Netflix has announced that the one-hour Derek special will be made available for streaming on Friday, April 3rd. A shorter version aired in the UK last month.
Though Netflix doesn’t mention it in the press release, this holiday special will serve as the ending of the Derek TV show. Star/creator Ricky Gervais said, “I did toy with a third series, particularly after the Emmy nod, but I decided to stick to my usual formula of two series and a special. It’s a bittersweet experience as always. I’m sorry to end it but I know that leaving something you love and starting something else is always the best thing to do creatively.”
Prior to the special airing last month, Channel 4’s Phil Clarke, said “Christmas seems a wonderfully fitting time for us to bid farewell to Derek, a show that truly celebrates generosity and goodwill.”
Here’s the press release:
Ricky Gervais’ “Derek” Returns to Netflix with One Hour Special on Friday, April 3
The award-winning Netflix Original Series Derek from Ricky Gervais will return to the service with a one hour special on Friday, April 3, 2015 exclusively for its members in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Nordics and Benelux. Seasons one and two of Derek are now streaming on Netflix .
Ricky Gervais, currently nominated for Best Actor In A Comedy Series at this Sunday’s GOLDEN GLOBE(R) awards for his performance in Derek just surprised fans on social media officially confirming the special’s upcoming premiere on Netflix : TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM
Derek centers around Derek Noakes (Gervais), a tender, innocent man whose love for his job at a retirement home shines through. Derek cares deeply for the home’s residents, because they are kind and funny and tell him stories of what life used to be like. Among those in his life are Kev (David Earl), a lovable train wreck who lives with Derek and spends most of his time lazing around the home; and Hannah (Kerry Godliman), a care worker in the home and Derek’s best friend. She is smart, witty and hard-working, and, like Derek, always puts other people first.
In the special, Tom (Brett Goldstein) has a new job, which allows him to spend more time with Hannah. Will this allow their relationship to flourish? Derek is upset with Hannah for upsetting Kevin, who goes missing, whilst Vicky takes on more responsibilities.
Derek is produced by Derek Productions Ltd for Netflix in the US & Channel 4 in the UK.
What do you think? Do you like the Derek TV series? Do you think it’s ending at the right time?
Just finished binge watching the whole show. This is a production of subtle brilliance. I knew Ricky Gervais was funny but he’s also a fantastically talented actor as well! After a few episodes, you no longer see Ricky portraying Derek. You see Derek, a character we’ve come to love. The other actors/characters are so effectively done that you feel you know them as well. This is some of the very BEST t.v. to have ever graced my set. Bravo. I would sacrifice my left kidney to watch another season. No television show has consistently made me laugh and cry in… Read more »
I absolutely adore Derek! Ricky G. and cast are outstanding. Thank you Ricky for a creative, smart, hysterical series. Love from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada❣️.
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My husband and I just discovered this amazing show . We binge-watched all the episodes and are heartbroken to reach the end of the series. Can’t you please bring Derek back? There are so many of us who miss him dearly. To the actors: thank you for your amazing work. To Mr. Gervais: your writing and your acting has moved us deeply. Not to mention you made us laugh! Thank you so much! I will try to incorporate a little bit of Derek into my daily life.
Well, here it is, March 2017 and honestly I miss Derek. I’ve watched the show over and over and over and I honestly can’t think of any other show which is as honest, heartwarming, funny, sad and generally emotion filled as this. When they had to put Ivor down, I felt like I was there with Derek and felt the emotions he felt. I’ve laughed with him, was happy for him, sad for him and cheered him on as much as I would for any “real” human being I cared for. I’m sad to never see him again and can… Read more »
Bring Derek. Back! Season 3 and 4 please.
I and my family share in your thoughts. We too wish it could continue and were especially sorry to see the character Doug leave as well.
Amazingly brilliant show! It touched many of my emotions. I connected with the characters and they brought me along their stories in dramatic fashion. I was left upset when the series ended with so much left on the table. Sad and mad about it, but Ricky Gervais, you were spot on with Derek. My opinion, this show was evidence of your brilliance…hence the award nomination.
I just watched the entire series on Netflix and I have to mirror what everyone else has said. I have never enjoyed a show as much as this one. I cried and cried. Laughed and laughed. Loved and loved the very true to life non made over characters. I wish there were more. Please bting Derek back, Mr Gervais.
Nothing on television will ever even remotely approach the humor and quirky characters that Ricky Gervais has created. I’m saddened by the ending of this series. Now I will just re-watch the existing episodes and end up drowning in my own drool.
This show was just brilliant !! I’m going to really miss it a lot! I hope he changes his mind about ending it. Its truly a lovely show.
He did more than 2 seasons of an idiot abroad and the office….so why does he think 2 of derek is his usual formula when it obviously is not. Love the show. Will be sad when it ends
If Derek lasted for one hundred seasons, it would be over too soon. It is my favorite show of all time. Noone will miss it more! I love you Ricky!
I will always treasure the show and cast.
Loved the series, a life lesson for everyone. Should be required for all high school students. Beautiful
I just loved the Derek series and was really hoping for a season 3. This is one show that can make you fall into belly-laughs and cry in utter sadness all in the same episode.
If you have Netflix, I highly reccomend watching both series. The episodes are short, but they pack a lot of entertainment, you won’t be disappointed.
It’s a bummer that Derek is ending. I’ve watched all of Ricky Gervais’s TV shows, and this was my favorite. I feel it’s a show that had many more stories to tell. It was a honest, emotional and sometimes disturbing show. I for one, cannot wait to see what he brings out next.
Never heard of the show. So, do what you want with it.