Season 1 – Derek

Audience Reviews

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Joshua N @RT39753474 Jul 9, 2026 This show ISN'T what the critics say it is. The notion that Gervais is exploiting vulnerable people is incomprehensible to anyone who's watched this entire show. For starters, i can't think of a show that has paid such tribute to the elderly as Derek has. It was beautiful. As for the mentally disabled, i equally struggle to think of a show that presented such a thoughtful portrayal of a high functioning autistic person as Derek has. Regardless what one thinks of Ricky's acting and Derek's mannerisms, it's indisputable that Ricky chose to give Derek a heart of gold. He created a complex character in Derek. He gave Derek high levels of intelligence, inquisitiveness, dignity and empathy. He did all that and still managed to make this one of the funniest edgiest comedies I've ever seen. The laughs for me, mainly came from one of the greatest characters ever created, Derek's best mate Kev! See more Annabel A @Sunniestbear Jun 29, 2026 The fall from the height of The Office, where in hindsight we see how vital Merchant’s influence was, to the depths of Derek needs to be studied. Most of the humour is slapstick (someone sitting in a bowl of custard, someone falling into a pond). Derek is supposedly a kind, simple man. But Gervais cannot help but use Derek to rant about whatever is currently annoying Gervais. He is right, everyone else is wrong & stupid and, as always he wins the "argument". Most of all Gervais pulled a face in an episode of The Office & said "only me". He found it so funny he had to make an entire programme around it. The trouble is, he found it difficult to keep his chin jutted & it kept going slack & he’d have to push it back out repeatedly. For an able bodied man to play a caricature of a disabled man is offensive. It’s like him playing a black character by doing blackface makeup on himself. I can’t believe the show was allowed to exist, but ableism is tolerated or not even noticed in society. See more Shiraz Q @RT19126651 Sep 7, 2025 One of the best shows I've ever seen. I laughed and then cried with emotion in the very first episode. It's a heartwarming, funny, and at times heartrending look inside a small nursing home. Gervais is brilliant as always. The critics are nuts. See more Keith B @RT47156133 Jul 24, 2025 Just further evidence of how disconnected modern critics are from reality. This is one of the most moving and funny things I’ve ever seen. Powerfully written and acted. See more Mike F @RT74261056 Feb 3, 2025 Fantastic! I have watched all of the first series and a few of the second's episodes. It's the most moving thing I've ever seen. So sad, at the same time so funny. I cried often, sometimes with pathos but definitely with laughter. See more Mike T @RT03367501 Nov 27, 2024 It’s a great show. The season finale of season 1, may be some of the best tv I have ever watched. See more Read all reviews

Derek — Season 1

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