After its pilot aired in the UK this past April, Ricky Gervais found himself defending his newest project Derek, a series about, in his words, “a funny little nerd” who works in a home for the elderly and spends his spare time hunting autographs. Many accused Gervais, the king of uncomfortable comedy, of making fun of those with mental disabilities.
The Office creator, however, explained that he never thought of the show’s main character (whom Gervais portrays) as mentally disabled. “Just make your own minds up,” he said. “He’s got a little hobby on the margins of society, they are a little bit different which I have liked to celebrate. I never shy away from that.” The show also features Karl Pilkington’s first role not playing himself.
Regardless of controversy, the show was picked up for six episodes to air on Channel 4 in England early next year and for those of us in the States, it will stream on Netflix later in 2013. And now, there’s a first-look teaser for the series! Check it out below and tell us what you think! PS: There’s some bloopers at the end of the video.
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