The BEST episodes of Special

Every episode of Special ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Special!

A young gay man with cerebral palsy branches out from his insular existence in hopes of finally going after the life he wants.

Last Updated: 3/16/2024Network: NetflixStatus: Ended
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Chapter Eight: Gay Gardens
star
7.81
108 votes

#1 - Chapter Eight: Gay Gardens

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 4/12/2019

Conflicted by how he’s being defined, Ryan decides to come clean at work and with his friends. But focusing on himself leaves Karen feeling left out.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Chapter Three: Free Scones
star
7.72
120 votes

#2 - Chapter Three: Free Scones

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 4/12/2019

Karen reluctantly agrees to help Ryan find an apartment while Kim eagerly volunteers to help him check another big milestone off his list.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Chapter Six: Straight Potential
star
7.60
107 votes

#3 - Chapter Six: Straight Potential

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 4/12/2019

While Ryan attends a dudes’ poker night, Karen lets loose with Phil at home, basking in her affection for him -- and for grilled cheese.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Chapter Five: Vagina Momologues
star
7.59
110 votes

#4 - Chapter Five: Vagina Momologues

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 4/12/2019

Karen’s shopping trip is cut short as she tends to pressing matters for her mother and Ryan, fueling frustrations with her role as dual-caregiver.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Watch Now:Apple TV
I Don’t Like It Like This
star
7.59
83 votes

#5 - I Don’t Like It Like This

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 5/20/2021

As Ryan and Kim try to unpack their respective romantic situations, Ryan’s gets an unexpected new wrinkle. Karen catches up with an old friend.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Writer: Mason Flink
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
That’s the Way the Boys Are
star
7.52
75 votes

#6 - That’s the Way the Boys Are

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 5/20/2021

On the night of Kim’s birthday bash, she and Ryan find themselves at a crossroads. Karen bonds with Phil’s new flame, but things turn awkward quickly.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Ryan Joins the Crips
star
7.51
75 votes

#7 - Ryan Joins the Crips

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 5/20/2021

Ryan explores a new romantic opportunity but is caught off guard by a surprising dilemma. A destitute Kim is forced to move back in with her parents.

Directors: Craig Johnson
Watch Now:Apple TV
Death by a Thousand Cold Cuts
star
7.45
75 votes

#8 - Death by a Thousand Cold Cuts

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 5/20/2021

A big loss exposes bigger fissures in Ryan and Karen’s relationship and sends Karen seeking out some familiar comfort.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Chapter Two: The Deep End
star
7.44
125 votes

#9 - Chapter Two: The Deep End

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 4/12/2019

Kim encourages a daunted Ryan to be more comfortable with his body at Olivia’s pool party, where they both make some surprising new friends.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Chapter Four: Housechilling Party
star
7.43
122 votes

#10 - Chapter Four: Housechilling Party

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 4/12/2019

Ryan’s underwhelming attempt at a housewarming party leads to a bonding session with Kim. Karen’s nest doesn’t stay empty for long.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Watch Now:Apple TV
Here’s Where the Story Ends
star
7.42
76 votes

#11 - Here’s Where the Story Ends

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 5/20/2021

As Olivia’s wedding arrives, Ryan, Kim and Karen find themselves facing tough changes — but also discovering opportunities that may be truly special.

Directors: Craig Johnson
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Chapter Seven: Blind Deaf Date
star
7.40
109 votes

#12 - Chapter Seven: Blind Deaf Date

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 4/12/2019

An unconventional blind date leads Ryan to examine his own biases and insecurities. Friction develops in Karen and Phil’s burgeoning romance.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
One Day Stand
star
7.39
84 votes

#13 - One Day Stand

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 5/20/2021

A night out leads Ryan to an exciting but complicated new connection. As Karen longs for reconciliation with her son, Kim questions their dynamic.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Chapter One: Cerebral LOLzy
star
7.26
142 votes

#14 - Chapter One: Cerebral LOLzy

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 4/12/2019

In the wake of being hit by a car, Ryan begins a coveted internship and finds an opportunity to redefine himself based on his recent run-in.

Directors: Anna Dokoza
Watch Now:Apple TV
Prom Queens
star
7.12
75 votes

#15 - Prom Queens

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 5/20/2021

Tensions simmer as Kim’s family celebrates Diwali, while things get super awkward at the “Crips Prom” between Ryan’s new friends and his date.

Directors: Craig Johnson
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Why Is No One Ready?
star
7.11
75 votes

#16 - Why Is No One Ready?

Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 5/20/2021

A weekend getaway proves anything but relaxing for Ryan and Tanner, as Karen takes a long-overdue trip herself. Kim and Ravi examine their relationship.

Directors: Craig Johnson
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV