8.128 minSeason 2 • Episode 6
LatestAndy becomes fast friends with Jonathan Ross after making his first chat show appearance. The mother of an ill fan forces him to come and visit her boy at the hospital, so Andy takes Maggie along. Darren is given an ultimatum: arrange a meeting with Robert De Niro or get fired.
Andy Millman gave up his day job five years ago in the hope of achieving the big time, but he’s yet to land a speaking part, let alone saunter down the red carpet to pick up an Oscar. He remains optimistic however, as rubbing shoulders with the A-list on-set only serves to reinforce his belief that the big time is just a job or two away.
Acting
Gervais's face acting alone deserves awards.
Writing
Celebrity cameos written to destroy their own image.
Direction
Merchant's framing makes awkwardness physically painful.
Creators
Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Kate Winslet's episode was filmed the same week she was nominated for an Oscar — she improvised the phone call to her mum about the nomination.
The show pioneered 'celebrity as punchline' format that Gervais weaponized at Golden Globes for years after. He was practicing on his own show.
GB
