Editors' Picks: Week of April 19, 20196 of 10
Binge Trial of the Week
Even at a mere 15 minutes per episode, "Special" does not go down easy. But it's impossible to stop thinking about Ryan O'Connell's chatty Netflix series, which is based on his memoir about growing up as a gay man with cerebral palsy, after watching the show's promising, maddening first season. O'Connell's obstacles and adventures seem to exist in the same universe as "Shrill" because both programs challenge you to get into the mindset of Difficult Leading Characters and the rad people who support them unconditionally. Extra-special attention should be paid to Jessica Hecht, who plays Ryan's mother and, similar to Fran (Lolly Adefope) from "Shrill," deserves serious Emmy attention.
Watch the trailer for "Special"
Even at a mere 15 minutes per episode, "Special" does not go down easy. But it's impossible to stop thinking about Ryan O'Connell's chatty Netflix series, which is based on his memoir about growing up as a gay man with cerebral palsy, after watching the show's promising, maddening first season. O'Connell's obstacles and adventures seem to exist in the same universe as "Shrill" because both programs challenge you to get into the mindset of Difficult Leading Characters and the rad people who support them unconditionally. Extra-special attention should be paid to Jessica Hecht, who plays Ryan's mother and, similar to Fran (Lolly Adefope) from "Shrill," deserves serious Emmy attention.
Watch the trailer for "Special"