Derek

Derek is a comedy drama, about an odd but selfless worker at a care home played by Ricky Gervais, and the rest of his friends who work there.

I admit the first time I watched the pilot for Derek, I didn't think it was that great. I didn't laugh that much and I thought it was boring. However, watching it a second time, and watching the first 2 episodes, I think its fantastic. Like Gervais' masterpiece the Office, its something you have to watch more than once to "get", but once you do, its fantastic. The funny parts truly made me laugh out loud (very loud I may add) and its brilliant as a drama. The characters are funny, believable and likable. The character of Derek's disability is treated in a way that is funny, but still respectful. Karl Pilkington is hilarious (and especially brilliant at the end of the second episode). The episodes are very heartwarming, and each so far has given me a weird feeling of both happiness and sadness at the end.

Its not a blatant laugh out loud comedy like I and many may have expected, but so far its a fantastic comedy drama with a lot to say about whats really important in life: friendship (not trying to sound too soppy).

Definitely give it a chance, and you will be rewarded :)

I'm a 48 year old guy who was dragged up on a council estate where men didn't cry or show their emotions.

On watching this amazing, funny, heartfelt show I must of cried ten times, not teary but actually blubbed. This is the most touching piece of art I have ever watched.

On the flip side I also laughed until I nearly wet myself, a beautifully observed piece of life and Ricky should be proud of the best TV I have ever seen

10 out of 10 does not do this justice.

Edit * I binged the whole series again this weekend ,still cried at parts and laughed as much as ever ,this gets better with age , it's innocence is lost nowadays ,2025 is not 2020 sadly ,if I could rate this 100 I would.

I've always known Ricky Gervais as a comedian. After I finished watching After Life 1 and 2 I discovered who he was as a writer. Now that I've finished Derek I love who he is as a human being. A lovely soul with a brilliant gift as a creator of characters that draw you into their world and make you want to be apart of it. There are no formulatic stereotypes in this place and nothing is candy coated . It's life with all its bumps and bruises, a moments of pure joy. Love and heartbreak, laughter and tears, The actors he uses in all of the series he writes are as talented a cast as you could ever ask for. I'm so glad I got to know them all, even if it was for just a moment

Recently watched Derek. I can't remember the last time I was so moved by art. Thank you.

I am a British born cynic and lover of biting comedy and satire, that is what I love and expect from Misters Gervaise and Pilkington and I must admit that the first episode left me feeling less than impressed. I kept waiting for a knowing wink,the shoe to drop, everything seemed so heartfelt and schmaltzy, surely there was a punch line?

Giving in to sincerity and allowing ourselves to be emotionally exposed in life is where the magic can happen, like falling in love we have to lower our guard and put our cynicism behind us. Derek wears it's heart on its sleeve and if you are brave enough to watch with your heart you will be richly rewarded.