Special: Season 1

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 27 Ratings

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6.6

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6.6	Your Score
6.6	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 27 Ratings

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Season Details & Credits

Netflix | Season Premiere Date: April 12, 2019

Summary: The comedy about a gay man (Ryan O’Connell) with a mild cerebral palsy is based on Ryan O'Connell's memoir and executive produced by Jim Parsons.

Genre(s): Comedy

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Season 1 Episodes

No episode information is currently available for this season

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Kathryn VanArendonk

Apr 10, 2019

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

Michael Andor Brodeur

Apr 24, 2019

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

The Guardian Tim Dowling

Dec 3, 2019

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

IndieWire Ben Travers

Apr 12, 2019

There’s plenty to improve upon, but “Special” has the right pieces in place. Read full review

Rob Owen

May 2, 2019

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

TV Guide Magazine Matt Roush

Apr 11, 2019

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]

Tyler Aquilina

Apr 1, 2019

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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User Reviews

manningn15

Jun 16, 2021

I love this show so much, definitely one of my top 5 favorite TV shows I've ever watched. The writing is outstanding; so well written, hilarious, and the deeper moments are beautiful. Ryan O'Connell gives a phenomenally charismatic, funny, and beautifully authentic performance and JessicaI love this show so much, definitely one of my top 5 favorite TV shows I've ever watched. The writing is outstanding; so well written, hilarious, and the deeper moments are beautiful. Ryan O'Connell gives a phenomenally charismatic, funny, and beautifully authentic performance and Jessica Hecht, Punam Patel, and Marla Mindelle gave superb performances. The chemistry between Ryan and Punam is hilarious and the chemistry between Ryan and Jessica is so beautifully believable and authentic especially in the season finale their performances were perfection. The first season of Special is an A+ to me; I love seeing more authentic representation of people with a disability and people who are gay being represented by someone who is disabled and who is gay.… Expand

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ponemu70

Apr 13, 2019

It's more than a gay man with CP and mother-son codependency going array. It's a charming story that leaves you wanting for more, and more. Loved it!

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

JessicaRobyn

Apr 20, 2019

Special is short and sweet with characters that I instantly fell in love with. At just 8 episodes, it was super quick to watch. The show gives me "Please Like Me" vibes with a touch more sitcom influence. One of my only issues is that the pacing needed some work. I think the season couldSpecial is short and sweet with characters that I instantly fell in love with. At just 8 episodes, it was super quick to watch. The show gives me "Please Like Me" vibes with a touch more sitcom influence. One of my only issues is that the pacing needed some work. I think the season could would have benefited from being longer. Figures crossed they get a season two because there is a lot of potential here.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Seasons & Episodes

67

Series Overview
Season 2

tbd
- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: May 20, 2021
Season 1

67
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: April 12, 2019
- No episode information is currently available for this season