Derek. Image shows from L to R: Dougie (Karl Pilkington), Derek (Ricky Gervais). Copyright: Derek Productions
Derek

Derek

  • TV sitcom
  • Channel 4
  • 2012 - 2014
  • 14 episodes (2 series)

Bittersweet comedy drama written by and starring Ricky Gervais as a worker in a retirement home. Also features Kerry Godliman, David Earl, Holli Dempsey, Brett Goldstein, Karl Pilkington and more.

Episode menu

Series 1, Episode 1

The retirement home's future comes under threat after a visit from the local council reveals the latest budget cuts are going to have a negative impact on funding.

Further details

Derek. Derek (Ricky Gervais). Copyright: Derek Productions

The retirement home's future comes under threat after a visit from the local council reveals the latest budget cuts are going to have a negative impact on funding.

As a result of a visit to the home, the councillors decide to conduct an inspection to see whether there are any necessary changes that can be made, such as 'streamlining' the number of employees, in order to keep the home open despite the current economic climate.

During the home's assessment, Hannah tries her best to ensure that everything is running smoothly by taking the councillors on a guided tour. Unfortunately however, things don't go exactly to plan when Derek's slightly odd friend, Kev, pops up naked in one of the resident's beds after claiming to have taken a 'quick nap'.

Hannah also introduces the councillors to Derek, Dougie and the other employees so that they can gain a better understanding of everyone's roles and responsibilities.

But after meeting Derek and Dougie they're not entirely convinced - particularly as Derek's taken to keeping tadpoles in the sink to stop them from being eaten by fish and Dougie has no real training or qualifications.

Worried there won't be enough funding to keep their jobs, Hannah suggests that Derek and Dougie organise a petition by collecting signatures from the locals on Hampstead High Street. Accompanied by Kev however their efforts aren't particularly successful as Derek's desperation and Kev's sleazy chat up lines scare the public away, leaving the trio feeling down and disheartened.

Finally, to provide respite from the worries surrounding retirement home's future, the residents are visited by some of the animals from the local pet rescue centre - which is much to Derek's delight as he thinks animals are 'the best thing in the world'.

Throughout, Hannah's hard work and dedication toward the retirement home is evident. She's determined not to let the residents be rehomed and when the councillors reveal that their future is uncertain Dougie has no trouble telling them where to go!

Broadcast details

Date
Wednesday 30th January 2013
Time
10pm
Channel
Channel 4
Length
30 minutes

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Saturday 2nd February 2013 1:05am 4seven
Saturday 2nd February 2013 11:05pm 4seven
Tuesday 5th February 2013 11:10pm C4
Sunday 26th May 2013 11:05pm More4
Monday 27th May 2013 2:50am More4

Cast & crew

Cast
Ricky Gervais Derek
Kerry Godliman Hannah
David Earl Kev
Brett Goldstein Tom
Karl Pilkington Dougie
Kay Noone Lizzie
Tim Barlow Jack
Arthur Nightingale Arthur
Sheila Collings Sheila
Margaret Towner Edna
Prem Modgil Prem
Barry Martin Joe
Blanche Williams Precious
Ninette Finch Annie
Ruth Bratt Mary
Guest cast
Simon Wright Councillor
Pamela Lyne Marge
Writing team
Ricky Gervais Writer
Production team
Ricky Gervais Director
Charlie Hanson Producer
Ricky Gervais Executive Producer
Richard Halladay (as Richard Halladey) Editor
Graham Barker Editor
Anna Higginson Production Designer

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