Derek

After taking a step back from starring roles in recent years, Ricky Gervais returns to centre stage with his latest comedy persona, Derek. Unlike previous egotistical, fame hungry characters such as David Brent and Andy Millman, Derek Noakes is a sweet, compassionate man who works in a retirement home. He loves his job, cares deeply for the residents and enjoys the simple things in life such as Deal or No Deal and puddings. In short, Gervais' new creation represents a major change from what was becoming an all too familiar and tired act.

Although not laugh out loud funny, Derek has a certain charm and warmness not often seen in any of Gervais' past efforts and although this is a one off it shows more than enough potential to justify a full series. Also look out for regular Gervais collaborator Karl Pilkington in his debut acting role playing Derek's best mate.

Derek preview

Derek proves that Ricky Gervais can still produce raw emotion and make you care about a character in a way that I'm not sure many other comedic actors can.

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Heat previews Ricky Gervais' new show Derek

Derek is an interesting and somewhat provocative comedy that will no doubt whip up a bit of a storm when it airs.

Ricky Gervais in Derek - review

The upcoming C4 comedy about a man with learning difficulties isn't the bad-taste train crash you might expect.

Review: Ricky Gervais in Derek

Where Kerry Godliman and Ricky Gervais turn in naturalistic performances, wringing humour from their characters' behaviour, Karl Pilkington is there in a comedy wig, being Karl Pilkington. It doesn't quite gel.

What is Ricky Gervais's new comedy pilot like?

While the format may seem a bit too familiar, the character of Derek is a breath of fresh air from the egotistical, often obnoxious leads of past projects and it's his sunny charm that really sucks you to into the show.

Heat Magazine review

Derek is an interesting and somewhat provocative comedy that will no doubt whip up a bit of a storm when it airs on the 12 April.