News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

THE SPECIALS

The Specials small logo


Filmed over four years and narrated by housemates Sam, Hilly, Lucy, Lewis and Megan, all between the ages of 19-23 and close friends since childhood, "The Specials" shares the ups and downs of their daily lives from first love to heartbreak, from leaving college to finding a job, as well as the day-to-day interactions and complications of sharing a house together. The housemates live life to the max - they enjoy everything from surfing and karaoke to even competing in the Special Olympics.

"We were extremely thrilled to bring this series to OWN. We fell in love with the fun, adventurous energy and bond the housemates share," said producer Carolyn Strauss. "It is our hope that viewers are not only entertained by their experiences, but inspired by their excitement for life and encouraged to accept and celebrate all people no matter their walk in life."

The Webby Award-winning series was originally produced as short form,10-minute webisodes in England. OWN will televise fresh, newly adapted episodes following housemates as they continue to support each other through major changes in their lives -- everything from breakups, to a parents' divorce and finally an engagement. The series truly highlights that we are all more alike than different.

"The Specials" is produced by Katy Lock and Daniel May for KADA Media and executive produced by Carolyn Strauss and D.B. Weiss ("Game of Thrones"), Rosie O'Donnell in association with KidRo Productions and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Reba McEntire's 30th Anniversary Edition of 'Rumor Has It' Out Now Photo Reba McEntire's 30th Anniversary Edition of 'Rumor Has It' Out Now
by Sarah Jae Leiber - September 11, 2020

Country superstar Reba McEntire releases the 30th Anniversary Edition of her iconic album, Rumor Has It, today....


Taye Diggs, Ne-Yo & Eric Bellinger Join CW's BLACK PACK Specials Photo Taye Diggs, Ne-Yo & Eric Bellinger Join CW's BLACK PACK Specials
by Michael Major - October 28, 2021

The trio will appear in The Black Pack: We Three Kings and The Black Pack: Excellence, the first of which will premiere on November 29. The special will be a holiday-themed celebration with both classic and new music brought to life on stage. Jordin Sparks, Tank, and Sevyn Streeter will guest star....


Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 6, 2024 Photo Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 6, 2024
by - February 06, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 6, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours....


Promiseland Unveils New Single 'Bad Days' Photo Promiseland Unveils New Single 'Bad Days'
by Michael Major - August 16, 2023

The accompanying Pietro Copps-directed video draws inspiration from Promiseland’s heroic and literal upside-down performances across New York City with a nod to The Specials’ 1981 “Ghost Town” music video. It follows the multifaceted artist as he roams through the streets of Los Angeles, searching n...


Matthew Morrison Will Headline the Long Wharf Theatre Gala Photo Matthew Morrison Will Headline the Long Wharf Theatre Gala
by Stephi Wild - February 04, 2020

Long Wharf Theatre will present Emmy, Tony and two-time Golden Globe nominated artist Matthew Morrison at its annual Gala on Monday, June 8 with KeyBank as the presenting sponsor. The former a?oeGleea?? star will perform a career retrospective of song and dance accompanied by his five piece band, ta...


Mento Buru Releasing New Holiday EP 'East Bakersfield Christmas II' Photo Mento Buru Releasing New Holiday EP 'East Bakersfield Christmas II'
by Michael Major - December 12, 2023

Mento Buru is a 7-piece band from Bakersfield, CA that combines an energetic blend of Latin alternative, Jamaican SKA and reggae sounds. Veterans of ska music's hyperactive nineties third wave, the group has released music on the Moon Ska and Steady Beat record labels establishing their reputation a...


Norman Lear Will Receive The Carol Burnett Award at the 78TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES Photo Norman Lear Will Receive The Carol Burnett Award at the 78TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES
by Sarah Jae Leiber - January 28, 2021

Today the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced that Norman Lear will receive the Carol Burnett Award at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards....


HBO to Release New Bill Maher Comedy Special #ADULTING Photo HBO to Release New Bill Maher Comedy Special #ADULTING
by Michael Major - March 29, 2022

Filmed at Miami’s Fillmore Theater, Maher brings his no-holds-barred perspective to cancel culture, quarantine, Q-Anon… and everything in-between. Marking his twelfth HBO special since 1989, Bill Maher: #Adulting finds the “Real Time” host back for his most brutally honest – and fearless – performan...


BWW Exclusive: THE 101 GREATEST PROTEST SONGS OF ALL TIME - with Bob Dylan, Aretha Fr Photo BWW Exclusive: THE 101 GREATEST PROTEST SONGS OF ALL TIME - with Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, John Lennon, Kendrick Lamar & More
by Peter Nason - June 18, 2020

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the 101 greatest protest songs from 1939-2020. See if your favorite songs or artists made the list!...


Netflix Debuts The Trailer And Key Art For Felipe Esparza's First Netflix Original Co Photo Netflix Debuts The Trailer And Key Art For Felipe Esparza's First Netflix Original Comedy Specials, Bad Decisions And Malas Decisiones
by Robert Diamond - August 18, 2020

The specials mark the first time a Netflix comedian has recorded a stand up special in two languages that are set to be released simultaneously. ...


Photos: Inside Rehearsal For MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE at the Peacock Theatre Photo Photos: Inside Rehearsal For MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE at the Peacock Theatre
by Stephi Wild - September 22, 2021

Message In A Bottle returns to the Peacock Theatre from Wednesday 29 September – Sunday 17 October, featuring gravity-defying lyrical hip hop dance by Kate Prince and breathtaking music by Sting. ...


