Ricky Gervais has lost his magic… he’s being lazy now he’s got legend status.
The outspoken star is famous for creating some of the most iconic telly of this century and being one of the most exciting stand-up comics in the world.
But his current output isn’t exactly innovative or impressive. It’s old hat.
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Earlier this week Ricky tested new material at a special gig in London. It was at the Leicester Square Theatre, which holds 400 fans — far less than the crowds he plays for at arenas.
I was among the lucky ones who managed to bag a ticket. But the gig wasn’t everything I hoped it would be.
It was a conveyor belt of gags designed to shock and appall.
Topics included Jimmy Savile raping disabled children, Adolf Hitler, suicide and the N word.
A lot of it was funny and well-written and the crowd lapped it up. As a stand-up gig, it was a success.
But was it daring or brave or exciting? No. It was the same schtick Ricky has been doing for years — picking the most shocking topics he can think of and making jokes about them.
When the vast majority of your material is on taboo or distasteful subjects, it starts to feel performative rather than daring.
Shock value doesn’t work when everyone knows to expect it.
Adrian Rogers//BBC
It feels like Ricky is more interested in courting controversy and showing off than he is in doing something fresh and exciting.
His other big project is new animated series Alley Cats.
When the trailer for the Netflix show dropped this week, it divided opinion.
It’s about a bunch of cats who swear and talk about rude things. Who saw that coming? Everyone.
Ricky’s stuff is by no means bad. There’s no doubt he’s still entertaining. His tour will sell out around the world and Alley Cats will get bumper ratings. He’ll always be a big, big star.
But what about his legacy? He’s no longer doing projects that stand out, he’s doing the same tired old routine.
His new stuff is a world away from innovative things like The Office, Extras or After Life.
In fact, he doesn’t even seem that keen to honour his heyday.
Stars of The Office have filmed a new documentary to mark the 25th anniversary of the show.
Hollywood star Martin Freeman is involved alongside former co-stars including Mackenzie Crook. But Ricky isn’t part of it. This feels like a bizarre move given The Office is his biggest success.
Ricky is capable of great things. For him to waste his talent is no joke.