Derek

I've been a Ricky Gervais fan for years now and not only have I been hearing about this show for awhile now, I've been seeing the man himself post about it all the time on Facebook, so I finally said fuck it, I'm going to check it out and two words......mind blown. I had a little marathon and watched all 12 episodes in the span of 2 days (only 12...so far, I want more...) because from the first episode I was hooked. The characters and dialogue had me laughing hysterically and feeling horribly sad at the same time, the show is a total roller coaster. For example, in one episode, within 10 minutes I went thru a range of emotions, laughter because something hilarious happened, anger because there's a total cunt of a character and then sad like "wtf that's some of the most depressing shit ever." It's crazy.

The show takes place in a nursing home in London which is in danger of being shut down (episode 1), it stars Ricky playing a character named "Derek" who is a naive 50 year old volunteer at the home who is nothing but kind and finds complete joy in caring for the residents, as he says "I likes old people. They're kind and they're not going to be around forever, so be nice to them." He's slightly "slow" with a basket full of nervous twitches, a complete animal freak and a heart of gold.

His homeless best friend "Kev" hangs out, drinking beer at the home simply because he has nothing else in his life to be apart of. One of the main sources of comic relief in the show, he always has something crude or sexual to say, though is kind to everyone at the home thus everyone allows him to be a constant figure there. 

You can see how ridiculous Kev is here.

Caretaker Dougie played by Karl Pilkington (An Idiot Abroad, The Moaning of Life, The Ricky Gervais Show) is the handyman, jack of all trades at the home who keeps everything running, including Derek and Kev, as it's revealed they live in his Council Flat (I guess it's called section 8 in the US?). Very cynical, he always has an opinion or comment about what ever is going on at the time. Coming off as stern and rigid, he has a love for the home and it's residents often getting angry when outsiders come in and mess with the harmony of the residents.

Here's Dougie. 

Hannah, the person is charge of it all, is the matriarch of sorts. Well loved by literally everyone at the home, she's the reason it all works. Early to mid 30's, she describes herself as a "midwife for the way out" meaning as opposed to a normal midwife helping with birth, she specializes in helping people on their way out of life. She acts as a big sister/motherly figure of sorts to Derek who shares her passion in caring for the residents. Her complete and utter dedication to the home puts a strain on her social life, as her boyfriend Tom grows increasingly frustrated with her not being able to make time due her to commitments to the residents.

Vicky, A teenager who was caught shoplifting was sent to the home for a community service stint, whom at first is completely appalled with the home and its residents, quickly begins to turn around and share the other characters passion and love for the job. In season 2, Hannah makes her an official employee and the two become best friends and share a sisterly bond. Vicky uplifts the spirits of the women residents by doing their hair, nails and giving them make overs.


The show, while serious, is chock full of off the wall comedy of ridiculous nature. A resident dying or something equally heart wrenching while be followed with alcoholic Kev spilling his beer wrestling with Derek, then proceed to sip it off the carpet, followed by Dougie telling an anecdote about the wacky nature of the two. For every sad moment, there's a hilarious comedy bit.

Gervais was nominated for an Emmy for his role as Derek, and I'd say the accolade is rightfully earned.  It's currently on NetFlix so go check it out, I thought it was fucking great. 10/10

Here's a trailer.