WHEN I'M READY Trailer (2025) Lauren Cohan, Romance

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WHEN I'M READY Trailer (2025) Lauren Cohan, Andrew Ortenberg, June Schreiner, Dermot Mulroney, Romance
© 2025 - Quiver Distribution

"I can't believe it's really gonna happen." Briarcliff Entertainment & 19th Hole Productions have unveiled an official trailer for an indie film called When I'm Ready, a "romantic end-of-the-world thriller" from filmmaker Andrew Johnson. Set for release in February just in time for Valentine's Day - including on VOD to watch at home if you want. It's the end of the world. Seeking meaning and thrills in their last days alive, Rose and Michael embark on a cross-country road trip as a devastating asteroid threatens to wipe out life on Earth. While journeying to see her grandmother one last time before they perish, they fight to find meaning and adventure in the world's final week. Starring Andrew Ortenberg & June Schreiner as Michael & Rose, with Thalia Besson, Lauren Cohan, and Dermot Mulroney. Bryan Curtis of The Ringer also voices a radio DJ updating citizens on the progress of the asteroids as the hours tick down. This trailer plays up how crazy people would be if it was really happening, hence why it's more of a thriller. Looks quite good.

Here's the official trailer (+ posters) for Andrew Johnson's film When I'm Ready, direct from YouTube:

When I'm Ready Poster

When I'm Ready Poster

When I'm Ready revolves around a young couple, Rose and Michael (starring June Schreiner and Andrew Ortenberg), on a road trip across the country during the last days before an extinction event, as asteroids threaten to wipe out all life on earth. While journeying to see the girl's grandmother one last time before they perish, they fight to find meaning and adventure in the world's final week. Along the way Rose and Michael encounter a rotating cast of lost souls from different backgrounds, each looking for something very different out of the end. When I'm Ready is directed by indie filmmaker Andrew Johnson, making his feature directorial debut with this project, who also works as an art director. The screenplay is written by Andrew Ortenberg. Produced by Robert Ballo, Jordan Dykstra, Andrew Ortenberg, and Eli Samek. This hasn't premiered at any festivals or elsewhere, as far as we know. Briarcliff Ent. will debut When I'm Ready in select US theaters on February 7th, 2025, then on VOD starting February 14th this winter. Who's in?
Quiver Distribution has shared a poster and trailer for director Andrew Johnson’s apocalyptic romance When I’m Ready ahead of its release this Valentine’s Day.

The film follows couple Rose and Michael as they decide to spend what could be their last days alive on a road trip as a devastating asteroid hurtles towards Earth.

The cast includes Andrew Ortenberg, June Schreiner, Lauren Cohan and Dermot Mulroney. Watch the trailer below…

It’s the end of the world. Seeking meaning and thrills in their last days alive, Rose and Michael embark on a cross-country road trip as a devastating asteroid threatens to wipe out life on Earth.

When I’m Ready arrives on digital on February 14th.
Quiver Distribution has taken North American distribution rights to the romantic end-of-days thriller When I’m Ready, starring Andrew Ortenberg, June Schreiner, Thalia Besson, Lauren Cohan, and Dermot Mulroney.

Quiver and Briarcliff will jointly oversee theatrical release which is set for Feb. 7, 2025 followed by a digital release on Feb. 14. Quiver will handle the home entertainment release of the Ortenberg written movie.

Directed by Andrew Johnson, When I’m Ready revolves around a young couple, Rose and Michael, on a road trip across the country during the last days before an extinction event, as asteroids threaten to wipe out all life on earth. While journeying to see the girl’s grandmother one last time before they perish, they fight to find meaning and adventure in the world’s final week. Along the way Rose and Michael encounter a rotating cast of lost souls from different backgrounds, each looking for something very different out of the end.

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When I’m Ready is a collaboration with Briarcliff Entertainment and 19th Hole Productions.

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Cohan plays Julia, a former beauty queen holding out hope for last minute love while riding out the end with her daughter Apryl (Luciana VanDette). Cohan spent over a decade starring on ‘The Walking Dead’, and currently leads the spinoff series ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’. It’s her first on-camera film appearance since her role in 2018’s Mile 22 opposite Mark Wahlberg.

Mulroney plays Keith, a solitary drifter spending his final days scavenging and in search of human connection. He starred in the box office hits, Scream VI and Anyone But You.

Besson, one of the stars of the recently released season of Emily in Paris and the daughter of French filmmaker Luc Besson, plays Michelle, the leader of a pack of young hedonistic party-goers on their way to an end of the world rave.

Bryan Curtis of The Ringer voices a radio DJ updating citizens on the progress of the asteroids as the hours tick down.

Producers on the pic are Ortenberg, Eli Samek, Jordan Dykstra, Robert Ballo and Tom Ortenberg. EPs are Clay Pecorin, Russell Geyser, James Masciello, Matthew Sidari and Ellen Wander. 19th Hole, the label founded by Ortenberg and Samek, handled production with Quiver and Briarcliff now teaming up for the domestic distribution. FilmBridge International is selling the international.

Larry Greenberg and TJ Smith represented Quiver Distribution in the deal for rights to When I’m Ready, with Jordan Dysktra negotiating on behalf of the filmmakers.

“We’re so incredibly excited to get When I’m Ready out there in the world, and couldn’t ask for better or more supportive partners than the team at Quiver. We set out to make an end of the world film unlike any other, and we can’t wait for audiences to see it,” said Andrew Ortenberg.

The pic reps a reteam for Quiver CEO Jeff Sackman and Briarcliff CEO Tom Ortenberg, as the two worked together in the early days of Lionsgate in the late 90s.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with writer/producer/star Andrew Ortenberg and director Andrew Johnson to bring this audience-pleasing YA apocalyptic romance to audiences across North America.” said Quiver Distribution Co-Presidents Berry Meyerowitz and Jeff Sackman. “We hope this is the first of many collaborations during what will inevitably be a long and illustrious career.”

