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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

Season 1 (2019)[edit]

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

Season 2 (2021)[edit]

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

Themes[edit]

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[edit]

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

References[edit]

External Links[edit]

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