Special (TV series)

Poster for Netflix's Special

Special is an American comedy-drama streaming television series that premiered on Netflix on April 12, 2019. The series is created by and stars Ryan O'Connell, and is based on his memoir I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves. The show follows a young gay man with mild cerebral palsy who decides to rewrite his identity and finally go after the life he wants.

Plot

The series centers on Ryan Hayes, a gay man with mild cerebral palsy, who decides to take control of his life and pursue his dreams. After years of dead-end internships and living with his mother, Ryan lands a job at an online magazine called Eggwoke. He decides to keep his disability a secret from his co-workers, attributing his limp to a car accident instead. The show explores Ryan's journey towards independence, self-acceptance, and finding love.

Cast

• Ryan O'Connell as Ryan Hayes
• Jessica Hecht as Karen Hayes, Ryan's overprotective mother
• Punam Patel as Kim Laghari, Ryan's best friend and co-worker
• Marla Mindelle as Olivia, Ryan's boss at Eggwoke
• Augustus Prew as Carey, Ryan's love interest

Production

The series was produced by Jim Parsons's That's Wonderful Productions, in association with Stage 13. Anna Dokoza served as the director for the first season. The show was renewed for a second and final season, which premiered on May 20, 2021.

Reception

Special received positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique perspective, humor, and O'Connell's performance. The series was noted for its authentic representation of disability and LGBTQ+ issues.

Episodes

Season 1 (2019)

The first season consists of eight episodes, each with a runtime of approximately 15 minutes.

Season 2 (2021)

The second season consists of eight episodes, each with a runtime of approximately 30 minutes.

Themes

Special addresses themes such as disability, sexuality, self-acceptance, and independence. It provides a nuanced portrayal of living with cerebral palsy and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Awards and Nominations

The series has been nominated for several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Awards and the GLAAD Media Awards.

See Also

• List of original programs distributed by Netflix
• Cerebral palsy in film and television
• LGBTQ+ representation in media

‎