Below is the trailer:

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Read More About:
Andrew Ortenberg
Briarcliff Entertainment
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Lauren Cohan

Cohan at the 2023 Wonder Con
Born Lauren Storholm
January 7, 1982 (age 43)
Cherry Hill, New Jersey, U.S.
Citizenship
United StatesUnited Kingdom
Alma mater King Alfred's College (BA)
Occupation Actress
Years active 1996–present
Signature

Lauren Cohan (born January 7, 1982)[1] is an American actress known for her role as Maggie Rhee in the AMC post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead (2011–2018; 2020–2022), a role she reprises in The Walking Dead: Dead City (2023–present). Her other notable TV roles include Bela Talbot in the dark fantasy drama Supernatural (2007–2008), Rose in the supernatural teen drama The Vampire Diaries (2010–2012), Vivian McArthur Volkoff in the action comedy Chuck (2011), and Francesca "Frankie" Trowbridge in the action comedy-drama Whiskey Cavalier (2019). Her film appearances include the comedy Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj (2006), the psychological thriller horror The Boy (2016), the biographical drama All Eyez on Me (2017), and the action thriller Mile 22 (2018).

Early life
Cohan was born Lauren Storholm in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to an American father and a British immigrant mother from Scotland.[2][3] She was raised in New Jersey and spent a year in Georgia.[4][5][6][7] When she was thirteen, her family moved to her mother's native United Kingdom,[8] settling in Surrey, England.[3]

Upon her mother's remarriage, Lauren's surname was legally changed to that of her stepfather, Cohan.[3] She converted to Judaism at the age of five.[9]

She has younger half-siblings through her mother and father's remarriages.[10][11] Cohan graduated from King Alfred's College, Winchester (now the University of Winchester)[12] with a bachelor of arts in drama and English literature before touring with a theatre company she co-founded at the university.

Career

Cohan in 2013
Film
In 2006 and 2007, after her film debut in Casanova (2005) as Sister Beatrice, Cohan starred in the sequel to Van Wilder (2002), Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj, as Charlotte Higginson. Her next role was in the 2008 film Float. In February 2010, she was cast in Death Race 2[13] and was the lead in the 2016 supernatural-horror The Boy.[14] Also in 2016, she appeared as Martha Wayne, Batman's deceased mother, in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and played Leila Steinberg in the 2017 biographical drama All Eyez on Me.

Television
In 2007, Cohan garnered her first major supporting role, which was also described as a season lead, when she was cast for season three of Supernatural as Bela Talbot, a thief who procures valuable supernatural objects and sells them to rich and powerful people in the supernatural world. The character appeared in six episodes of the series. Her final appearance was in the penultimate episode of season three titled "Time Is on My Side".[15]

Cohan played the recurring character Rose, a 560-year-old vampire, in The Vampire Diaries. In 2011, she joined the television series Chuck in a recurring role playing Vivian McArthur Volkoff, a "charming, sophisticated socialite" from the United Kingdom, and the daughter of primary villain, Alexei Volkoff. She also guest starred on shows such as Archer, Cold Case, CSI: NY, Life, and Modern Family.

Cohan starred in a pilot for The CW called Heavenly (2011) in which she played the lead character, Lily, an attorney who teams up with an angel; however, it was not picked up as a series.[16]

In April 2011, Cohan was cast in her most notable role as Maggie Greene (later Maggie Rhee)[17] on The Walking Dead,[18] an AMC post-apocalyptic horror television series based on the comic book series of the same name. She first appeared in season two as a recurring character, but she became a series regular at the start of season three.[19] The drama was the highest-rated series in cable television history in 2015.[20] At the conclusion of the eighth season of The Walking Dead, Cohan completed her contract obligations as a series regular. It was later reported Cohan had not reached an agreement to sign on for season nine as a main cast member due to a pay dispute, as she demanded an increased salary closer to the salaries of her male co-stars Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus. AMC refused and Cohan began making herself available for TV pilots.[21] Cohan eventually reached an agreement to appear in five episodes in the first half of season nine of The Walking Dead[22] and departed the series in 2018.[23]

In early 2018, in the midst of her contract negotiations with AMC regarding The Walking Dead, Cohan was cast as CIA operative Francesca "Frankie" Trowbridge in the ABC action comedy-drama Whiskey Cavalier.[24] Whiskey Cavalier was picked up to series in May 2018 and premiered on February 24, 2019.[25] ABC did not renew the series for a second season.[26] In October 2019, it was reported that Cohan would return to The Walking Dead as a series regular in the series' eleventh and final season.[27] Following the conclusion of the series, Cohan starred alongside Jeffrey Dean Morgan in the spinoff series The Walking Dead: Dead City, with both also serving as executive producers.[28] In July 2023, the series was renewed for a second season.[29]

Personal life
Cohan splits her time and work between London and Los Angeles.[30]

