[@frenchtoast7742]

I love “ Love on the Spectrum “! It’s the best show on Netflix!!! You must watch it now ❤❤❤

[@kristenhart4984]

I’m crying too. Such a great boss and I love Tanner! ❤

[@rosemarydavila5755]

Way to go Rick! You were a great mentor to me and I’m so very proud of the wonderful work you are doing. God bless you and your Shepard family!

[@yanjelizperez8729]

❤ April is Disability Awareness month and April 2nd is National Autism Awareness day. As a Hispanic disabled woman with Spina Bifida, this segment means the absolute world to me. My goal and my mission is to spread as much knowledge about disability as possible. Thank you Kelly from the bottom of my little heart for what you're doing. People need to know that disability doesn't mean unable, it just means differently able. I send you a warm hug from a distance. May you and people like Rick and Tanner continue to shine on in all you do.xoxo

[@JasmineGoodenDisciple]

I’m about to start crying 😭😭😊

[@rafaeljoaoantunes1042]

Everyone trying to k1ll his own boss and this kind and beautiful soul saying: "I love you, Mr. Rick" 😭😭😭

[@brittanyknol]

Thank you Kelly for sharing this story ❤️

[@robsmith103]

Tanner and love on the spectrum in general just gives me so much hope and restores my faith in humanity and no i haven’t been cutting onions 🥲

[@thatkayleegirl50]

I live 15mins from Clemson and I still want to stay at the hotel ❤

[@samanthanechifor7115]

Love love love Tanner! Such a pure soul! ❤

[@sff.f1114]

I love Tanner so much!!❤

[@arhodsden]

Kelly Clarkson, this clip had me in tears! Thank you, and Jack Black, for also being amazing humans and spreading joy. Tanner was so genuinely happy by this. Touched my heart in a huge way ❤❤❤

[@isaacdurfey6978]

Yeah I cried…not ashamed

[@robsmith103]

Same dude haha

[@Reaching_for_Divine]

Protect tanner at all costs!!

[@wowzatrishiebunz]

I love Tanner and am so happy he found his special person.

[@shellyfletcher5311]

It is great to see how many lives Tanner has touched and how happy he makes so many of us! Truly heartwarming

[@pwagenblass]

LIFE is great and beautiful! Project Forward seems to project much the same light and joy here on Cape Cod.

[@kiarrapierce]

Tanner has such a good vibe. What a sweetheart.

[@bcb7443]

Kelly: THANKS for highlighting autism!!

[@DarrickDraper]

We love you Tanner!

[@sheilamalone3453]

Who doesn't love Tanner Smith truly a pure wonderful soul

[@LaurenKaminski]

Dang this make me cry! 😭🥲

[@aifricbrennan473]

Everyone needs a tanner in their life ❤ he is AMAZING!!!!!

[@slimsonite2111]

More people like Rick please 🙏🏼🙇🏼‍♀️

[@MsAmyjoy7802]

So beautiful 🥹🩷 Speaking of which, Kelly's eyes when she sings. I've never seen such genuine sincerity. Always feels like she's singing directly to you. Love love love that there's a song at the beginning of every show. Think my favorite singer ever

[@thorned10]

I’m commenting before watching this video segment, but he just seems like the sweetest guy. I truly hope that no evil in this world comes anywhere near him.

[@tashaax1993xanimalloverx]

No one gonna point out how amazing Kelly looks now! shes lost so much weight! Good for her! ❤

[@killawalez3944]

Everyone needs someone like Tanner in their life 😭😭😭😭🖤🖤🖤

[@kennethdrake7686]

This is beautiful!!!

[@gracem9272]

Amazing!!!

[@nusratferdous3105]

Amazing, hope to visit one day!

[@kelseytijerina9163]

I love this so much!!!!

[@EastTexasMama]

Love love this!!!

[@personlady2438]

Tanner is pure love.

[@CandiCEOk33]

Omg so amazing 😍😍😍

[@Miggymini]

Oh my God Tanner is so adorable 🥰

[@Audrey.17]

Hi Tanner! I love Jack Black too!

[@liv2699]

i love tanner and jack black, such awesome people!

[@leolovevaz7380]

Tanner brings joy!!!

[@gloriahufnagel5556]

I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!

[@tashaax1993xanimalloverx]

Oh i love Tanner best one by far on the show ❤

[@asavannah7439]

I really liked James as well. He was always funny and grumpy, I like grumpy men 😆

[@CheCheSmith]

What a gem?

[@tonifitz6831]

Cutest thing ever ❤❤❤❤

[@clemsonfox]

Go Tigers!!!!

[@tesshowdieshell9625]

Tanner ROCKS 👏

[@zap...]

Nice job Jack.

[@kb6246]

❤❤❤❤

[@stepheethee9103]

❤❤❤

[@Ibochic1]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@reganperella7134]

yeeeeees

[@katelyngray8645]

Go Tigers!!!

[@ineedmyhat]

Tanner is an angel 💫 i dream of coming to America and maybe settling down and would absolutely love to meet folk like him. God Bless you Kelly for having Tanner on the show. You're a babe 😘

[@reneeantwi-boasiako3974]

I was just thinking what if Tanner met Kelly because you're both bubbly 🥹❤️

[@dani23dani85]

I love Tanner! I want to go Stay at the hotel :)

[@ovok10]

Aw

[@gnlilu6972]

Tanner and Jack Black my favorites 🙌❤️

[@ashleyshayia8087]

The sister never thought he would ever live on his own 🤦🏾‍♀️🤔 Sis: Never under estimate Tanner 🙏🏾🦾🤎

[@jenniferjames9730]

♥️♥️♥️🔥🔥🔥👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏

[@shadcovert1160]

Is that really Kelly Clarkson?