‘The Ricky Gervais Podcast’: The Triumvirate of British Comedy

Are you a fan of wit and irony? Boy is there a Podcast meant for you! Even more so, if you are someone who’s always longed to know what true wit and irony are, then this a fine place for your tutorial to begin. At the helm are Ricky Gervais, his creative partner Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington.

Of course most comedy connoisseurs are aware of both Gervais and Merchant, the talent behind such hits as The Office and Extra, but the name Karl Pilkington might not ring a bell in the minds of all. It is important to establish who Karl is because the Podcast is a crucial element in the evolution of all three involved. Probably the best way to describe Pilkington is that he is somewhere between a primate and Neanderthal. No surprise that one of the TV shows starring all three would be called, An Idiot Abroad with Karl being said idiot.

Gervais and Merchant are two well educated and cultural people (hence the witty) who take pleasure in letting Karl humiliate himself by his lack of knowledge (there be the irony). That being said, I want to clarify that there is never even a hint of bullying apparent from either Ricky or Stephen towards Karl. In fact, I would say Gervais especially relishes in how Pilkington’s mind works, that it appears to exist on an island of its own.

Like much of British comedy before him, Ricky Gervais demands his humor to be a blend of the clever and the silly. Stephen Merchant works only the clever side of the street with many dry and biting remarks coming just short of Peter Cook territory. I’ve already pointed out what Pilkington is capable of and that leaves Gervais, who is always open to make fun of both himself and others if it makes for good comedy. Then there is that laugh of his that is so contagious, you cannot help but laugh along at whatever is going on.

The early years of the Podcast were audio only and recently they went to video with all versions having Karl giving his editorial views on several different topics thrown his way and then Gervais and Merchant giving their editorial views of him. That structure of each show is the only constant, with everything else being so random some might consider it quantum comedy. Notice, I only said “some” might, so keep your comments about that remark to yourself.

The Podcast varies in length, subject, and setting. In a way, The Ricky Gervais Podcast can also be seen as a marketing tool for the trios latest creative endeavors. If you want to know what Gervais and gang are up to all you have to do is take a peek at the Podcast and you will find out soon enough.

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