The first season of 'Derek' was poignant, funny and surprisingly heart-warming, winning over several of the shows critics.
The story of Derek Noakes, a vulnerable 50-year-old man who works in a retirement home, captured people's hearts.
But even with the critical acclaim, Ricky Gervais explained that he's still on a mission to make sure that Derek is understood.
"What makes Derek a different kind of sitcom - if it is even a sitcom - is its sincerity," he said.
"Certainly the last few years, and I'm responsible for a lot of it, there's been this comedy of cynicism and irony. I've tried to leave that behind."
The cast of Derek (Channel 4)
But whilst Derek is a far cry from his other projects, Ricky hopes that the audience will still be able to relate to the themes within the show.
"My job is to make the ordinary extraordinary, without changing the laws of the universe or reality," he said.
"We [the viewers] don't fear famine or war, but we're all going to die... so you don't have to do much to get people to feel that."
And although The Office and Extras have become iconic programmes, Ricky admitted that Derek has become his treasured project, as it incorporates who he is now.
"The project I'm on now is my favourite project, the next one will probably be my favourite project because you change and you evolve," he explained.
But, for Ricky, the best thing about Derek is the change he has begun to see in himself, as he revealed, "Most people think they're good but wish they were better. Derek makes me think about kindness all the time."
Derek returns on Wednesday, April 23 on Channel 4 at 10pm
Source : http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/146915/Ricky-Gervais-Is-Trying-To-Leave-Comedy-Of-Cynicism-And-Irony-Behind-With-Derek