Filmography
Film
Year Title Role Notes
2003 The Quiet Assassin Alessia Short film
2005 Casanova Sister Beatrice
2006 Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj Charlotte Higginson
2008 Float Emily Fulton
2010 Young Alexander the Great Leto
2010 Practical Lauren Short film
2010 Death Race 2 September Jones Direct-to-video
2014 Reach Me Kate [31]
2016 The Boy Greta Evans [32]
2016 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Martha Wayne [33]
2017 All Eyez on Me Leila Steinberg [34]
2018 Mile 22 Alice Kerr [35]
2022 Catwoman: Hunted Julia Pennyworth (voice) Direct-to-video[36][37]
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2007 The Bold and the Beautiful Forrester Creations Employee Episode: "Episode #1.4986"
2007–2008 Supernatural Bela Talbot Main role (Season 3); 6 episodes
2008 Valentine Joanna Clay Episode: "Pilot"
2009 Life Jackie Rolder Episode: "Initiative 38"
2010 Modern Family Receptionist Episode: "Unplugged"
2010 Cold Case Rachel Malone '86 Episode: "One Fall"
2010 CSI: NY Meredith Muir Episode: "Flag on the Play"
2010–2012 The Vampire Diaries Rose Recurring (Seasons 2–3); 6 episodes
2011 Heavenly Lily Pilot
2011 Chuck Vivian McArthur Volkoff Recurring (Season 4); 5 episodes
2011–2018; 2020–2022 The Walking Dead Maggie Greene Main (seasons 3–9; 11), recurring (season 2), guest star (season 10); 145 episodes
2012 Childrens Hospital Lulu Pratt Episode: "British Hospital"
2013 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Avery Jordan Episode: "Legitimate Rape"
2014 Archer Juliana Calderon (voice) Recurring (Season 5); 4 episodes
2014 Tim & Eric's Bedtime Stories Stephanie Episode: "The Bathroom Boys"
2016 Lip Sync Battle Herself Episode: "Sonequa Martin-Green vs. Lauren Cohan"
2016 The Mindy Project Ashley Guest (Season 4); 2 episodes
2017 Robot Chicken Maggie Greene (voice) Episode: "The Robot Chicken Walking Dead Special: Look Who's Walking"
2019 Whiskey Cavalier Francesca "Frankie" Trowbridge Main role; 13 episodes[38]
2021; 2023 Invincible Holly / War Woman (voice) 2 episodes[37]
2021 The Walking Dead: Origins Herself Episode: "Maggie's Story"
2023–present The Walking Dead: Dead City Maggie Rhee Main role; also executive producer[39]
2024 Twilight of the Gods Inge 2 episodes[40]
Video games
Year Title Role Ref.
2014 Destiny Exo Stranger [41]
Awards and nominations
Year Association Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2012 Satellite Awards Best Television Cast (shared with the cast) The Walking Dead Won [42]
2013 Eyegore Awards Best Ensemble Cast Award (shared with the cast) Won [43]
2017 People's Choice Awards Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actress Nominated [44]
2022 Saturn Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Network or Cable Television Series Won [45]
2024 Saturn Awards Best Actress in a Television Series The Walking Dead: Dead City Nominated
References
"UPI Almanac for Monday, Jan, 7, 2019". United Press International. January 7, 2019. Archived from the original on September 21, 2019. Retrieved September 21, 2019. actor Lauren Cohan in 1989 (age 32)
"Walking Dead Actress Lauren Cohan Scottish Accent". YouTube. March 6, 2024. Retrieved May 11, 2024. Ferguson "you were raised by a Scottish, a Glaswegian mother" Cohan "yes"
"Lauren Cohan has turned killing zombies into a fine art in The Walking Dead, writes David Hiltbrand". News.com.au. February 11, 2014. Archived from the original on December 14, 2015. Retrieved March 7, 2016. ...of Scottish, Irish and Norwegian stock. ... When she was 13, her family moved to the UK. ... The transition to life in Surrey outside London.... When her mother remarried, she took both the last name (Cohan) and the faith (Jewish) of her stepfather.
Cohan, Lauren (March 27, 2014). "The Walking Dead's Lauren Cohan Tries Out Accents With Pete" (Interview). Interviewed by Pete Holmes. YouTube. Archived from the original on November 13, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2014. I hail from New Jersey. I was born in New Jersey.
Gray, Ellen (October 20, 2011). "Jersey Girl at heart? 'Dead' star Cohan left Cherry Hill for Britain". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on September 21, 2019. Retrieved September 21, 2019. For someone who spent the first 13 years of her life in Cherry Hill, N.J.,...
Some sources cite Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, including:
*Hiltbrand, David (November 24, 2013). "Lauren Cohan of 'Walking Dead' sticks it to zombies". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved September 29, 2014. Born in Philadelphia but raised in Cherry Hill
*"Lauren Cohan Biography". TV Guide. Retrieved September 21, 2019.
Byrne, Mark (October 2014). "Meet The Walking Dead's (Sorta-) Southern Belle, Lauren Cohan". GQ. Retrieved April 13, 2015. ...a rootless childhood, jumping from New Jersey to Georgia (a year, but it stuck), back to New Jersey, then to the UK.
Cohan, Lauren (March 30, 2014). Sam Roberts & Lauren Cohan - Walking Dead, Governor, Last Episodes, & more. Interviewed by Sam Roberts. Event occurs at 05:01. Archived from the original on April 6, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014. I was a kid growing up in the States and then I moved to England. ... My mum's British, and so that was what brought us back over there. ... She had moved to the States when she was sort of 17... [W]hen myself and my siblings were born, she was, like, 'C'mon, let's do it.' My dad's job had an opportunity out there, so we took it.
Miller, Gerri (September 4, 2007). "Fall TV Preview: Lauren Cohan". American Jewish Life. Genco Media. Archived from the original on January 15, 2008. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
"Instagram".
"Daniel Cohan on Instagram: "I'm an uncle! Isn't she precious?! @aliagrace_cf @tommyfinns and Isla I love you so much!!! ❤️"".
"Lauren Cohan — Cult US horror-thriller actress" (PDF). Venta. University of Winchester. Winter 2011. p. 8. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 16, 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2016.
Walkuski, Eric (March 1, 2010). "Sean Bean confirmed for Death Race 2; Lauren Cohan joins too". JoBlo.com. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
"This Walking Dead Star Just Scored Her First Major Film Deal". CINEMABLEND. January 27, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
"#SDCC14: Lauren Cohan Talks Bringing Bela Back to Supernatural - Dread Central". Dread Central. July 26, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
"The Walking Dead's Lauren Cohan to star in ABC pilot Whiskey Cavalier". Looper.com. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
Webb, Katherine (June 16, 2018). "'The Walking Dead': Here's What Happens to Maggie in the Comics".
"'The Walking Dead': Celebrating Lauren Cohan's Birthday With Some Of Maggie's Best Scenes". Comicbook.com.
"'The Walking Dead': Lauren Cohan Upped to Series Regular". The Hollywood Reporter. April 10, 2012.
Bibel, Sara (March 30, 2015). "'The Walking Dead' Season 5 Finale is Highest Rated Finale in Series History, Garnering 15.8 Million Viewers". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 1, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
"'Walking Dead' Cast Urges AMC to Settle Lauren Cohan Pay Dispute". ScreenCrush.
Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (April 25, 2018). "'The Walking Dead's Lauren Cohan To Return For Season 9 Arc – Update". Deadline Hollywood.
"Former 'The Walking Dead' Star Lauren Cohan Explains Why She Left". Comicbook.com.
"'Walking Dead' Star Lauren Cohan, Without Season 9 Contract, Books Lead in ABC Pilot". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
"Watch Whiskey Cavalier TV Show". American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
Andreeva, Nellie (May 12, 2019). "'Whiskey Cavalier' Canceled By ABC After One Season, Will Be Shopped Elsewhere By Warner Bros. TV". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
"'The Walking Dead' renewed for season 11 with Lauren Cohan returning as series regular". Entertainment Weekly.
Lowry, Brian (June 19, 2023). "'The Walking Dead: Dead City' breathes life into its most satisfying spinoff yet". CNN. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
Goldberg, Lesley (July 21, 2023). "'Walking Dead' Spinoffs 'Dead City,' 'Daryl Dixon' Renewed at AMC". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
"Lauren Cohan". tvsa.co.za. TVSA. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
Bishop, Bryan (August 22, 2013). "Sylvester Stallone and director John Herzfeld turn to Kickstarter to finish Reach Me". The Verge. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
Kit, Borys (January 23, 2015). "Walking Dead Star to Headline Horror Film The Boy (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
Clark, Noelene (January 22, 2016). "Walking Dead star set for Batman v Superman cameo". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
Busch, Anita (January 15, 2016). "Lauren Cohan Steps Into Key Role In Tupac Shakur Biopic All Eyez On Me". Deadline. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
Kit, Borys (November 7, 2017). "Walking Dead Star Lauren Cohan Joins Mark Walhberg in Action Movie Mile 22". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
Couch, Aaron (August 17, 2021). "Catwoman: Hunted Sets Voice Cast (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
"Lauren Cohan (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved July 29, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
Andreeva, Nellie (February 20, 2018). "Lauren Cohan To Star In Whiskey Cavalier ABC Pilot, Could Return To Walking Dead". Deadline. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
Ross, Dalton (March 7, 2022). "Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan to star in new Walking Dead spin-off". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
Otterson, Joe (May 3, 2023). "Zack Snyder's Netflix Animated Series Twilight of the Gods Brings on Xilam as Animation Studio". Variety. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
Destiny – End Credits – IGN Video. IGN Video. September 11, 2014. Archived from the original on November 7, 2019. Retrieved December 4, 2014.
"Satellite Awards Nominates 10 Films for Best Motion Picture". The Hollywood Reporter. December 3, 2012. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
"Interviews With The Stars On The Halloween Horror Nights Eyegore Awards Red Carpet! #UniversalHHN". Brite and Bubbly. September 22, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
"People's Choice Awards 2017: Full List Of Nominees". People's Choice. November 15, 2016. Archived from the original on November 17, 2016. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
Tinoco, Armando (August 12, 2022). "Saturn Awards Nominations: 'The Batman', 'Nightmare Alley', 'Spider-Man', 'Better Call Saul' Top List". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lauren Cohan.
Lauren Cohan at IMDb
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Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television
Authority control databases Edit this at Wikidata
Categories: 1982 births21st-century American actressesActresses from New JerseyAlumni of the University of WinchesterAmerican film actressesAmerican people of Irish descentAmerican people of Norwegian descentAmerican people of Scottish descentAmerican stage actressesAmerican television actressesConverts to JudaismJewish American actressesLiving peopleActors from Cherry Hill, New JerseyActresses from Greater Los Angeles21st-century English women21st-century American Jews
Adam Brody

