You can't call yourself a true Brit if you haven't seen at least one of Ricky Gervais's [1] hilarious TV shows. From Extras to Derek, The Office, and this year's Netflix hit After Life, the man embodies British humour and no doubt will go down as one of the most prolific English comedians of all time.
Since introducing David Brent to the world in 2001, Ricky Gervais has achieved international fame and recognition. Though many believe he can be quite controversial, he continues to delight dedicated fans with every new creation. With a knack for making us laugh, cry, and cringe, not only does he take the lead in most of his popular TV series, but he also creates, writes, directs, and produces them.
While you kick back, relax, and wait for the second season of After Life, which was confirmed earlier this year [2], keep reading to catch up on every other series created by the great Ricky Gervais.
The Office
Set in the offices of a Slough paper merchant, a documentary film crew follows socially awkward office manager, David Brent (played by Ricky Gervais), and his staff as the threat of redundancies looms. Cocreated with long-term writing partner Stephen Merchant, staff training, team building activities, charity fundraisers, water cooler conversations, and everything else you would associate with an office are exaggerated in a highly relatable and hilarious way. The series was so successful that it was adapted for local audiences in America, Brazil, France, and more.
Where to watch: Netflix [3], Google Play [4], YouTube [5]
Extras
Returning to work with Stephan Merchant, Ricky Gervais co-\wrote and starred in Extras from 2005 to 2007. In it, he plays an aspiring actor, Andy Millman, who can only seem to secure roles as an extra in an assortment of TV shows and movies. This all changes when his own script is commissioned by the BBC. Expect celebrity guest appearances in every episode, from Daniel Radcliffe [6] to Kate Winslet [7], Ben Stiller [8], and David Bowie [9].
Where to watch: Netflix [10], Google Play [11], YouTube [12]
Life's Too Short
Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais return to their much-loved mockumentary format to follow British actor Warwick Davis [13] playing a fictionalised version of himself going about his day-to-day life in Life's Too Short. Davis, who is best known for his roles in Harry Potter [14] and Star Wars, and created the comedy alongside Merchant and Gervais, is seen to be desperately trying to get back in the spotlight. Like Extras, Life's Too Short features several celebrity guest appearances, including Liam Neeson [15] and Steve Carell [16].
Where to watch: Amazon Prime [17], Google Play [18], YouTube [19]
An Idiot Abroad
After the success of The Ricky Gervais Show, Gervais, Stephan Merchant, and Karl Pilkington teamed up again for An Idiot Abroad. The documentary follows Pilkington as he travels around the world experiencing different food, cultures, and countries for the very first time. Known for his love of creature comforts, placing the stereotypical Brit in uncomfortable scenarios makes for laugh out loud viewing.
Where to watch: Sky [20], Google Play [21], YouTube [22]
Derek
One of Gervais's more controversial series, Derek was first bought to life by the comedian at the 2001 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Ten years later, it was adapted for TV in the same mockumentary style as The Office, with Gervais in the lead as Derek — a nerdy, clumsy misfit who is completely and utterly devoted to his job as a retirement village volunteer.
Where to watch: Netflix [23], Channel 4 [24]
After Life
Gervais's most recent creation, After Life, premiered on Netflix earlier this year. The six-episode dark comedy sees him play Tony, a widower with suicidal tendencies who struggles to deal with his grief after the loss of his wife to cancer. He quickly decides he can't die because he has to look after his dog, so instead, he rejects his moral compass, which proves to be harder than he thinks.
Where to watch: Netflix [25]