Karl Pilkington

Karl Pilkington's new sitcom refuses to work for its laughs, or its pathos. He plays Karl, a newly and unhappily single cabbie whose implausible fecklessness, in a world full of monstrous chancers, creates farcical situations from nothing. He also plays Karl's more forthright inner monologue as a separate character, which is a way to crowbar in Pilkington's trademark observational rants. But, in a scripted comedy that aims for bittersweetness, simply spelling out what pains the protagonist is another easy shortcut.

Sick of It, review

Karl Pilkington stars opposite himself in his new sitcom that mostly hits the mark.

Sick of It review

Karl Pilkington's new comedy is more melancholy meditation than shaggy dog stories.

Karl Pilkington interview

He wanted to quit but Ricky Gervais's side-kick is the writer and star of Sick of It, a sitcom which deals with loneliness and depression.

I talk Sick of It

Karl Pilkington has produced radio shows, featured on podcasts, starred in his own documentaries and even written books but never has he starred in his own scripted comedy, until now.

Karl Pilkington risks backlash with Harambe joke

The Sky star said he was annoyed because the dead gorilla was one of only 700 but there's 'loads of kids'.

Karl Pilkington: I owe my success to Ricky Gervais

He's returning to our TV screens to travel the globe yet again in The Moaning of Life 2, but Karl Pilkington says none of it would be possible if it wasn't for two people: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Canongate sign up more Karl Pilkington

Canongate has signed the latest book from Karl Pilkington, planned for released in summer 2016.

I've never watched Derek before, but I decided to dive straight into Series 2 which is currently airing on Channel 4. Normally I loathe skipping episodes, but I'd heard mixed things about the first series.

My initial thoughts aren't what I thought they'd be. I've always been skeptical about this show (for the obvious reasons) and was worried that the humour would be crass in an uncomfortable way. This wasn't the case at all. It's far sweeter than I expected and is not at all in your face. Obviously there were some good gags and I'm sure the sickly sweet moments were occasionally for comedic effect, but I genuinely found it endearing. I'd even go so far to say it was moving in places. Bear in mind that I am an incredibly soppy so and so.

I'm a sucker for Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington anyway, but I did think their acting was good. Yes, it probably wasn't as funny as I had hoped, but it is definitely different and that's what all comedies should be aiming for. To be different.