The Best Ricky Gervais Shows and TV Series

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Updated April 15, 2024 33.3K views 14 items
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Renowned for his clever wit and satirical flair, Ricky Gervais has played a significant role in shaping contemporary television with an array of outstanding shows. His shows span various genres while tackling themes such as office politics, celebrity culture, and existential dilemmas. As audiences explore the list of best Ricky Gervais TV shows, they will find his unique blend of humor and poignancy that keeps viewers entertained from start to finish.

Through their engaging premises and colorful characters, every one of Ricky Gervais's TV series offers unique insights into modern society's challenges and quirks. These shows expertly showcase the remarkable talent of Gervais as both an actor and writer, allowing him to create amusing narratives that resonate with viewers across different demographics. The themes he explores are deeply embedded in modern society's struggles – from workplace dynamics to the search for purpose amidst personal tragedy.

The brilliance behind the best Ricky Gervais shows such as After Life, Extras, and The Office stems from their intriguing exploration into various facets of human existence. In After Life, audiences witness a poignant exploration of grief as the protagonist navigates life after losing his spouse. With its sharp humor balanced by heartfelt moments, this series exemplifies Gervais's ability to engage viewers emotionally. Another standout is Extras, where he hilariously dissects the absurdity of fame through the experiences of struggling actors longing for their big break. And who can forget The Office, which revolutionized sitcoms with its mockumentary format while shedding light on everyday office life in all its awkward glory? Together, these shows merely scratch the surface of Ricky Gervais's vast contributions to television.

The impact of Ricky Gervais's monumental body of work on contemporary television cannot be overstated – it is an undeniable reflection of his ability to create meaningful connections through engaging content. The breadth and depth of his work have solidified him as one of today's most influential creators, consistently pushing boundaries with his thought-provoking themes and unforgettable characters. Anyone seeking great television entertainment would undoubtedly benefit from diving into the diverse world of Ricky Gervais's TV shows and series.

  • After Life
    1
    Ricky Gervais, Kerry Godliman, Tom Basden
    110 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Fleabag, BoJack Horseman, Louie, Dead To Me, Transparent
    Why Should I Stream? Venture through the bittersweet journey of grief and self-discovery with After Life, a poignant series that skillfully blends raw emotion with dark humor, showcasing Ricky Gervais's masterful storytelling abilities. The show's authentic exploration of love, loss, and human connection has earned widespread praise from both critics and viewers alike. Don't miss out on this impactful series that resonates deeply with modern society, making it an essential watch for anyone seeking insightful television.

    In the quaint town of Tambury, After Life unfolds a poignant narrative that tugs at the heartstrings while maintaining a sardonic wit. Centered around Tony (Ricky Gervais), a local newspaper writer grappling with the loss of his wife, this dark comedy-drama explores the complexities of grief and human connection. As Tony navigates the challenges of everyday life, he encounters an ensemble of quirky characters who inadvertently help him rediscover meaning in his existence. Garnering critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including British Academy Television Award nominations, After Life stands as a testament to Gervais's prowess at blending humor and pathos into a deeply moving tale.
  • Extras
    2
    Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Ashley Jensen
    72 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveCurb Your Enthusiasm, The Comeback, Episodes, 30 Rock, Entourage
    Why Should I Stream? Find comedic relief in Extras, a hilariously relatable series following the ups and downs of aspiring actors as they navigate the turbulent world of show business. Co-created by and starring Ricky Gervais alongside Stephen Merchant, the duo delivers razor-sharp wit and satirical observations on fame, celebrity culture, and the entertainment industry. With its impressive list of guest stars including Kate Winslet, Ben Stiller, and Samuel L. Jackson – this cleverly written show is sure to entertain while providing valuable commentary on the pursuit of stardom.

    Delving into the lives of struggling actors in the competitive world of Hollywood, Extras offers a refreshing take on the unglamorous side of fame. The show's protagonist, Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais), navigates the cutthroat industry alongside his loyal friend and fellow extra, Maggie Jacobs (Ashley Jensen). With its sharp wit and poignant moments, the series has garnered critical acclaim, including several Emmy and BAFTA nominations. The show's unique blend of humor and heartbreak paints a realistic picture of the challenges faced by those pursuing their dreams in the entertainment world, while providing thought-provoking commentary on the price of success.
  • The Office
    3
    Ricky Gervais, Mackenzie Crook, Lucy Davis
    78 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveParks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The IT Crowd, Community, Scrubs
    Why Should I Stream? Witness television history in the making by watching The Office (UK), Ricky Gervais' groundbreaking mockumentary-style sitcom that ushered in a new era for comedy television. Lauded for its originality, cringe-worthy humor, and perfectly awkward moments featuring stellar performances from Gervais as David Brent – this widely celebrated show has become an influential cornerstone in pop culture. Join millions of fans who have been thoroughly entertained by this innovative classic that has spawned numerous international adaptations.

