Critic Reviews
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67
Metascore
Generally Favorable
positive
7(70%)
mixed
3(30%)
negative
0(0%)
Showing 10 Critic Reviews
Apr 10, 2019
80
With a full half-hour and a bigger budget, Special could go from being a great if slightly-too-scant story to something really magical.
Apr 24, 2019
80
While O’Connell’s story centers on his disability, his performance foregrounds his likable vibe, endearingly cheeky humor, and just enough scream-at-the-screen cluelessness.
Dec 3, 2019
80
There are flashes of wit, slapstick, warmth and sadness sown all the way through Special, glinting out at you as the whole thing races by. I ended up watching the entire show in one go, and it would be no hardship to sit down at any point and watch it all again.
Apr 8, 2019
70
If the series were given more time to tell his story, it would be fascinating and even more satisfying to see where O’Connell might take it.
Apr 9, 2019
70
Special is a work in progress about a character who's a work in progress and, in this quickly digestible form, it's set up to potentially continue to grow into something special — hopefully without losing that under-20-minute charm.
Apr 12, 2019
67
There’s plenty to improve upon, but “Special” has the right pieces in place.
May 2, 2019
65
The 15-minute episodes are an easy binge and the two lead characters — Ryan and work friend Kim (Punam Patel) — are often a hoot even if some of the secondary characters (a witch-on-wheels boss, in particular) and situations undercut the show’s attempts at realism.
Apr 11, 2019
60
Irreverent and enjoyably brisk. ... Special is only truly memorable when it depicts Ryan's endearingly awkward embrace of his sexuality. [15-28 Apr 2019, p.13]
Apr 1, 2019
50
It's a promising premise, with charming performances from its supporting cast, but Special's quirkiness, only-sometimes-successfully sweet emotional moments, off putting characters, and humor don't mix well. [5/12 Apr 2019, p.92]
