Ricky Gervais has revealed he wants his new Netflix animated series Alley Cats to continue indefinitely, even until his death. The 65-year-old comedian, known for ending The Office and Extras after just two seasons and a Christmas special, and After Life after three seasons, told The Mirror: 'It's the first thing I've ever created that I'd like to go on forever. I can see myself just making this show till I die.'
Why Alley Cats is Different
Gervais explained that the animated format allows for longevity, saying: 'The cats won't age, and it doesn't matter how fat and old and bald I get. Someone can just put me in a chair with a microphone, surrounded by the rest of the cast, and off we go. It won't really matter when senility kicks in, as I'm usually talking b* anyway. It's the dream job.'
Alley Cats, which premieres on Netflix on August 7, follows a curmudgeonly cat who swears but has a heart of gold, a premise Gervais acknowledges might draw criticism. 'It would take a very special kind of person to complain about what a fictional cartoon cat thought of something, but it will happen,' he said. 'Please don't be offended by anything these characters say or do. They can't help it. They're cats. So sometimes, they're s****.'
Defending the Show
During a recent YouTube live stream, Gervais addressed potential backlash, warning about 'everyone getting [Alley Cats] wrong' and referencing 'one bloke who did a whole article about what a terrible series it was from a one-minute trailer.' He dismissed claims that the series looks lazy, arguing that he has assembled what he calls the 'Avengers of British comedy' for the voice cast.
Star-Studded Cast
The voice cast includes Tom Basden (After Life), David Earl (Derek and After Life), Kerry Godliman (Derek and After Life), Jo Hartley (After Life), and Diane Morgan (After Life). Gervais said: 'I cast my usual gang of comedy chums, because I know exactly what they're capable of. They can stay in character, drive the plot, stick to the screenplay, and go completely off-piste whenever the moment demands it.'
Alley Cats will be available on Netflix from August 7.
