Ricky Gervais is bringing his new stand-up comedy special to Netflix. Gervais has a long-standing relationship with the streaming service, as Mortality will be his fourth special to premiere on Netflix, following past debuts like Humanity (2018) and SuperNature (2022). His 2023 special, Armageddon, even won Gervais a Golden Globe. Mortality is wrapping up an international tour that saw it break box-office records throughout Europe, playing Radio City Music Hall in New York and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Mortality was filmed during the tour’s 14-night run at the Palladium in London. As the title suggests, it delves into darker subject matter and jokes that may offend, with the comedian posing questions about the state of the world, life itself, and death. According to Netflix, “no topic is off limits” in Gervais’ Mortality. In a press release, Geravis stated:
I think Mortality is my most honest and confessional show so far, and also my favourite tour. I still can’t believe what a privilege it is to fly around the world making people laugh.
Mortality is slated to hit Netflix on December 30, shortly after the actual tour wraps up. Those familiar with Gervais’ stand-up know he can push the limit, often making jokes that offend some people. SuperNature was even the subject of some controversy due to jokes that were potentially perceived as transphobic, which the comedian later clarified. However, given the topics at hand in Mortality, his jokes may venture into subjects many may feel uncomfortable discussing, like death and religion, which Gervais has been open about in the past.
Ricky Gervais Has Contemplated Mortality With Netflix Before
Most audiences know Gervais thanks to The Office, as he was the man behind the original British iteration of the series. However, Gervais has found success in several other scripted shows, with Netflix’s After Life being a shining example. Gervais created and stars in After Life as Tony, a man struggling to get by following the death of his wife. The tragic event turns him into a blunt, often harsh person, which can play havoc with his life as he struggles to find reasons to care. It is a deeply contemplative show that delves into life and death with a humorous edge, offering emotionally impactful relationships.
Gervais looks to have taken his thoughts on the human condition to the stage with his new special. Mortality will see the actor stepping outside roles like Tony in After Life to share his unfiltered opinions on existence with crowds around the world, and his partnership with Netflix shows no signs of stopping. The streaming service announced Alley Cats in September, which will star Gervais as an animated cat. With Mortality on the horizon for Netflix, Gervais is likely to continue his partnership in the coming years if he chooses to release further specials, with fans able to see his new stand-up in December.
- Birthname
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Ricky Dene Gervais
- Birthdate
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June 25, 1961
- Birthplace
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Reading, Berkshire, England, UK