Brody in 2011
Born Adam Jared Brody
December 15, 1979 (age 45)
San Diego, California, U.S.
Occupation Actor
Years active 1999–present
Spouse Leighton Meester ​(m. 2014)​
Children 2
Adam Jared Brody (born December 15, 1979)[1] is an American actor. His breakout role was as Seth Cohen on the Fox television series The O.C. (2003–2007).[2] Brody appeared in films including Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Thank You for Smoking (2005), In the Land of Women (2007), and Jennifer's Body (2009). In the 2010s, Brody had supporting roles in comedies including Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012) and Sleeping with Other People (2015), and dramatic films such as Lovelace (2013). He appeared in a number of television series during this time, and starred in and produced the television series StartUp (2016–2018).

Brody has also appeared in the DC superhero film Shazam! (2019) and its sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), and in the thriller films Ready or Not (2019) and Promising Young Woman (2020). He also starred in the mystery film The Kid Detective (2020) and the Hulu miniseries Fleishman Is in Trouble (2022). For his performance as a rabbi in the Netflix romantic comedy series Nobody Wants This (2024), he earned a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.

Early life
Brody was born in San Diego, California,[3][4] to Valerie Jill (née Siefman),[5] a graphic artist, and Mark Alan Brody, an attorney.[6] He has younger twin brothers, Sean and Matthew (born 1985).[7] His parents, both Jewish, are originally from Detroit. Brody had a bar mitzvah ceremony and grew up celebrating Jewish holidays.[8][9]

Brody grew up in suburban San Diego, where he attended Wangenheim Middle School and Scripps Ranch High School and received "poor grades".[10] He spent much of his time surfing,[11] admitting that he "pretty much lived at the beach".[10]

Brody attended community college at MiraCosta College for one year, dropping out at the age of 19; he then moved to Hollywood to become an actor.[2]

Acting career

Brody at the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival
After a year of training and auditioning, Brody landed the role of Barry Williams in the television film Growing Up Brady (2000) and appeared in the Canadian comedy series The Sausage Factory. In 2001, he had a minor role in American Pie 2.[12] Brody's first major television role came in 2002, when he was cast in a recurring role on the third season of the comedy-drama series Gilmore Girls as Dave Rygalski, Lane's bandmate and love interest.[citation needed]

In 2003, Brody appeared in the movie Grind and the music video for "Too Bad About Your Girl" by the Donnas. That year, he was cast in his breakout role as Seth Cohen on the teen drama series The O.C., where he reportedly improvised some of the character's comedic dialogue.[11] The role turned him into a teen idol, with the character described by the Los Angeles Times as "TV's sexiest geek"[11] and by Time as having "redefined" the screen persona of "unapologetic" nerdiness.[2] Brody was the first male on the cover of Elle Girl.[2][13]

In 2005, Brody had a supporting role in the film Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and played a Hollywood studio assistant in the film adaptation of Thank You for Smoking (2006).[11] His next film role was in the romantic comedy In the Land of Women (2007), as a writer who returns to his mother's Michigan hometown to take care of his sick grandmother. He did not have to audition for the part, but was almost unable to appear in the film because of scheduling conflicts with the second season of The O.C.; the film's director pushed filming back eight months because he wanted Brody to star.[11][13] The O.C. ended its run in 2007 after four seasons. Brody had said that he was "not unhappy" with the show's cancellation,[13] and that although he was "fortunate" to be on a successful series, he was also glad to "not be on it for 10 years".[2]

After the end of The O.C.'s run, Brody turned to a full-time film career.[11] In 2007, he appeared in supporting roles in the films Smiley Face and The Ten.[11] In 2009, he starred in Boaz Yakin's drama Death in Love and in Diablo Cody's horror film Jennifer's Body. In 2010, he appeared in Kevin Smith's film Cop Out, and then in The Romantics. In July 2010, it was announced that he had worked play Detective Hoss in Scream 4,[14] which was released in April 2011. In 2011, he voiced Woodie in the MTV animated series Good Vibes,[15] and appeared in The Oranges.[16]

In January 2012, it was announced that Brody had joined the cast of Lovelace, a biopic about late 1970s porn star Linda Lovelace, directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. Brody portrayed Harry Reems.[17] He starred in Some Girl(s), which premiered at the 2013 SXSW Festival.[18] He appeared in Life Partners (2014).[19] In 2015, he appeared in Sleeping with Other People and starred as Billy Jones in Direct TV's sitcom Billy and Billie.[20][21][22]

