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

Ricky Gervais has claimed that The Office would be cancelled if it came out today.

As it happens, the sitcom was released 20 years ago today - yes, 20 years ago - and it is now regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time.

The show launched Gervais' career and was remade in countries across the globe, but Gervais thinks a lot has changed over the past two decades.

BBC

"I mean, now it would be cancelled," he told the BBC.

"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!'"

Indeed, to say Gervais has been 'paid' over the past 20 years is somewhat of an understatement.

The international success of The Office made its star and creator a millionaire, and over the years since he has proven to be far from a one-trick pony.

Subsequent series such as Extras and After Life have drawn similarly glowing reviews, while his numerous stand-up tours have been selling out venues since 2003.

Consequently, money has not been a problem for the 60-year-old for a long time, as he joked in his 2018 Netflix stand-up special Humanity: "As a famous person, you read about yourself. Gossip and Twitter and everything.

"One thing kept cropping up, even as I prepared for this tour. People kept saying, 'He's out of touch. He's so famous. He's rich. He's mega-rich.'

"I am. Right? I could have this place burnt down for a laugh."

But it all started with The Office, which has stood the test of time and inspired so much comedy since - both directly and indirectly.

PA

Reflecting on the show's success, Gervais said: "I didn't have huge ambitions, it was never, 'This is going to be a massive hit.'

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

But while the show is seemingly timeless and universally appreciated, Gervais has no plans to bring it back.

He said: "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."

Topics: Celebrity, Comedy, UK Entertainment, The Office, Ricky Gervais

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey