Netflix to Launch Second Season of Ricky Gervais' Original Series "Derek" on Friday, May 30

New Season of Comedy Series Returns with Six New Episodes

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Netflix will premiere the second season of "Derek," the original series starring, written, directed and executive-produced by Emmy^® and Golden Globe winner Ricky Gervais on Friday, May 30, 2014 at 12:01 AM PT.

"Ricky is a terrific partner and he has created a heartfelt character, in Derek, that Netflix members have fallen in love with," said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer. "His attention to detail and relentless vision to change conventional storytelling on television is perfectly aligned with what we are trying to do with our original series."

Ricky Gervais said: "I was blown away by the affection from around the world for the first series, particularly the emotional connection it seemed to make with people. I hope they like the second offering as much."

All six 30-minute episodes in the series will be available at launch in all territories where Netflix is available, except for the UK, where the series will air on Channel 4, the commissioning network.

An Award-winning bittersweet comedy-drama about a group of outsiders living on society's margins, "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. Working alongside Derek is Dougie (Karl Pilkington), his landlord who is one of life's unlucky individuals; Kev (David Earl), a loveable train wreck; and Hannah (Kerry Godliman), a care worker in the home and Derek's best friend. She is smart, witty and hardworking, but unlucky in love, and, like Derek, always puts other people first.

In the second season, Derek's kindness has truly extended to those around him as he forges new friendships. The retirement home's residents and employees have built a familial community and Derek's positive outlook and good natured spirit allows them to persevere through the difficult times that they sometimes face.

"Derek" is produced by Derek Productions Ltd. for Netflix.

For more information about "Derek" on Netflix, check out:

• http://twitter.com/BeLikeDerek
• http://facebook.com/BeLikeDerek
• http://instagram.com/BeLikeDerek
• http://BeLikeDerek.tumblr.com

Creator and star of "The Office'' and "Extras", Ricky Gervais has won three Golden Globes, two Primetime Emmys, and seven BAFTAS. "The Office" is the most successful British comedy of all time, shown in more than 90 countries with seven remakes.

The NBC version is the most successful US remake of a British show in more than 30 years. Considered the most influential British comedian since Charlie Chaplin, Gervais is an award-winning stand-up, and his tour 'Fame' became the fastest selling UK stand up show in history.

Gervais is also featured in The Guinness Book of World Records for having the most downloaded internet show of all time. He has written, directed, produced and starred in "Cemetery Junction", "The Invention of Lying" and starred in "Ghost Town". In 2010, Gervais was asked to be the first host of the 'Golden Globes' since 1995, for a broadcast seen by an estimated audience of 250 million. He was named in 'Time' magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World and awarded the 'Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award' from the Banff World Television Festival.

Ricky has since hosted the 'Golden Globes' in 2011 and was invited back for a third time in January 2012. His HBO show 'Life's Too Short' premiered on February 19^th, 2012 while the third season of his show "An Idiot Abroad" premiered on January 19^th, 2013 on The Science Channel. Most recently, Gervais starred in "Muppets Most Wanted".

About Netflix
Netflix is the world's leading Internet television network with over 44 million members in more than 40 countries enjoying more than one billion hours of TV shows and movies per month, including original series. For one low monthly price, Netflix members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

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SOURCE: Netflix

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