In 2016, Brody starred in Sony Crackle's drama series StartUp.[23] He played the older version of Jack Dylan Grazer's character in the superhero film Shazam![24] and starred in the thriller Ready or Not, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett for Fox Searchlight.[25] The films were released in April and August 2019, respectively, both to positive reviews. Brody has also appeared as Max Larssen in the eight-part drama Curfew, beginning in February 2019.[26] In 2024, he co-starred in the first season of Netflix’s Nobody Wants This as Rabbi Noah Roklov who starts dating Kristen Bell’s character, Joanne, a shiksa. His performance earned him a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy.[27]

Other works
See also: Big Japan
Aside from acting, Brody is credited as a musician and writer; he says that he "writes screenplays and songs during [his] spare time."[28] In 2003, he wrote and produced the short film Home Security.[29]

In 2005, Brody, along with Nathaniel Castro, Bret Harrison, and Brad Babinski, formed the Los Angeles–based rock band Big Japan, with Brody as the drummer.[29] Their first release, Music for Dummies, was digitally released through Nightshift Records on August 23, 2005. The four-piece indie band played gigs at pubs and festivals from 2005 to 2007 such as The Knitting Factory, Bamboozle Left, The Roxy, Spaceland, and The Viper Room.[30][31]

In 2007, Brody, with Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo, co-wrote a comic-book miniseries for DC's Wildstorm Comics titled Red Menace.[32] The limited series had six issues and was collected into a trade paperback. Since 2010, Brody has played drums in the project band The Shortcoats; they released their first EP, This Time Last Year, on October 4, 2011. Their song "Morning, Shipwreck," which Brody co-wrote, is featured in the sitcom Ben and Kate and the 2015 film The Meddler.[citation needed]

Personal life
Brody is a secular Jew and is non-religious.[33] He has described himself as a "faux intellectual"[34][35][36] and is a member of the Democratic Party. He has joined voting action campaigns including Swing Left.[37][38]

In March 2010, Brody met actress Leighton Meester while filming The Oranges in Westchester, New York.[39][40] They were engaged in November 2013 and married in a private ceremony on February 15, 2014.[41][42][43] Their first child, a daughter, was born in 2015.[44] In 2020, they revealed they were expecting their second child,[45] a son who was born later that year.[46] In January 2025, their home was destroyed by the Palisades Fire.[47][48]

