Netflix’s ‘Special’ lands Ryan O’Connell a surprise Emmy nomination: ‘I’ll take it, honey!’

Ryan O’Connell, the creator of Netflix’s short-form sitcom “Special,” had never acted before and had no intention of being the star of his series. “I was just like, ‘Oh my God, fine, I’ll take it, honey!’” O’Connell said in his typical humorous way. We spoke to the multi-hyphenate, whose TV writing credits include “Awkward” and the revival of “Will & Grace,” about what it was like playing a fictionalized version of himself and what he’s learned about Hollywood since making the series — which led to an idea for a spy thriller gay wedding project that is screaming to be made. We’re looking for a spy thriller gay wedding.” And you’re like, “What the. I was feeling like, “My life is too niche, my story is too niche, no one’s going to care about it.” And I feel like this has just been one crazy ride.