Special is a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama created by and starring Ryan O'Connell, based on his own life as a gay man with cerebral palsy living in Los Angeles.

The series is adapted from O'Connell's memoir 'I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves.'

Jim Parsons served as one of the executive producers alongside Ryan O'Connell, Anna Dokoza, Eric Norsoph and Todd Spiewak.

Netflix ordered an eight-episode first season on February 5, 2019, and the entire main cast including Ryan O'Connell, Jessica Hecht, Punam Patel, Marla Mindelle, Augustus Prew, and Patrick Fabian was confirmed at the same time.

The show was renewed for a second and final season on December 16, 2019, which turned out to be its concluding season, ending the series after just two seasons.

The series earned four nominations at the 71st Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, including one for Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series and three for the performances of Ryan O'Connell, Jessica Hecht, and Punam Patel.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds a 96% approval rating based on 25 reviews, with critics praising O'Connell's 'infectious charms' despite the season's brevity.