Filmography
Film
Year Title Role Notes
1999 Random Acts of Violence Student
2001 According to Spencer Tommy
American Pie 2 High school guy Unrated version
2002 The Ring Male teen #1 / "Kellen"
2003 Grind Dustin Knight
Home Security Greg Short film; also writer and producer[29]
Missing Brendan Patrick Calden
2005 Mr. & Mrs. Smith Benjamin Danz
Thank You for Smoking Jack Bein
2007 In the Land of Women Carter Webb
Smiley Face Steve the Dealer
The Ten Stephen Montgomery
2008 Death in Love Talent agent
2009 Jennifer's Body Nikolai Wolf
2010 Cop Out Barry Mangold
The Romantics Jake
2011 Damsels in Distress Charlie Walker
The Oranges Toby Walling
Scream 4 Deputy Hoss
2012 Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Owen
Revenge for Jolly! Danny Fidazzo
2013 Baggage Claim Sam
Lovelace Harry Reems
Some Girl(s) The Man
Welcome to the Jungle Chris
2014 Growing Up and Other Lies Rocks
Life Partners Tim
Think Like a Man Too Isaac
2015 Sleeping with Other People Sam
2016 Showing Roots Bud
Yoga Hosers Ichabod
2017 CHiPs Clay Allen
Big Bear Eric
2018 Isabelle Matt Kane
2019 Jay and Silent Bob Reboot Chronic-Con Hot Topic salesman
Shazam! Freddy Freeman (adult)
Ready or Not Daniel Le Domas
2020 The Kid Detective Abe Applebaum
Promising Young Woman Jerry
The Last Blockbuster Himself
2022 Scream Partygoer Voice cameo
My Father's Dragon Bob Voice
2023 Shazam! Fury of the Gods Freddy Freeman (adult)
River Wild Trevor Direct-to-video
American Fiction Wiley Valdespino
2024 The Gutter Building Inspector
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1999 The Amanda Show Greg Brady Episode: "When Brady's Attack"
2000 City Guys Customer #1 Episode: "Makin' Up is Hard to Do"
Family Law Noel Johnson Episode: "My Brother's Keeper"
Go Fish Billy Episode: "Go Student Council"
Growing Up Brady Barry Williams TV movie
Judging Amy Barry Gilmore Episode: "Romeo and Juliet Must Die – Well, Maybe Just Juliet"
Undressed Lucas 3 episodes
2000–2001 Once and Again Coop 3 episodes
2000–2002 The Sausage Factory Zack Altman Main cast
2001–2004 Grounded for Life Brian 2 episodes
2002 Smallville Justin Gaines Episode: "Crush"
2002–2003 Gilmore Girls Dave Rygalski Recurring role (season 3)
2003–2007 The O.C. Seth Cohen Main cast
2004 MADtv Seth Cohen Episode 9.22
2006 The Loop Keith MacDonald Episode: "The Rusty Trombone"
2011 Good Vibes Woodie Stone Main cast; voice role
2013 Burning Love Max Main cast (season 2)
House of Lies Nate Hyatt 3 episodes
Kroll Show Joel Faizon Episode: "Ice Dating"
The League Ted Rappaport 4 episodes
2014 New Girl Berkley Episode: "Exes"
The Cosmopolitans Jimmy Pilot
2015 Billy and Billie Billy Jones Main cast
2016–2018 StartUp Nick Talman Main cast; also producer
2018 Urban Myths Jack Lemmon Episode: "Marilyn Monroe and Billy Wilder"
2019–2020 Single Parents Derek Guest role (season 1); recurring role (season 2)
2019 Curfew Max Larssen 4 episodes
2020 Mrs. America Marc Feigen Fasteau Episode: "Phyllis & Fred & Brenda & Marc"
2022 Fleishman Is in Trouble Seth Morris Miniseries; main cast
2024 Nobody Wants This Noah Main cast
Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2004 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor: Drama The O.C. Won [49]
Choice TV: Breakout Actor The O.C. Nominated [50]
2004 Gold Derby Awards Drama Supporting Actor The O.C. Nominated [51]
2005 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV: Chemistry (shared with Rachel Bilson) The O.C. Won [52]
Choice TV Actor: Drama The O.C. Won
Choice Male Hottie Adam Brody Nominated
2006 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor: Drama The O.C. Won [53]
2010 Teen Choice Awards Choice Movie Actor: Horror/Thriller Jennifer's Body Nominated [54]
2014 Acapulco Black Film Festival Best Ensemble Cast Baggage Claim Nominated [55]
2018 British Horror Film Festival Best Actor Isabelle Nominated [56]
2021 Vancouver Film Critics Circle Best Actor in a Canadian Film The Kid Detective Nominated [57]
2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture American Fiction Nominated [58]
2025 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Nobody Wants This Nominated [59]
2025 Satellite Awards Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical Series Nobody Wants This Pending [60]
2025 Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Actor in a Comedy Series Nobody Wants This Pending [61]
2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series Nobody Wants This Pending [62]
References
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"Three More Join Scream 4". ComingSoon.net. July 2010. Archived from the original on October 7, 2012. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
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"Demi Moore and Adam Brody bone up for porn star biopic 'Lovelace' starring Amanda Seyfried". HitFix. January 2, 2011. Archived from the original on November 14, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
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Schulz, Lisa (February 26, 2015). "Adam Brody and Lisa Joyce Get Incestuous in DirecTV's 'Billy & Billie'". Variety. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
McCarthy, Lauren (September 5, 2016). "#ManCrushMonday: Adam Brody Is Not Seth Cohen on His New Show". Harper's Bazaar. Archived from the original on August 13, 2020. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
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"Another boost for Sky One's Curfew as Adam Brody joins supercharged cast". Sky Corporate. Archived from the original on February 20, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
"2025 Golden Globes nominations revealed: See the full list of nominees". Entertainment Weekly. December 9, 2024. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
Stein, Joel (April 12, 2007). "Looking for Mr. Adorkable". Time. Archived from the original on May 19, 2007. Retrieved April 15, 2007.
Lytal, Cristy (April 15, 2007). "Coming up from 'The O.C.'". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 27, 2014. Retrieved April 15, 2007.
"Following the Lead Set By | San Diego Reader". www.sandiegoreader.com. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
Hochman, Steve (October 12, 2006). "Rock star is the role he relishes". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
"O.C.'s Adam Brody Takes a Comic Turn". TV Guide. Archived from the original on April 6, 2016. Retrieved March 21, 2016.
Bloom, Nate (October 17, 2003). "Celebrity Jews". JWeekly. Archived from the original on February 3, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
"Actor Adam Brody here, ask me anything". Interviewly. Archived from the original on June 21, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
Engelberg, Keren (October 31, 2003). "Young Creator Spells Success 'O.C.'". The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on July 8, 2012. Retrieved December 13, 2006.
Reuven, Shmuel (April 15, 2007). "Adam Brody in the Land of Men". JewReview.net. Archived from the original on April 23, 2007. Retrieved April 16, 2007.
"Adam Brody Has Rare 'Gilmore Girls' Reunion, Lane & Dave Fans Rejoice". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on September 30, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
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"Leighton Meester loves 'Oranges' and the Big Apple". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
"Leighton & Adam's first red carpet pics after secret wedding". Glamour. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
Cosgrove Baylis, Sheila (November 20, 2013). "Leighton Meester Engaged to Adam Brody". People. Archived from the original on January 22, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
Eby, Margaret (November 20, 2013). "Leighton Meester, Adam Brody engaged after less than a year of dating". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on December 26, 2013. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
Takeda, Allison (February 18, 2014). "Leighton Meester, Adam Brody Married in Secret Wedding!". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014.
Leon, Anya; Jordan, Julie. "Adam Brody and Leighton Meester Welcome Daughter Arlo Day". People. Archived from the original on July 13, 2017. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
Juneau, Jen (April 2, 2020). "Leighton Meester Is Pregnant! Actress Steps Out and Reveals Baby Bump While in L.A." People. Archived from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
Juneau, Jen (September 11, 2020). "Leighton Meester and Adam Brody Welcome a Son: 'He's a Dream Boy'". People. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
Musto, Julia; Liddell, James; Hawkinson, Katie (January 8, 2025). "Palisades fire live updates: Five killed as new Hollywood Hills blaze prompts further evacuations". The Independent. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
Richwine, Lisa; O'Brain, Brenden; Lang, Hannah. "Celebrities lose homes, flee as Los Angeles fires spread". Reuters. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
Bowen, Kit (August 9, 2004). "Lindsay Lohan Tops Teen Choice Awards". Hollywood.com. Archived from the original on November 24, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
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Marder, Brian (August 5, 2005). "'Notebook' Big Winner at Teen Choice Awards". Hollywood.com. Archived from the original on November 24, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
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Barnard, Matthew (December 9, 2024). "NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR 82nd ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES®". Golden Globes. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
"2024 Nominees | International Press Academy". Retrieved December 16, 2024.
Pedersen, Erik (December 5, 2024). "'Shōgun' Leads with Six Critics Choice Awards TV Nominations – Full List". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
Lewis, Hilary (January 8, 2025). "2025 SAG Awards Nominations Revealed". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
External links

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Special

Genre Comedy, LGBTQ
Created by Ryan O'Connell
Based on I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves
by Ryan O'Connell
Starring
Ryan O'Connell
Jessica Hecht
Punam Patel
Marla Mindelle
Augustus Prew
Patrick Fabian
Max Jenkins
Brian Jordan Alvarez
Composer Joshua Moshier
Country of origin United States
Original language English
No. of seasons 2
No. of episodes 16
Production
Executive producers
Anna Dokoza
Eric Norsoph
Ryan O'Connell
Todd Spiewak
Jim Parsons
Cinematography
Philip Roy
Nate Miller
Jeremy Mackie
Editors
Thomas Calderón
Luis Colina
Taichi Erskine
John Daigle
Camera setup Single-camera
Running time 12–34 minutes
Production companies
Warner Bros. Television
That's Wonderful Productions
Campfire
Stage 13
Original release
Network Netflix
Release April 12, 2019 –
May 20, 2021
Special is an American comedy-drama television series created by Ryan O'Connell for Netflix.[1] Starring Ryan O'Connell, the series is a semi-autobiographical account of his life as a gay man in Los Angeles with cerebral palsy pursuing new friendships, relationships, and self-sufficiency.

