10 shows that prove we’re in a golden age of queer comedies

Special

Another semi-autobiographical Netflix series, Special follows Ryan, a gay man living with cerebral palsy as he navigates his personal life and career.

Unlike other coming out stories, Ryan is out and proud about his queer identity. It’s his disability he is in the closet about. Rather than telling his coworkers the truth, he tells them all his limp is due to a car accident.

Like any character with a secret, we know the truth will come out eventually, but watching the events of the season unfold is entertaining and joyous.

Of course, Ryan’s identities intersect often. Because of his cerebral palsy, independence as most able-bodied folks would define it is hard for him to come by. He and his mother, his primary caregiver, have an extremely close relationship (one that many might say is co-dependent).

Ryan and his mother (the brilliant Jessica Hecht) Karen’s relationship is the heart and soul of Special, one that many gay men will recognize. If you’re a viewer with a disability or a caregiver of a loved one living with one, it will ring even more true.

Special may be the easiest binge of all, a trendy Netflix show with 15-minute episodes. The entire first season can be viewed in the time it takes to watch a movie. So get to it, because Special is truly special indeed.