Special
Netflix | Release Date: April 12, 2019
CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
67
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews
Positive:
7
Mixed:
3
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
The GuardianTim DowlingDec 3, 2019
Season 1 Review: There are flashes of wit, slapstick, warmth and sadness sown all the way through Special, glinting out at you as the whole thing races by. I ended up watching the entire show in one go, and it would be no hardship to sit down at any point and watch it all again. Read full review
65
Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob OwenMay 2, 2019
Season 1 Review: The 15-minute episodes are an easy binge and the two lead characters — Ryan and work friend Kim (Punam Patel) — are often a hoot even if some of the secondary characters (a witch-on-wheels boss, in particular) and situations undercut the show’s attempts at realism. Read full review
80
Boston GlobeMichael Andor BrodeurApr 24, 2019
Season 1 Review: While O’Connell’s story centers on his disability, his performance foregrounds his likable vibe, endearingly cheeky humor, and just enough scream-at-the-screen cluelessness. Read full review
67
IndieWireBen TraversApr 12, 2019
Season 1 Review: There’s plenty to improve upon, but “Special” has the right pieces in place. Read full review
60
TV Guide MagazineMatt RoushApr 11, 2019
Season 1 Review: Irreverent and enjoyably brisk. ... Special is only truly memorable when it depicts Ryan's endearingly awkward embrace of his sexuality. [15-28 Apr 2019, p.13]
80
New York Magazine (Vulture)Kathryn VanArendonkApr 10, 2019
Season 1 Review: With a full half-hour and a bigger budget, Special could go from being a great if slightly-too-scant story to something really magical. Read full review
50
TV GuideLiam MathewsApr 9, 2019
Season 1 Review: Netflix's flimsy development process failed this show. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterDaniel FienbergApr 9, 2019
Season 1 Review: Special is a work in progress about a character who's a work in progress and, in this quickly digestible form, it's set up to potentially continue to grow into something special — hopefully without losing that under-20-minute charm. Read full review
70
VarietyCaroline FramkeApr 8, 2019
Season 1 Review: If the series were given more time to tell his story, it would be fascinating and even more satisfying to see where O’Connell might take it. Read full review
50
Entertainment WeeklyTyler AquilinaApr 1, 2019
Season 1 Review: It's a promising premise, with charming performances from its supporting cast, but Special's quirkiness, only-sometimes-successfully sweet emotional moments, off putting characters, and humor don't mix well. [5/12 Apr 2019, p.92]
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