Friday, August 8, 2014

British web series about group of adults with intellectual disabilities to air as TV series on Oprah Winfrey's OWN Network

From the OWN Network:

Los Angeles - OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the television debut of "The Specials."  The groundbreaking docu-series shares the funny, honest story of five housemates with intellectual disabilities living the classic student lifestyle in England.  All 13 episodes will air back-to-back on Sunday, September 7 from 2:30 - 9 p.m.

For a sneak peek, please visit: www.oprah.com/thespecials

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.


About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand - and the magnetism of the channel.  Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable.  Depth with edge.  Heart. Star power. Connection.  And endless possibilities.  OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications.  The network debuted on January 1, 2011 and is available in 85 million homes.  The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com.  For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own and www.press.discovery.com/us/own.