    A mockumentary-style sitcom, The Office offers a humorous glimpse into the daily lives of employees at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. With its relatable characters and deadpan humor, the show has garnered numerous awards throughout its nine-season run, including Emmys and Golden Globes. The diverse ensemble cast, led by Steve Carell's portrayal of the bumbling regional manager Michael Scott, explores the quirks and challenges of office life, while subtly addressing themes of camaraderie and personal growth. Through its clever writing and engaging performances, The Office has earned its place as a beloved staple in television history.
  • Derek
    4
    Ricky Gervais, Karl Pilkington, Kerry Godliman
    60 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveRaising Hope, Getting On (US), Shameless (US), Nurse Jackie, My Name Is Earl
    Why Should I Stream? Gain fresh perspective by streaming Derek, a heartening series that delves into life at a retirement home through the eyes of its caring staff members led by Derek Noakes (Ricky Gervais). Praised for its empathetic portrayal of characters navigating different stages of life while dealing with complex emotions such as loneliness, joy, and regret – the show offers both humor and touching moments that leave a lasting impression. Tune in to witness Gervais' departure from his more cynical roles with this particularly tender creation.

    A bittersweet comedy-drama involves a group of people living on society's margins.
  • An Idiot Abroad
    5

    An Idiot Abroad

    Karl Pilkington, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
    62 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveTravel Man: 48 Hours in..., Karl Pilkington: The Moaning of Life, No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain, Departures, Joanna Lumley's travel documentaries
    Why Should I Stream? Prepare to laugh out loud with An Idiot Abroad, a hilarious travel documentary series featuring Karl Pilkington's unique observations as he embarks on adventures across the globe, guided by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The trio's dynamic chemistry combined with Pilkington's candid comments results in an irresistibly entertaining viewing experience filled with memorable moments and cultural insights. This humorous take on world exploration is ideal for viewers craving comical escapades while learning about diverse societies.

    Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send their best mate on a global voyage of discovery.
  • The Ricky Gervais Show
    6
    Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Karl Pilkington
    47 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveArcher, Bob's Burgers, Family Guy, The Simpsons, Futurama
    Why Should I Stream? Step into the amusing minds of Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington by streaming The Ricky Gervais Show, an animated adaptation of their popular podcast series. With discussions ranging from philosophy to science to utterly bizarre anecdotes, the trio's quick-witted banter and offbeat conversations deliver nonstop entertainment value for fans of unusual comedy. Don't miss this opportunity to indulge in the eccentric musings that have garnered a massive following across multiple platforms.

    Animation of Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington's podcast.
  • Life's Too Short
    7
    Steve Carell, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
    36 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveEpisodes, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Party Down, Silicon Valley, Veep
    Why Should I Stream? Take a walk on the lighter side of life with Life's Too Short, a mockumentary-style sitcom created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant starring Warwick Davis as a highly fictionalized version of himself. Filled with self-deprecating humor, superb guest appearances including Johnny Depp and Liam Neeson, and the signature awkwardness that has become synonymous with its creators – this show offers an amusing examination of fame through the lens of one man desperately trying to reclaim stardom. Perfect for viewers who appreciate intelligent satire combined with cringe-inducing hilarity.

    Showbiz dwarf Warwick Davis is forced to open his doors to a film crew 24/7.
  • Meet Ricky Gervais
    8

    Meet Ricky Gervais

    Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Stirling Gallacher
    8 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveBetween Two Ferns, Conan O'brien Needs a Friend podcast, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, The Graham Norton show, Inside Comedy
    Why Should I Stream? Travel back in time by watching Meet Ricky Gervais, the early-2000s talk show that marked the beginning of Gervais' foray into television. With its unconventional format and irreverent humor, this show features interviews with a range of fascinating guests from various backgrounds, enhanced by Gervais' distinctive comedic style. As an essential piece of Gervais' TV legacy, it provides insight into the evolution of his career and reveals glimpses of his future genius.

    Meet Ricky Gervais is a chat show written and hosted by the comedy writer and performer Ricky Gervais. It was produced by Talkback for Channel 4 in 2000 and ran for one series on Friday nights. The show aired throughout the time Ricky Gervais was also writing the first series of the highly successful The Office for BBC2.
  • The Office
    9
    Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski
    36 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveParks and Recreation, 30 Rock, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Scrubs, Community
    Why Should I Stream? For those seeking a hilarious and relatable exploration of the mundane daily lives of office employees, The Office is a must-watch series. Boasting an ensemble cast led by Steve Carell's pitch-perfect performance as Michael Scott, the show expertly balances humor with moments of genuine emotion. With its innovative mockumentary format and place in the pantheon of classic television comedies, The Office has left its mark on pop culture.

    Set within the mundane confines of a Scranton-based paper company, this mockumentary-style sitcom delivers a humorous take on the daily grind. The Office boasts an ensemble cast, including the bumbling yet endearing regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell), and the quirky sales representative Jim Halpert (John Krasinski). Throughout its nine-season run, the show garnered numerous accolades, including five Primetime Emmy Awards. The series masterfully balances cringe-worthy moments with heartfelt character development, making it a beloved staple in television history. As viewers become invested in the employees' lives, the show's charm lies in finding humor and warmth in the most ordinary situations.
  • The 11 O'Clock Show
    10
    Daisy Donovan, Fred MacAulay
    6 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveHave I got news for you?, Daily Show with Jon Stewart or Trevor Noah, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Late Night With Seth Meyers 
    Why Should I Stream? Expand your understanding of British comedy history by watching The 11 O'Clock Show, a late-night satirical news program that kickstarted the careers of several prominent comedians, including Ricky Gervais. Famed for its biting wit and lampooning current events, this influential series was unafraid to tackle controversial topics with audacity rarely seen on mainstream television at the time. Embrace a key moment in UK comedy culture while enjoying hilarious commentary on politics, pop culture, and beyond.

