Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Ricky Gervais’ Mortality Debuts on Netflix, With Class and “Elitist” Critics in His Sights

The comedian uses the new hour to renew his case against what he calls elite gatekeepers of comedy.

Overview

  • Mortality premiered on Netflix on December 30, filmed at the London Palladium, with Gervais declaring comedy has pushed back against those who take offense.
  • In the new set, he targets what he calls educated, middle‑class, elitist critics who he says police what ordinary people can laugh at.
  • Before the release, he told BBC Radio 4 that working‑class people are the only group comedians can mock without facing blowback.
  • He said he now avoids targeting disadvantaged people, would add trigger warnings to older work, and does not regret past material.
  • Context includes past backlash, with GLAAD condemning his 2022 SuperNature special, and producer Ash Atalla recently reassessing earlier disability jokes linked to The Office era.