Ricky Gervais reveals his top 10 comedy TV shows and films, from Fawlty Towers to Spinal Tap

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Ricky Gervais understands what makes comedy truly work. His shows – like The Office, Extras, Derek, and After Life – consistently use similar elements: characters in difficult situations, uncomfortable realities, feelings of annoyance and defeat, and, ultimately, a heartwarming core.

The show has clearly resonated with audiences, recently being named the best British comedy of the last 15 years in a TopMob poll. The Netflix series beat out popular comedies like Ghosts, Derry Girls, Gavin & Stacey, and Detectorists, with viewers continuing to appreciate its combination of wit, heartfelt emotion, and honest portrayal of grief.

After his recent win, I was reading an interview with Gervais in TopMob, and he talked about the shows that really influenced his comedy. It was fascinating! He seems to be drawn to certain themes – you see a lot of characters who are really focused on status but are also kind of falling apart, people who have to get the last joke, these found families that are stuck with each other, and just folks who keep trying no matter how many times life knocks them down. It really explains a lot about what makes his work so unique, you can see those elements all over the place!

Here, he talks through the TV shows – and a couple of films – that influenced him most.

1. Monty Python’s Flying Circus

I was around eight or nine years old, watching something with my siblings. I don’t really remember if I enjoyed it myself, but I know they were laughing, and I probably reacted to that.

I didn’t really get what was going on, but I recognized the incredible skill involved – it reminded me of classic Monty Python, like the Dead Parrot sketch or John Cleese’s hilarious Ministry of Silly Walks. It’s so funny to see a man in a suit acting so strangely, almost like a bizarre alien.

I thought it was really funny, especially the physical humor, and I appreciated how it challenged traditional expectations. The humor often came from figures of authority – like bosses, church officials, teachers, or police officers – being put in awkward or vulnerable positions.

2. Fawlty Towers

I initially believed this show was the best sitcom ever created, and I haven’t changed my mind. It’s a comedy full of ridiculous situations, but it’s the best of its kind – like other fantastic farces, such as Michael Frayn’s Noises Off.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer complexity and genius of it. I was heavily inspired by Fawlty Towers, particularly the main character’s inflated ego, constant frustration, and inability to achieve his goals – he always felt superior to everyone around him, but things never went his way.

3. Cheers

I first saw it when I was probably a teenager, and what really appealed to me were the genuine connections between the characters. It wasn’t just a funny show; everyone had meaningful relationships. Thinking about it, the character Tim from The Office reminded me of a mix between Norm from Cheers and a coworker I used to have – someone who was a bit of a lovable underachiever with a quick wit.

I found that guy appealing – he reminded me of both Woody Allen and Lisa Simpson in that he seemed to understand it’s often better not to be the smartest person around. It’s easy to keep talking, but it makes you wonder: who are you to lecture others when you’re just at a bar, making jokes? What have you actually accomplished with your life?

4. The Simpsons

Honestly, when I first saw this show, I was blown away – it wasn’t just funny, it was brilliant! What really grabbed me was how the world expanded beyond just the main characters; it felt so much bigger than just a few people hanging out. That’s something I really try to do in my own work, like with ‘After Life,’ where even the town itself felt like a character. And I definitely learned a lot from ‘The Simpsons’ about building that kind of expanding world.

5. Curb Your Enthusiasm

People often describe watching “The Office” as cringeworthy, and I understand why. But when I watch “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” I find it even more uncomfortable – about ten times more so! I once told Larry David that I think he’s usually right in the show, and he immediately corrected me, insisting he’s right all the time.

The same approach worked brilliantly with Seinfeld. They’d focus on a small quirk or disagreement and relentlessly revisit it. They never just dismissed things – instead, they treated these minor issues as if they were incredibly important, needing to be fully explored and resolved. I really appreciate that dedication to detail and refusal to let things go.

6. This Is Spinal Tap

There are two films I really need to mention. First, This Is Spinal Tap heavily influenced all of my work. Second, I adore Laurel and Hardy. Despite being down on their luck – their stories were set during the Great Depression and they often faced hardship, even sharing a bed – they never gave up and always kept striving. They really taught me the importance of perseverance.

7. The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin

I initially believed it was the most brilliant sitcom ever created, until I learned it was based on a novel. What I particularly enjoy is its subtle atmosphere, underlying tension, and depiction of a man struggling with a midlife crisis and a desire for something more. Leonard Rossiter’s performance in ‘Rising Damp’ also stands out – for me, it’s the perfect sitcom, featuring four main characters who are all stuck, whether physically or emotionally. ‘Steptoe and Son’ has a similar effect. You find yourself wanting to tell the son to simply move out, but the father-son dynamic and a sense of obligation keep him tethered. It’s a frustrating situation – his father makes his life miserable, yet he still feels a loving connection, so he remains.

8. The Likely Lads / Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?

I remember watching this film when I was a child, and it was the first time I saw a realistic, everyday story handled with such grace and beauty. It follows two friends, and one of them gets married, but their lives don’t really change. It just had a really strong atmosphere and feeling to it.

9. The Phil Silvers Show

It’s the same funny guy again – the main character who tries to be a comedian like Bob Hope or Woody Allen. He’s always full of plans, but things never quite work out, and the group usually ends up in a worse situation than before. Despite being stuck with each other, they wouldn’t trade it for anything.

10. Porridge

A key element of successful sitcoms is the sense of family – whether that family is biological or a close-knit group of friends. This is why so many classic sitcoms center around families; the audience understands the characters’ connection and why they’re all together.

It’s clear these two care for each other and are committed to making things work. Like the characters in Porridge, they support each other, constantly encouraging one another to stay strong and not give up, even when things are tough.

Authors

Caroline Frost

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2026-05-21 09:35