Special

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 12, 2019
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
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User Reviews

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  1. JessicaRobyn
    Apr 20, 2019
    9
    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 could would have benefited from being longer. Figures crossed they get a season two because there is a lot ofSpecial 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
  2. ponemu70
    Apr 13, 2019
    10
    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!
  3. manningn15
    Jun 16, 2021
    10
    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 Jessica Hecht, Punam Patel, and Marla Mindelle gave superb performances. The chemistry between Ryan and PunamI 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

Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Most Shared TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Tim Dowling
    Dec 3, 2019
    80
    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.
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  2. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    May 2, 2019
    65
    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.
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  3. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Michael Andor Brodeur
    Apr 24, 2019
    80
    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.
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