Derek - an introduction

16 January 2013

Is Derek a comedy or a drama?

I get asked that a lot. Even after people have seen it.

I say "What do you think it is?"

They say "Well I laughed a lot but I cried as well. I'm just not sure if it was a drama with funny bits or a comedy with sad bits"

I usually then say, "Derek is whatever you think real life is. Is your life a drama with funny bits or a comedy with sad bits?"

The answer doesn't matter really. What matters is if you enjoy it... for whatever reason. Because it made you laugh, because it made you cry, because it made you think or even because it made you angry. Ha ha.

As long as it made you something.

For me, personally, it's my favourite thing I've ever created or worked on. I love Derek more than any other character. In fact, I wish I were more like him.

I wish everyone was. It's a show about kindness. It's funny and sweet and deals with the real issues of everyday life.  I don't think I've seen anything quite like it.

The performance that Kerry Godliman gives as Hannah may be the finest piece of character acting I've seen. And Karl Pilkington as Dougie makes me laugh every second he is on screen. Kev played by David Earl is a lovable train wreck. You won't know whether to hug him or take him to the vet to have him put down. The uncaring outside world popping in and out will boil your blood and the residents will break your heart.

Ricky Gervais