Frederick Nathaniel 'Toots' Hibbert Dies at 77 Photo Frederick Nathaniel 'Toots' Hibbert Dies at 77
by Sarah Jae Leiber - September 14, 2020

VP Records joins family, friends and fans as we collectively mourn the passing of Reggae icon Frederick Nathaniel ‘Toots’ Hibbert. ...


NYC Restaurant Week-Ready, Set, Reserve Photo NYC Restaurant Week-Ready, Set, Reserve
by Marina Kennedy - July 13, 2021

Exciting times!  NYC Restaurant Week begins on July 19 and runs through August 22 for a total of 5 weeks.  That gives New Yorkers and guests of the city a lot of opportunities to visit their favorite eateries and discover new ones....


93RD OSCARS Production Team Welcomes New Talent and Show Veterans Photo 93RD OSCARS Production Team Welcomes New Talent and Show Veterans
by Sarah Jae Leiber - March 24, 2021

Rob Paine has been associated with the Oscars telecast for more than 20 years and returns as supervising producer....


MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE Celebrates U.S. Premiere In L.A. At Hollywood Pantages Theatre, F Photo MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE Celebrates U.S. Premiere In L.A. At Hollywood Pantages Theatre, February 6- 11
by A.A. Cristi - January 19, 2024

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE celebrates its U.S. premiere at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in L.A. from Feb 6 - 11, 2024. Don't miss this exciting new production!...


Video: Duran Duran Reveal Music Video for Album Title Track 'Danse Macabre' Photo Video: Duran Duran Reveal Music Video for Album Title Track 'Danse Macabre'
by Michael Major - September 14, 2023

With creative director Linc Gasking at the helm, this stunning new video clip showcases cutting-edge, AI-driven techniques, some of which were only launched as recently as last weekend. The culmination is a 3D animated masterpiece that, in previous times, would have demanded an entire team, over a y...


Keke Palmer, Common & More Join YouTube's BEAR WITNESS, TAKE ACTION 3 Photo Keke Palmer, Common & More Join YouTube's BEAR WITNESS, TAKE ACTION 3
by Michael Major - November 18, 2021

YouTube has announced a six-part special event series hosted by Common and Keke Palmer that will include appearances by Issa Rae, Asia Jackson, Jacques Slade, King of Reads, Raynday Gaming, Dominique Jackson, George M. Johnson Byron Jamal, Chef M, Marnina Miller and more. Watch the trailer for the n...


Reba McEntire Will Release 'All The Women I Am' Concert on YouTube Photo Reba McEntire Will Release 'All The Women I Am' Concert on YouTube
by Sarah Jae Leiber - March 09, 2021

“2011 was the last time we got to go out and play a big arena tour, and I’m so glad we captured this show on film. I know it’s not the same as being there in person, but I hope this gives my fans something to enjoy until we can get back out there on the road safely,” shares Reba. ...


UK Band RAT BOY Set New Album 'SUBURBIA CALLING', Share Lead Single 'BADMAN' Photo UK Band RAT BOY Set New Album 'SUBURBIA CALLING', Share Lead Single 'BADMAN'
by Josh Sharpe - July 15, 2024

‘SUBURBIA CALLING’ sees RAT BOY exploring stories from their roots in Essex. It’s the land of wheeler-dealers and dodgy geezers, and home to nosey neighbors, rowdy clubs and Joey Essex. Ahead of the album, they have released their new single 'BADMAN.' Listen to it now!...


Matthew Morrison to Co-Host Disney's Holiday Specials on ABC and Disney Channel Photo Matthew Morrison to Co-Host Disney's Holiday Specials on ABC and Disney Channel
by Kaitlin Milligan - November 07, 2019

This holiday season, ABC and Disney Channel will transport the magic of Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line during the holidays to viewers with three magical specials featuring star-studded performances, merry entertainment and more. During the specials, viewers will get exclusive looks at upcoming ...


The Paranoid Style Shares 'Last Night In Chickentown' From New LP 'The Interrogator Photo The Paranoid Style Shares 'Last Night In Chickentown' From New LP 'The Interrogator
by Michael Major - January 09, 2024

The Paranoid Style is also notably confirmed to open for Drive-By Truckers in Athens, GA on February 16th at the famed 40 Watt as part of 'HeAthens Homecoming.' Watch the lyric video for the new single now!...


HBO Renews REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER Through 2024 Photo HBO Renews REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER Through 2024
by Michael Major - September 10, 2021

Allowing Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues, REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists, and interviews with guests....


BWW Interview: Michael McAssey Talks About OPEN MAC, Don't Tell Mama's Anniversary, a Photo BWW Interview: Michael McAssey Talks About OPEN MAC, Don't Tell Mama's Anniversary, and 40 Years of NYC Cabaret
by Ricky Pope - July 08, 2021

What do you get when you combine the pianistic finesse of Michael Feinstein, the smooth phrasing of Tony Bennett, and the bawdy wit of Bette Midler? You get Michael McAssey, who for 40 years has reigned as the clown prince of New York cabaret, and has enchanted as one of its most talented troubadour...


Liz Phair Announces New Album 'Soberish' Photo Liz Phair Announces New Album 'Soberish'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - April 14, 2021

Almost thirty years since her peerless debut album, Exile In Guyville, was released (voted #56 on Rolling Stone’s 2020 list of the 500 Greatest albums of All Time), Phair returns with a new record....


The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival Celebrates its 10th Anniversary Photo The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival Celebrates its 10th Anniversary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 14, 2021

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival! The #RGIFF is back to deliver some of 2020's most exciting indie cinema in a new virtual format. From January 27th to January 31st enjoy over 80 films and 20 hours of content ranging from dramas, comedies, student fil...






Videos

Recommended For You