ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Ricky Gervais Says The Office Would Be Cancelled If It Came Out In 2021

Ricky Gervais Says The Office Would Be Cancelled If It Came Out In 2021

The comedian has ruled out ever doing a reunion for the iconic show because he reckons it would be 'too tragic'.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Ricky Gervais has hit out against cancel culture and alleged the notion would probably prevent his legendary sitcom from running in this era.

On the 20th anniversary of The Office UK, the hilarious comedian reckons the show would have been cancelled if he tried to debut it to a more aware audience.

It first went to air on BBC Two back in July 2002 and it didn't get much fanfare. However over time, audiences fell in love with David Brent and the funny antics that happened at the Slough paper merchants Wernham Hogg.

BBC

He told the Beeb: "I didn't have huge ambitions, it was never, 'This is going to be a massive hit'. I think the first series got about 1.5 million viewers. And I was happy with that.

"And then they repeated it, and it got 2.5 million. So that said something. Then I started to get conscious of the wave, the turn."

It ended up turning into a cult classic that still inspires people to rattle off quotes or scenes like they had just aired on the telly.

However, these episodes are more than a decade old and while Gervais has fond memories of the show, he admits it wouldn't be viewed as fondly now.

"The themes are universal: good and bad bosses, doing a decent job, boy meets girl, wanting to be loved," he said.

BBC

"I mean now it would be cancelled. I'm looking forward to when they pick out one thing and try to cancel it. Someone said they might try to cancel it one day, and I say, 'Good let them cancel it. I've been paid!'"

Fans shouldn't get excited about the team at Wernham Hogg getting back together though, at least if Gervais has anything to do with it.

While loads of sitcoms from way-back-when have done reunion episodes and reboots, Ricky previously said that will never happen for The Office UK because no one wants to see 'David Brent pratting around at 60'.

"It would just be too tragic, we won't be able to laugh any more," he added. "I think to try and assemble The Office again would be shameful. Why would they be there? It wouldn't be pleasant to watch. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. It works because it's done."

So enjoy what you have and the fact that you have it.

Featured Image Credit: BBC

Topics: Entertainment, Ricky Gervais