Special (TV series)
American comedy web television series
Special is an American comedy-drama television series created by Ryan O'Connell for Netflix. Starring Ryan O'Connell, the series is a semi-autobiographical account of his life as a gay man in Los Angeles with cerebral palsy pursuing new friendships, relationships, and self-sufficiency.
It is based on O'Connell's memoir I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves.
The series premiered on April 12, 2019, and concluded on May 20, 2021, after two seasons. It received positive reviews and earned four nominations at the 71st Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, one for Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series and three for the performances of Ryan, Jessica Hecht, and Punam Patel.
Synopsis
Special is an LGBTQ series about a gay man, Ryan, with mild cerebral palsy who decides to rewrite his identity and chase his dreams.
Cast and characters
Main
Ryan O'Connell as Ryan Hayes, an unpaid intern at Eggwoke
Jessica Hecht as Karen Hayes, Ryan's mother
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
Max Jenkins as Tanner (season 2), Ryan's love interest who is in an open relationship with a man named Richard
Recurring
Gina Marie Hughes as Samantha, Ryan and Kim's co-worker at Eggwoke
Buck Andrews as Henry (season 2), a neurodivergent love interest of Ryan
Guest stars
Kat Rogers as Caitie
Jason Michael Snow as Keaton
Brian Jordan Alvarez as Shay
Shalita Grant as Rae
Charlie Barnett as Harrison (season 2), Kim's love interest. He comes from a poor and difficult background. After the sale of his company he becomes quite wealthy but it comes with a struggle with his family, who wants part of his money.
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