- Ricky Gervais writes/directs/executive-produces and stars in bittersweet comedy-drama

BEVERLY HILLS, California, May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Netflix will premiere "Derek," an original series starring, written, directed and executive-produced by Emmy® and Golden Globe winner Ricky Gervais on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM PT.  All seven 30-minute episodes in the series will be available at launch.

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Netflix members will have access to "Derek" in all territories where Netflix is available – U.S., Canada, Ireland, Latin America, Brazil and the Nordics – except for the UK, where the series premiered on Channel 4 and was recently renewed for a second season. David Earl, Karl Pilkington and Kerry Godliman star in "Derek" along with Gervais.  "Derek" is produced by Derek Productions Ltd. for Netflix.

"Ricky Gervais is one of the most distinctive comedy voices of his generation," said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer for Netflix. "With 'Derek,' Ricky takes on new territory and mixes comedy with drama that is sometimes touching and sometimes heartbreaking. We are proud to partner with Ricky to present this unique and wonderful series to our members"

A 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 (Pilkington), his landlord who is one of life's unlucky individuals; Kev (Earl), a loveable train wreck; and Hannah (Godliman), a care worker in the home and Derek's best friend. She is smart, witty and hard-working, but unlucky in love, and, like Derek, always puts other people first.

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 19th, 2012 while the third season of his show 'An idiot Abroad' premiered on January 19th, 2013 on The Science Channel. Most recently, Gervais has been cast as the lead in 'The Muppets' sequel.

About Netflix, Inc.
Netflix is the world's leading Internet television network with more than 36 million members in 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. Learn more about how Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) is pioneering Internet television at www.netflix.com or follow Netflix on Facebook and Twitter. Netflix's original series include the political drama "House of Cards," which stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright; "Hemlock Grove," Eli Roth's murder mystery series based on Brian McGreevy's gripping novel of the same name; the fourth season of the critically-acclaimed comedy "Arrested Development;" Jenji Kohan's upcoming series "Orange is the New Black," which stars Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon and Jason Biggs; and the second season of "Lilyhammer," which stars Steven Van Zandt, and "Sense8" the upcoming global tale of minds linked and souls hunted from the Wachowskis and J. Michael Straczynski.

SOURCE Netflix, Inc.