It is based on O'Connell's memoir I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves.[2]

The series premiered on April 12, 2019, and concluded on May 20, 2021, after two seasons.[3][4][5] It received positive reviews and earned four nominations at the 71st Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, one for Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series and three for the performances of Ryan, Jessica Hecht, and Punam Patel.

Synopsis
Special is "a distinctive and uplifting new LGBTQ series about a gay man, Ryan, with mild cerebral palsy who decides to rewrite his identity and finally go after the life he wants to live."[6][7][8]

Cast and characters
Main
Ryan O'Connell as Ryan Hayes,[9] an unpaid intern at Eggwoke
Jessica Hecht as Karen Hayes, Ryan's mother[10]
Punam Patel as Kim Laghari, Ryan's friend and co-worker at Eggwoke
Marla Mindelle as Olivia, Ryan and Kim's boss
Augustus Prew as Carey, one of Kim's best friends.
Patrick Fabian as Phil, Karen's new neighbor and love interest
Max Jenkins as Tanner (season 2),[11] Ryan's love interest who is in an open relationship with a man named Richard
Recurring
Gina Marie Hughes as Samantha,[12] Ryan and Kim's co-worker at Eggwoke
Buck Andrews as Henry (season 2),[13] a neurodivergent love interest of Ryan
Guest stars
Kat Rogers as Caitie
Jason Michael Snow as Keaton
Brian Jordan Alvarez as Shay
Shalita Grant as Rae
Charlie Barnett as Harrison (season 2),[13] Kim's love interest. He comes from a poor and difficult background. After the sale of his company he becomes quite wealthy but it comes with a struggle with his family, who wants part of his money.
Ana Ortiz as Susan (season 2),[13] Phil's new girlfriend
Utkarsh Ambudkar as Ravi (season 2),[13] a childhood friend and romantic interest of Kim
Lauren Weedman as Tonya (season 2),[13] a longtime friend of Karen
Anjali Bhimani as Bina Laghari (season 2),[13] Kim's mother
Ajay Mehta as Vijay Laghari (season 2),[13] Kim's father
Karan Soni as Dev Laghari (season 2),[13] Kim's brother
Leslie Jordan as Charles (season 2)[13]
Jeremy Glazer as Marc Miller (season 2), second love interest of Ryan
Episodes
Season Episodes Originally released
1
8 April 12, 2019
2
8 May 20, 2021
Season 1 (2019)
No.
overall No. in
season Title Directed by Written by Original release date
1 1 "Chapter One: Cerebral LOLzy" Anna Dokoza Ryan O'Connell April 12, 2019
Ryan, a gay man with mild cerebral palsy, begins his internship at Eggwoke, an online content creation company. He becomes friends with his coworker Kim. Everyone at his workplace assumes his symptoms of his cerebral palsy is due to a car accident, which he decides to play along with.
2 2 "Chapter Two: The Deep End" Anna Dokoza Ryan O'Connell April 12, 2019
Ryan and Kim go to their boss’s poolside birthday party. Ryan recognizes one of the guests from Grindr and they leave to have sex, but Ryan’s inexperience ends the encounter early. Meanwhile, some of the guests make passive-aggressive comments about Kim’s body to Kim. Returning home, Ryan tells his overprotective mother, Karen, that he’s moving out.
3 3 "Chapter Three: Free Scones" Anna Dokoza Ryan O'Connell April 12, 2019
Kim encourages Ryan to meet a sex worker, Shay, to lose his virginity. Though it is initially awkward, Ryan relaxes and has an enjoyable time with Shay. Karen agrees to help Ryan find an apartment. Phil, the new neighbor, catches Karen staring at him and invites her to a date.
4 4 "Chapter Four: Housechilling Party" Anna Dokoza Ryan O'Connell April 12, 2019
Ryan invites his old college friends to a housewarming party to celebrate his new apartment. They all bail on him, so he invites Kim over and lies that the party was meant for her. She calls him out on the lie, and they promise not to lie to each other in their friendship. Kim invites her friends over and they all dance happily. Karen and Phil meet and have sex.
5 5 "Chapter Five: Vagina Momologues" Anna Dokoza Ryan O'Connell April 12, 2019
Karen struggles to maintain relationships with her mother and Ryan. She buys a new dress to impress Phil.
6 6 "Chapter Six: Straight Potential" Anna Dokoza Ryan O'Connell April 12, 2019
Ryan meets Kim's friend Carey and realizes he is in love with him. Carey invites him to a poker game and discreetly helps Ryan shuffle his cards, which Ryan is thankful for. Unfortunately, Ryan learns that Carey already has a boyfriend. At Phil's encouragement, Karen takes pot and admits to him how grateful she feels to love someone who cares for her.
7 7 "Chapter Seven: Blind Deaf Date" Anna Dokoza Ryan O'Connell April 12, 2019
Ryan's boss sets Ryan on a date with her deaf cousin, which doesn't work out. Ryan is shocked to discover that Karen and Phil are dating. Phil breaks up with Karen due to her strong attachment to Ryan. Karen tells Ryan that she broke up with Phil, and is surprised to hear that he accepted their relationship and just needed time to process. Ryan and Karen reconcile.
8 8 "Chapter Eight: Gay Gardens" Anna Dokoza Ryan O'Connell April 12, 2019
It is Karen's 50th birthday and she asks Ryan to pick up a cake for her. Karen attempts to get back with Phil by telling him that Ryan approves of their relationship, but Phil declines, saying he doesn't want to need his approval to date her. At work, Ryan comes clean and admits that his limp is due to his cerebral palsy, not the car accident as everyone assumed. No one cares except for Kim, who Ryan apologizes to for lying again. Ryan gets distracted hanging out with his friends and comes late to Karen and brings the wrong cake. This sets off an argument between them: Karen tells Ryan that she ended her relationship with Phil because of him, but he says he never wanted that; Ryan says that Karen is too dependent on him, but Karen says that he can't survive in the real world without her. Karen tries to apologize for what she said, but Ryan leaves.
Season 2 (2021)
No.
overall No. in
season Title Directed by Written by Original release date
9 1 "One Day Stand" Anna Dokoza Ryan O'Connell May 20, 2021
10 2 "I Don't Like it Like This" Anna Dokoza Mason Flink May 20, 2021
11 3 "That's The Way The Boys Are" Anna Dokoza Liz Elverenli May 20, 2021
12 4 "Death By a Thousand Cold Cuts" Anna Dokoza Leila Cohan May 20, 2021
13 5 "Ryan Joins the Crips" Craig Johnson Keshni Kashyap May 20, 2021
14 6 "Prom Queens" Craig Johnson Leila Cohan May 20, 2021
15 7 "Why Is No One Ready?" Craig Johnson Ryan O'Connell May 20, 2021
16 8 "Here's Where the Story Ends" Craig Johnson Ryan O'Connell May 20, 2021
Production
Development
On February 5, 2019, Netflix announced that it had given the production a series order for an eight-episode first season.[14] The series is created by Ryan O'Connell, who is credited as an executive producer, alongside Jim Parsons, Anna Dokoza, Eric Norsoph and Todd Spiewak.[14] Production companies involved with the series were slated to consist of That's Wonderful Productions and Stage 13.[14] On December 16, 2019, the series was renewed for a second and final season by Netflix.[4][5]

