The series has been granted reviews highlighting the insight it gives into inclusive, independent living for adults with intellectual disabilities.

[2] The series has been compared by reviewers to The Real World, saying "inner-house romance and friendship rule, minus the evil.

Hilly's parents, Carol and Dafydd Williams, set up Small Opportunities, the company that runs the house where the housemates in The Specials live.

During the course of the show, the housemates attend to their daily activities, like life skills classes, preparing meals, and working in a charity shop, as well as going on holiday, learning to surf, and competing in a Special Olympics equestrian event.

The show's creators Katy Lock and Daniel May were contacted by Carolyn Strauss (executive producer of "Game of Thrones" and former president of HBO Entertainment).