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Special is a Netflix original series that follows the life of Ryan (played by Ryan O'Connell), a gay man with cerebral palsy. The show is based on O'Connell's memoir, "I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves." The story is set in Los Angeles, California, where Ryan lives with his mother Karen (Jessica Hecht) and where he dreams of one day becoming a successful writer.

Ryan is portrayed as a charming, witty and intelligent individual who has a unique perspective on life, thanks to his disability. However, he also experiences many challenges, especially when it comes to managing his independence and asserting himself in a world that often misunderstands disabled people. He tackles these challenges while also dealing with his own self-doubt and insecurities.

Throughout the show, Ryan tries to navigate his personal and professional life, while battling self-doubt and anxiety. His struggles are compounded when he is offered a job at a snarky millennial fiction website after a car accident that he uses to his advantage to keep his disability a secret. He eventually finds love and starts to accept himself for who he is.

Special tackles important topics such as disability, homosexuality, racism, and mental illness. It addresses these topics with warmth and humor, but it never shies away from portraying the harsh realities that people with disabilities and marginalized identities face. The show is a refreshing and inspiring tribute to representation and diversity.

The supporting cast gives excellent performances, including Augustus Prew as Ryan's coworker and love interest, Patrick Fabian as Ryan's employer, Punam Patel as Ryan's best friend, and Marla Mindelle as Ryan's queer, bawdy boss. All characters add richness and complexity to the show, often acting as catalysts to Ryan's development.

The cinematography is one of the show's highlights, capturing the vibrancy of LA's streets and the quirkiness of its characters. The writing is also consistently sharp, keeping up with the show's witty and caustic humor; it's delightful in only ten short episodes.

Special is a much-needed show that shares stories about people who are often underrepresented in mainstream media. It's a rare gem that manages to mix important social issues with humor and heart. The show stays away from clich

Special is a series that ran for 2 seasons (18 episodes) between April 12, 2019 and on Netflix