Casting
Alongside the series order announcement, it was confirmed that Ryan O'Connell, Jessica Hecht, Punam Patel, Marla Mindelle, Augustus Prew, and Patrick Fabian would star in the series.[14] In February 2020, Max Jenkins was cast in the recurring role for the second season.[11] In March 2021, Charlie Barnett, Ana Ortiz, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Lauren Weedman, Buck Andrews, Anjali Bhimani, Ajay Mehta, and Karan Soni joined the cast in recurring roles while Leslie Jordan was cast to guest star.[13]

Release
On March 25, 2019, Netflix released the first official trailer for the series.[15][10] The first season, consisting of 8 episodes, was released on Netflix on April 12, 2019.[3] The second season was released on May 20, 2021.[5]

Reception
Critical response
The first season received positive reviews upon its release. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 96% with an average rating of 7.30/10 based on 25 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "Honest and genuinely affecting, Special lives up to its name with a funny—if a bit too concise—first season brightened by Ryan O'Connell's infectious charms. Alternatively, some critics on Rotten Tomatoes compared the show to a "woke, sappy millennial dream".[16] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 66 out of 100, based on 9 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[17] Variety gave the show a positive review calling the main character "quick and snarky, deeply insecure and sometimes more selfish than he's willing to admit. He makes mistakes and pays for them, undergoing a hell of a lot of change in the short time Special gets to show it."[18] TV Guide gave the show a mixed review saying that, "Hopefully Special gets a second season with a bigger budget, a writing staff, and more time to plan. The way Season 1 improves as it goes along shows Special still has a lot of potential."[19]

Accolades
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2019 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series Jim Parsons, Todd Spiewak, Eric Norsoph, Ryan O'Connell and Anna Dokoza Nominated [20]
Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series Ryan O'Connell Nominated
Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series Jessica Hecht Nominated
Punam Patel Nominated
2020 Writers Guild of America Awards Short Form New Media – Original Ryan O'Connell Won [21]
2022 GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Comedy Series Special Nominated [22]
References
Petski, Denise (February 5, 2019). "Netflix Orders Ryan O'Connell Comedy Series 'Special' Produced By Jim Parsons". Deadline. Archived from the original on February 7, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
"I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves to Get Through Our Twenties". www.publishersweekly.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
Pedersen, Erik (December 26, 2018). "Midseason Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series: 2019 Edition". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 20, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
Petski, Denise (December 16, 2019). "'Special' Renewed For Season 2 By Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 24, 2019. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
Goldberg, Lesley (March 10, 2021). "'Special' to End With Expanded Second Season at Netflix (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
"Netflix's upcoming series, 'Special' explores the life of a disabled gay man". The Rustin Times. April 9, 2019. Archived from the original on April 11, 2019. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
Nakamura, Reid (February 5, 2019). "Netflix Orders Cerebral Palsy Comedy Series 'Special' From Ryan O'Connell, Jim Parsons". The Wrap. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
Rodriguez, Matthew (February 6, 2019). "A Comedy About a Gay Man with Cerebral Palsy Is Coming to Netflix". www.out.com. Archived from the original on May 24, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
Porter, Rick (February 5, 2019). "Netflix Orders Jim Parsons-Produced Comedy Series". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 19, 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
Nordine, Michael (March 25, 2019). "'Special' Trailer: Netflix Series Shows the Highs and Lows of Being Gay and Disabled". IndieWire. Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
Ramos, Dino-Ray (February 27, 2020). "'Buffy' Alum Juliet Landau To Recur On 'Claws'; 'Dead To Me's Max Jenkins Joins Season 2 Of 'Special'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 11, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
Baroi, Tuhin (2023-05-05). "Gina Marie Hughes as Samantha in Special Netflix series -". Bivuk. Archived from the original on 2023-05-05. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
Petski, Denise (March 29, 2021). "'Special': Charlie Barnett, Max Jenkins, Ana Ortiz Among Nine Set To Recur In Season 2 Of Netflix Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 29, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
"Ryan O'Connell and Jim Parsons' Special is Coming to Netflix". Netflix Media Center. February 5, 2019. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
Shepherd, Jack (March 26, 2019). "Special trailer: New Netflix series' lead character is gay and has cerebral palsy". Independent. Archived from the original on April 11, 2019. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
"Special: Season 1 (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
"Special: Season 1". Metacritic. CBS. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
"TV Review: 'Special' on Netflix". Variety. 8 April 2019. Archived from the original on September 30, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
"Special Review: Netflix Let This Promising Comedy Down". TV Guide. Archived from the original on August 12, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
"71st Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners". emmys.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
Evans, Greg (December 5, 2019). "WGA TV Nominations: 'The Crown', 'Mindhunter', 'Watchmen' Among Contenders – Complete List". Deadline Hollywood. Adelaide. Archived from the original on December 5, 2019. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
"The Nominees for the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards". GLAAD. 2022-01-21. Retrieved 2022-01-22.
External links
Special on Netflix Edit this at Wikidata
Special at IMDb
vte
Netflix original ended series and miniseries (2019–present)
First
released
2019
After Life (2019–2022)Another Life (2019–2021)Archibald's Next Big Thing (2019–2020)Astronomy Club: The Sketch Show (2019)Black Earth Rising (2019)Bolívar (2019)Bonding (2019–2021)Cannon Busters (2019)Carmen Sandiego (2019–2021)Chambers (2019)Charlie's Colorforms City (2019)Chip and Potato (2019–2022)The Confession Killer (2019)Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019)The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)Dating Around (2019–2020)Daybreak (2019)Dead to Me (2019–2022)Delhi Crime (2019–2022)Dino Girl Gauko (2019–2020)The Disappearance of Madeleine McCa