Special (TV series)
| Special | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Created by | Ryan O'Connell |
| Based on | I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves by Ryan O'Connell |
| Written by | Ryan O'Connell |
| Directed by | Anna Dokoza |
| Starring |
|
| Composer | Joshua Moshier |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 8 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Cinematography | Philip Roy |
| Editor | Thomas Calderón |
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 12–17 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | April 12, 2019 – present |
Special is an American television comedy series that premiered on Netflix on April 12, 2019.[1] The series is based on the memoir I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves (2015) by Ryan O'Connell,[2] who also stars, writes, and executive produces the series.[3]
Synopsis
Special is "a distinctive and uplifting new series about a gay man, Ryan with mild cerebral palsy who decides to rewrite his identity and finally go after the life he wants."[4][5][6]
Cast and characters
Main
- Ryan O'Connell as Ryan Hayes[7], an unpaid intern at Eggwoke
- Jessica Hecht as Karen Hayes, Ryan's mother[8]
- Punam Patel as Kim Laghari, Ryan's friend and co-worker at Eggwoke
- Marla Mindelle as Olivia, Ryan and Kim's boss
- Augustus Prew as Carey, one of Kim's best friends
- Patrick Fabian as Phil, Karen's new neighbor and love interest
Guest stars
- Kat Rogers as Caitie
- Jason Michael Snow as Keaton
- Brian Jordan Alvarez as Shay
Episodes
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date [9] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Chapter One: Cerebral LOLzy" | Anna Dokoza | Ryan O'Connell | April 12, 2019 |
| 2 | "Chapter Two: The Deep End" | Anna Dokoza | Ryan O'Connell | April 12, 2019 |
| 3 | "Chapter Three: Free Scones" | Anna Dokoza | Ryan O'Connell | April 12, 2019 |
| 4 | "Chapter Four: Housechilling Party" | Anna Dokoza | Ryan O'Connell | April 12, 2019 |
| 5 | "Chapter Five: Vagina Momologues" | Anna Dokoza | Ryan O'Connell | April 12, 2019 |
| 6 | "Chapter Six: Straight Potential" | Anna Dokoza | Ryan O'Connell | April 12, 2019 |
| 7 | "Chapter Seven: Blind Deaf Date" | Anna Dokoza | Ryan O'Connell | April 12, 2019 |
| 8 | "Chapter Eight: Gay Gardens" | Anna Dokoza | Ryan O'Connell | April 12, 2019 |
Production
Development
On February 5, 2019, Netflix announced that it had given the production a series order for an eight-episode first season, set to premiere on April 12, 2019.[10] The series is created by Ryan O'Connell, who is credited as an executive producer, alongside Jim Parsons, Anna Dokoza, Eric Norsoph and Todd Spiewak.[10] Production companies involved with the series were slated to consist of That's Wonderful Productions and Stage 13.[10]
Casting
Alongside the series order announcement, it was confirmed that Ryan O'Connell, Jessica Hecht, Punam Patel, Marla Mindelle, Augustus Prew, and Patrick Fabian would star in the series.[10]
Release
On March 25, 2019, Netflix released the first official trailer for the series.[11][8]
Reception
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 90% with an average rating of 6.33/10 based on 10 reviews.[12] Variety gave the show a positive review calling the main character "quick and snarky, deeply insecure and sometimes more selfish than he’s willing to admit. He makes mistakes and pays for them, undergoing a hell of a lot of change in the short time 'Special' gets to show it."[13] TV Guide gave the show a mixed review saying that, "Hopefully Special gets a second season with a bigger budget, a writing staff, and more time to plan. The way Season 1 improves as it goes along shows Special still has a lot of potential."[14]
References
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (December 26, 2018). "Midseason Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series: 2019 Edition". Deadline. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ "I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves to Get Through Our Twenties". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ Petski, Denise (February 5, 2019). "Netflix Orders Ryan O'Connell Comedy Series 'Special' Produced By Jim Parsons". Deadline. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ "Netflix's upcoming series, 'Special' explores the life of a disabled gay man". The Rustin Times. April 9, 2019. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
- ^ Nakamura, Reid (February 5, 2019). "Netflix Orders Cerebral Palsy Comedy Series 'Special' From Ryan O'Connell, Jim Parsons". The Wrap. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ Rodriguez, Matthew (February 6, 2019). "A Comedy About a Gay Man with Cerebral Palsy Is Coming to Netflix". www.out.com. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ Porter, Rick (February 5, 2019). "Netflix Orders Jim Parsons-Produced Comedy Series". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
- ^ a b Nordine, Michael (March 25, 2019). "'Special' Trailer: Netflix Series Shows the Highs and Lows of Being Gay and Disabled". IndieWire. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
- ^ "Special – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "Ryan O'Connell and Jim Parsons' Special is Coming to Netflix". Netflix Media Center. February 5, 2019. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
- ^ Shepherd, Jack (March 26, 2019). "Special trailer: New Netflix series' lead character is gay and has cerebral palsy". Independent. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Special: Season 1 (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
- ^ "TV Review: 'Special' on Netflix". Variety. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Special Review: Netflix Let This Promising Comedy Down". TV Guide. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