    The 11 O'Clock Show is a satirical late-night British television comedy series on Channel 4, which featured topical sketches and commentary on news items. It ran from 30 September 1998 to 8 December 2000, most notably, while hosted by Iain Lee and Daisy Donovan. The show is noted for launching the careers of Ricky Gervais and Sacha Baron Cohen.
  • Le Bureau
    11

    Le Bureau

    François BerlÊand, Xavier Robic, BenoÎt CarrÊ
    15 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveLes Revenants, Dix pour cent (Call My Agent!), Braquo, Engrenages, A very secret service
    Why Should I Stream? Discover French humor in Le Bureau, France's adaptation of the popular UK sitcom The Office. Filled with awkward workplace scenarios and characters reminiscent of their British counterparts – this version maintains the original's spirit while incorporating distinctly French sensibilities and cultural references. Ideal for fans who appreciate international perspectives on universally relatable content, Le Bureau is a delightful example of how successful comedic concepts can transcend language barriers.

    Le Bureau is a 2006 French television show that aired on Canal+. It is a French version of the popular British television series The Office. Le Bureau essentially adapted the scripts of the original British series, with proper names and cultural references appropriately changed.
  • Child Support
    12
    Fred Savage, Ricky Gervais
    4 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveKids say the Darndest things, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?, Wipeout, Beat Shazam, The Wall
    Why Should I Stream? Get ready for laughs with Child Support, an American game show hosted by Fred Savage featuring Ricky Gervais as executive producer and panelist alongside a group of precocious children. Contestants attempt to answer trivia questions for cash prizes, but if they falter, they must rely on their young counterparts to provide correct answers or risk elimination from the competition. This lively family-friendly series showcases unscripted hilarity driven by unpredictable interactions between contestants and the charming mini-experts.

    Child Support (ABC, 2018) is a game show series hosted by Fred Savage and starring Ricky Gervais. Contestants are asked a series of questions, and if they fail to answer correctly, they can be "saved" if one of a panel of five children can answer the question correctly.
  • HaMisrad
    13
    Dvir Benedek, Maayan Blum, Eldad Fribas
    7 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Ramzor, Hatufim, Mesudarim: Before the End, Shtisel, Srugim
    Why Should I Stream? Broaden your comedy horizons by watching HaMisrad, an Israeli adaptation of Ricky Gervais' immensely popular sitcom The Office. This version retains many elements that made the original a hit, while incorporating uniquely Israeli humor and cultural nuances. For fans of the UK and US versions, HaMisrad is a fascinating opportunity to witness how different regions interpret classic comedy material, with each adaptation offering fresh perspectives on familiar themes.

    HaMisrad is an Israeli television sitcom, that airs on the Yes Comedy channel. It is a version of The Office, a 2001-2003 British sitcom that had already been remade in five other countries. HaMisrad is a mockumentary set in a branch of the fictional "Paper Office" office supplies company, in the industrial city of Yehud. The series stars Dvir Benedek as Avi Meshulam, the branch's regional manager, a character based heavily on the character of David Brent in the original series. It is co-produced by Yes and July August Productions. Like the original series and many of its spinoffs, HaMisrad lampoons office life as well as gender and ethnic relations. In the case of HaMisrad, the office and warehouse include native-born secular Jews, Arabs, Orthodox Jews, and Russian and Ethiopian immigrants. The first season aired from August to November 2010. Most of the episodes in the first season were based on the 12 episodes from the British series. Many of the early episodes featured identical plots and some of the same dialogue, though as the season went on the episodes' plots diverged increasingly from the originals.
  • La Job
    14
    SĂŠbastien Huberdeau, Paul Ahmarani, Sophie Cadieux
    5 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Fais pas ci, fais pas ça, Kaamelott, Scenes de menages, Camera Café, Un gars une fille
    Why Should I Stream? Experience French-Canadian wit in La Job, Quebec's take on the internationally renowned mockumentary-style sitcom The Office. This adaptation remains true to its source material while infusing it with local flavor and regional idiosyncrasies, providing a delightful and familiar viewing experience for fans of its predecessors. Join viewers worldwide who have found enjoyment in this beloved format adapted for diverse cultures – proof that laughter knows no borders.

    La Job is a French Canadian comedy television series set in Montreal. It is an adaptation of the British show The Office of the BBC. Produced by Anne-Marie Losique's Image Diffusion International, it has been broadcast for a limited number of viewers on Bell TV satellite television, beginning on October 9, 2006. It was later seen by a wider audience on the public broadcaster Radio-Canada and specialty channel ARTV. It is the third official foreign adaptation of the concept, and the second in a language other than English.