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Comedy

The Best Episodes of Special

Every episode of Special ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Special!

Binge this in 5h 55m•Peaking at 8.2/10

A gay man with mild cerebral palsy decides to rewrite his identity as an accident victim and finally go after the life he wants.

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Seasons2

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Special Season 2 Episode 4 - Death by a Thousand Cold Cuts
    8.2/10(203 votes)

    S2:E4

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

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Leila Cohan-Miccio

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  2. Special Season 1 Episode 3 - Chapter Three: Free Scones
    8.1/10(370 votes)

    S1:E3

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

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Ryan O'Connell

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  3. Special Season 2 Episode 5 - Ryan Joins the Crips
    8.0/10(183 votes)

    S2:E5

    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.

    Director:Craig Johnson
    Writer:Keshni Kashyap

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  4. Special Season 2 Episode 3 - That's the Way the Boys Are
    7.9/10(193 votes)

    S2:E3

    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.

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Liz Elverenli

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  5. Special Season 2 Episode 8 - Here's Where the Story Ends
    7.9/10(190 votes)

    S2:E8

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

    Director:Craig Johnson
    Writer:Ryan O'Connell

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  6. Special Season 1 Episode 8 - Chapter Eight: Gay Gardens
    7.8/10(321 votes)

    S1:E8

    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.

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Ryan O'Connell

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Special

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  7. Special Season 1 Episode 5 - Chapter Five: Vagina Momologues
    7.7/10(326 votes)

    S1:E5

    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.

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Ryan O'Connell

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  8. Special Season 1 Episode 6 - Chapter Six: Straight Potential
    7.7/10(310 votes)

    S1:E6

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

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Ryan O'Connell

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  9. Special Season 2 Episode 2 - I Don't Like It Like This
    7.7/10(202 votes)

    S2:E2

    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.

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Mason Flink

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  10. Special Season 1 Episode 2 - Chapter Two: The Deep End
    7.6/10(364 votes)

    S1:E2

    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.

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Ryan O'Connell

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  11. Special Season 1 Episode 4 - Chapter Four: Housechilling Party
    7.6/10(323 votes)

    S1:E4

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

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Ryan O'Connell

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  12. Special Season 2 Episode 1 - One Day Stand
    7.5/10(216 votes)

    S2:E1

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

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Ryan O'Connell

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  13. Special Season 2 Episode 6 - Prom Queens
    7.5/10(171 votes)

    S2:E6

    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.

    Director:Craig Johnson
    Writer:Leila Cohan-Miccio

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  14. Special Season 1 Episode 1 - Chapter One: Cerebral LOLzy
    7.4/10(395 votes)

    S1:E1

    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.

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Ryan O'Connell

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  15. Special Season 1 Episode 7 - Chapter Seven: Blind Deaf Date
    7.4/10(305 votes)

    S1:E7

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

    Director:Anna Dokoza
    Writer:Ryan O'Connell

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  16. Special Season 2 Episode 7 - Why Is No One Ready?
    7.4/10(178 votes)

    S2:E7

    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.

    Director:Craig Johnson
    Writer:Ryan O'Connell

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Best Episodes Summary

"Death by a Thousand Cold Cuts" is the best rated episode of "Special". It scored 8.2/10 based on 203 votes. Directed by Anna Dokoza and written by Leila Cohan-Miccio, it aired on 5/20/2021. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Chapter Three: Free Scones".