Derek: Season 1

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 16 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 89 Ratings

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8.5

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8.5	User Score Universal acclaim based on 89 Ratings

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Derek

Now Playing: Derek

Season Details & Credits

Channel 4 | Netflix | Season Premiere Date: January 30, 2013

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Blanche Williams, Kerry Godliman

Summary: The British dramady focuses on Derek Noakes (Ricky Gervais) and his work at the Broadhill retirement home.

Genre(s): Comedy, Drama

Season 1 Episodes

tbd
S1:E7. Episode 7
Air Date: March 6, 2013
tbd
S1:E6. Episode 6
Air Date: March 6, 2013
tbd
S1:E5. Episode 5
Air Date: February 27, 2013

See all Seasons and Episodes

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Diane Werts

Sep 11, 2013

It's hilarious, and sad, and ironic, and rich. Read full review

Tom Gliatto

Sep 6, 2013

Even if his acting feels like a sentimental stunt, Gervais wrote and directed the series with gentle skill. [16 Sep 2013, p.41]

David Wiegand

Sep 10, 2013

It may be the nicest show you'll ever see. Read full review

Rob Owen

Sep 12, 2013

There's an appeal to the gentle spirit of Derek but it would have a stronger pull if the plotting was less dull. Read full review

Matt Zoller Seitz

Sep 12, 2013

Derek is engaging and sometimes very funny. Parts of it are ostentatiously sentimental, verging on gooey. Read full review

Michael Starr

Oct 3, 2013

It [the (pseudo-documentary) cameras] was effective in The Office; here it’s just repetitive and annoying. Read full review

Mike Hale

Sep 11, 2013

The mush outweighs the wit, with episodes ending on tides of sentiment. Read full review

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User Score

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8.5

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Mixed:

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User Reviews

TrustProjects

Feb 5, 2014

The rating here is completely misleading. This show is incredibly cleverly written and beautifully acted.
The performances are tender, nuanced, layered and very considered.
The photography is reminiscent of The Office for obvious reasons. It's the subtleties which make this a truly greatThe rating here is completely misleading. This show is incredibly cleverly written and beautifully acted.
The performances are tender, nuanced, layered and very considered.
The photography is reminiscent of The Office for obvious reasons.
It's the subtleties which make this a truly great piece of work, like the little glances to camera.
The soundtracks chosen for some of the episodes is almost inspired. Some of the actors performances are incredible, main characters and bit parters alike. It's so clever you very easily begin to sympathise with the characters plights, it takes a great deal of effort to remember they're actors!
Overall, a fabulous endeavour, absolutely not to missed, and a real credit to all concerned.
I laughed and cried. Thanks.… Expand

7 of 9 users found this helpful72

Amzieo

Jan 23, 2014

One of the funniest loveliest programmes I have ever seen. The elderly actors are so natural and endearing. I have cried laughing and with tears of pure emotion.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

wavethrush

Jan 15, 2014

Derek had possibly the best pilot episode I've ever seen, for any series. I loved the show immediately for its wit, impeccable acting, and genuine emotion.

Like the other reviewers said, there is not one ounce of pretension in this show - it's a down-to-earth work of art from Gervais thatDerek had possibly the best pilot episode I've ever seen, for any series. I loved the show immediately for its wit, impeccable acting, and genuine emotion.

Like the other reviewers said, there is not one ounce of pretension in this show - it's a down-to-earth work of art from Gervais that thematically suggests there's more to life than being clever and good-looking. People who loved the realism and profundity of Extras will love this show, but will be happy to find that it's funnier and more tightly written. This is Gervais's most mature work to date and shows his astonishing talent when he's in control of every aspect of a project. The economy of his writing and editing is razor sharp, and there's not one line or one scene in Derek that I would take out. Everything about Derek is perfection - well done Ricky!

The critics reviews are disappointing. I disagree with their claims that the show is heavy-handed with sentimentality and that the mockumentary style is getting old. The emotions in Derek are real, and Gervais tries to say something honest about humanity without shoving it down our throats - he inspires us to ask questions within ourselves. The fake documentary style feels like a natural way to tell Derek's story - a style Gervais has done before, but nonetheless incredibly fresh in its execution here.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

Unavoidable

Jan 10, 2014

Probably his most personal work, and certainly his bravest - Ricky Gervais shows us he still still willing to take big risks; it's the only way to get the big rewards and there are plenty here for the open minded viewer.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

BrutalBarracuda

Jan 6, 2014

Absolutley brilliant! I only watched it cus Karl Pilkingtons in it and i love that guy. But this is so much more than i expected. I recommend doing as i did and watch the whole series in one go, it took me just over 2 hours. Awesome, i really hope they do another series!

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

limetownjack

Dec 13, 2013

Funny, sad and smart. The humor is similar to The Office but what makes Derek such a good show is that it doesn't rely only on humor. Derek is a comedy with substance. I cannot recommend it enough. Brilliant.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

kalifire

Apr 24, 2014

There is literally nothing to like about Ricky Gervaris's 'Derek'. It's mawkish rubbish from beginning to end, stopping only for crass, playground humour lacking in any wit or sophistication. The nauseatingly twee sentiments extend Gervais's own condescending Twitter presence with clumsyThere is literally nothing to like about Ricky Gervaris's 'Derek'. It's mawkish rubbish from beginning to end, stopping only for crass, playground humour lacking in any wit or sophistication. The nauseatingly twee sentiments extend Gervais's own condescending Twitter presence with clumsy poignancy wrapped up in implausibly naivety. Haters gonna hate? No. In this case, lovers are gonna love. Those convinced by Gervais seem to inexhaustibly excuse his increasingly diminishing returns, sometimes to the point one wonders if they employ any critical analysis at all. This is embarrassing from the man who co-wrote The Office, and evidence once more - as if it was needed - that the nuance and subtlety so wonderfully evident in his earlier work was perhaps not attributable to him.… Expand

0 of 7 users found this helpful07

SEE ALL 30 REVIEWS

Seasons & Episodes

63

Series Overview
Season 3

tbd
- Season 3 Overview
  Air Date: January 30, 2013
Season 2

tbd
- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: May 30, 2014
Season 1

64
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: January 30, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E7. Episode 7
  Air Date: March 6, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E6. Episode 6
  Air Date: March 6, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E5. Episode 5
  Air Date: February 27, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E4. Episode 4
  Air Date: February 20, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E3. Episode 3
  Air Date: February 20, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E2. Episode 2
  Air Date: February 6, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E1. Pilot
  Air Date: January 30, 2013