Derek

Derek is a loyal nursing home caretaker who sees only the good in his quirky co-workers as they struggle against prejudice and shrinking budgets to care for their elderly residents.

Derek (2013-2014) is a British mockumentary workplace comedy created by Ricky Gervais for Channel 4. Across two seasons of twelve short episodes, Gervais plays Derek, a gentle and loyal caretaker at a nursing home whose optimism never wavers, even when his quirky co-workers, including Hannah (Kerry Godliman), Kev (David Earl) and Dougie (Karl Pilkington), bicker, bungle and struggle with prejudice. The engine of each episode is the daily grind of caring for elderly residents on a shrinking budget, with the staff improvising solutions to small crises while Derek quietly champions the people nobody else seems to notice. The handheld, confessional-style camera gives the show a documentary intimacy, and the humor is awkward and tender in equal measure. Its tone is sincere and wistful, with moments of genuine warmth and a melancholy undercurrent about aging and neglect. Fans of The Office (UK), Extras and After Life will find resonance in its blend of cringe comedy and humanist heart. Set in a present-day English care home, the series treats its residents and workers with dignity, making it an affecting and surprisingly moving watch.

Audiences rate the series positively for its warm, humane take on caring for elderly residents and its sympathetic lead.

• The Office (UK)shared mockumentary format, bleak-tinged workplace comedy, earnest sincerity beneath awkward humor
• Extrasshared British mockumentary tone, socially awkward characters, gentle humanist warmth
• After Lifeshared Ricky Gervais creator-led cringe comedy with a sincere moral core

Created by

Ricky Gervais

Release Date

2013-01-30

Episode runtime

24 min

Rating

8.1 / 10 (261)

What is Derek about?

A loyal nursing home caretaker sees only the good in his quirky co-workers as they struggle against prejudice and shrinking budgets.

What is Derek like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Derek as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is Derek violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Derek.

What did critics think of Derek?

Audiences rate the series positively for its warm, humane take on caring for elderly residents and its sympathetic lead.

Which shows are like Derek?

Shows with a similar feel include The Office (UK), Extras, and After Life.

How long is Derek?

Derek: 2 seasons, 12 episodes.

Is Derek still running?

No, Derek has ended.

Where can I watch Derek?

In United States, Derek streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.