The Sydney Morning Herald logo

Ricky Gervais

Advertisement

Ricky Gervais created two of TV’s greatest comedies. But his standup is slipping

The Office legend’s latest special is another reminder that being funny seems to have dropped down his list of priorities.

  • Ben Pobjie

Latest

Ricky Gervais has become known for his ability to offend on stage, but it’s a very different experience for most in the real world.

Have I offended you? Why it can be good (and bad) to take umbrage

Why are some people so easily offended? Is it a bad thing? More significantly, what do you achieve by taking offence?

  • Shona Hendley
Felicity Ward as the incompetent Hannah Howard in <i>The Office</i>.

Sorry, online haters, but The Office Australia is genuinely fun

Comedian Felicity Ward nails it as an incompetent, zany “girlboss” in the much-discussed Australian version of the hit comedy.

  • Kylie Northover
Hannah Howard (Felicity Ward) photocopying her face in The Office.

‘You’re not going to make everyone happy’: Can The Office win over Australia?

It’s either the best idea streamer Prime Video has ever had (a local version of an established hit) or the worst (a local version of an established hit).

  • Louise Rugendyke
Ricky Gervais’ new special is titled Armageddon.

A decade ago, Ricky Gervais told me something that might explain his incendiary new show

His comments give an insight into his “take no prisoners” comedic approach in Armageddon. And for Netflix, it’s good for business.

  • Michael Idato
Streaming service Stan will live broadcast all the glitz and glam of the proceedings, including the red carpet arrivals, from 11am.

Everything you need to know about the 2024 Golden Globes

The 81st Golden Globes will be held on Monday, marking the first ceremony since the dissolution of its original voting body.

  • Nell Geraets
Advertisement
Ricky Gervais Armageddon.

It’s highly offensive, but that’s not the problem with Ricky Gervais’ Armageddon

The comic’s latest stand-up special is the most popular show on Netflix in Australia this week, as he continues to court controversy.

  • Ben Pobjie
If casting for a film, would Ricky Gervais be a perfect fit for the cantankerous Old Testament prophet, Jonah?

In praise of Jonah, the cantankerous but surprisingly effective prophet

There is so much more to Jonah, the man who we remember for reportedly spending three days in the belly of the whale.

  • Barney Zwartz
edna

In defence of Barry Humphries’ legacy, and the art of comedy itself

Not even Australia’s handful of cultural elders - those who prised open the windows of our stultifying mid-century suburbia to let in fresh air - are spared cancellation these days.

  • Julie Szego
Hannah Einbinder as Ava and Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in the second season of <i>Hacks</i>.

‘There is no line. It’s just not funny’: Why Hacks is the perfect TV series for this moment

It seems like a week can’t pass without some sort of widespread online debate about comedy.

  • Rebecca Shaw