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.

Press clippings Page 6

Derek, series 2, episode 1, review

There are reports that a third series is being considered. My advice, for what it's worth, is: don't do it. It is possible to have too much of a sloppy, sentimental, embarrassing thing, you know - even when it stars Ricky Gervais.

Terry Ramsey, The Telegraph, 23rd April 2014

Why Ricky Gervais and Derek are Normcore but nice

Yes, Normcore. The 'theory' proposed by American trend forecasting collective K-Hole and picked up by New York Magazine as a fashion (or anti- fashion) movement that has become such a 'thing' that it's even been given a full page explanation in The Sun.

The idea is that rather than trying to be different with what you wear, you try to be 'ardently ordinary' or 'endearingly awkward', and, for a character rarely seen out of his zip-up polyester cardigan and sweat pants, it means Derek is not just riding a Normcore wave, he's the king of the movement.

Tom Atkinson, The Huffington Post, 23rd April 2014

I can't get my head around Derek

A second series does give Gervais the chance to explore the characters more deeply, but with Karl Pilkington leaving in this opener the series instantly loses its main comedy draw.

The Custard TV, 23rd April 2014

Confusing comedy returns with a lacklustre opening

My issue with Derek is that I can never really relax into it and believe that I'm actually watching a group of characters who live and work in a care home.

Matt D., Unreality TV, 23rd April 2014

Review: Derek had me laughing, crying and hating myself

The new series of Derek opens with brilliant comic scenes about spiders, electrocution and sex between clowns and chimps but, by the end of the half hour, viewers just might be quietly weeping.

Julie McDowall, The Herald, 23rd April 2014

Derek, series two, TV review

The trouble isn't Derek's condition, or lack of, it's Derek himself. He feels like a cartoon in a world of verisimilitude.

Will Dean, The Independent, 23rd April 2014

TV review: Derek

It's a fine start overall, with numerous emotional responses neatly housed within an ultimately safe environment.

Julian Hall, Chortle, 23rd April 2014

Things we've learned in Derek Series 2 so far

Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington are back for the second series of Derek and we've already learned some pretty important lessons.

Emily Hewett, Metro, 23rd April 2014

Ricky Gervais: I've attempted to be a good person

Ricky Gervais sat down with HuffPostUK's Culture of Kindness to talk about his motivation for his own favourite character.

Caroline Frost, The Huffington Post, 23rd April 2014

Video: Ricky Gervais on David Brent and getting older

Ricky Gervais joined BBC Breakfast to talk about David Brent and getting older.

BBC News, 23rd April 2014

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