Ricky Gervais has stated that his new stand-up special will be available on Netflix earlier than previously planned. The new stand-up special, which was originally scheduled for 2024, will be released internationally on Christmas Day.
Ricky Gervais: Armageddon is the British comedian’s third big stand-up special, following Humanity in 2018 and SuperNature in 2022.
Ricky Gervais: SuperNature was released in May 2022 to mostly excellent reviews, although it drew major criticism for jokes about trans problems, which also landed fellow Netflix comedian Dave Chappelle in deep trouble.
The special was in the top ten of Netflix TV in at least 28 countries and the top ten of Netflix UK for 11 days. At the National Comedy Awards, the programme was also named Best Stand-Up Show.
In 2019, Netflix inked an output contract with Gervais, and the final seasons of the recent National Television Awards-winning programmes After Life and Supernature will be available on the streaming service. Gervais previously created and acted in Derek, a Netflix and Channel 4 co-production.
According to Gervais during a live webcast in 2020, the streaming giant has signed up for at least two more projects: Armageddon and an unannounced series.
Happy Birthday, Jesus! pic.twitter.com/cAQbG4A0oS
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) November 20, 2023
In a statement released by Netflix, Gervais said:
The programme was directed by John L. Spencer, produced by Derek Productions, and recorded earlier this year at the London Palladium. The tour set several records, including the largest-ever standup in the Hollywood Bowl.
Gervais first predicted Armageddon will be available on Netflix internationally in 2024 on Twitter, suggesting earlier in 2023:
Despite not producing as many stand-up specials as it once did, Netflix continues to collaborate with some of the world’s best comedians. Future specials will feature Chris Rock (in Netflix’s first live performance), Bert Kreischer, Mae Martin, Tom Segura, Hannah Gadsby, and Ali Wong, among others.
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