Ricky Gervais, the British comedic luminary once renowned for his pioneering contributions to television and stand-up comedy, has had quite a fall of late. His latest Netflix special, Armageddon, showcases a once-great comedian grappling with the complexities of the current cultural climate. As a fan, this has been disheartening to witness.

Armageddon has Gervais exploring imminent threats to humanity, a premise which, for me anyway, initially promised a rich canvas for incisive and thought-provoking commentary. However, it swiftly devolved into a relentless assault on "wokeness", whatever that means (I am serious — I am yet to see a coherent definition beyond impassioned rants from those miffed by any progress whatsoever in the world).

Even worse, the special is peppered with recycled material and outdated references. It leans heavily on tired jabs at cultural figures like Greta Thunberg, which is only one of the many choices that feel out of touch. And by that, I do not mean that we cannot or should not joke about Thunberg. We most definitely can and should, but there must be a joke somewhere, but Gervais only resorts to predictable, stale punchlines.

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The pitfalls of Armageddon are most glaring in Gervais's penchant for shock value. Attempting to recapture the provocative essence of his earlier work, the comedian delves into topics such as paedophilia, disability, and racism. These all are contentious topics, and a comedian at the top of their game would indeed be able to navigate such sensitive terrain with finesse. However, the execution here lacks the nuance and sharp commentary that once set Gervais apart. They come off as desperate attempts to offend rather than offer something clever.&nbsp;

I am all for comedy that goes against my politics. In my view, there is no such thing as conservative or liberal comedy — it's merely comedy. The sole transgression it can commit is failing to make you laugh. Save for a few exceptions, Armageddon is distressingly devoid of humour.

Gervais has insisted earlier that he plays a character on stage, and does mention this throughout the special. This should not be news to anyone who watches stand-up comedy. Comedians are rarely as interesting or charming in real world as they are on the stage. Unless it's improvisational, everything they say and do in the duration of their routine has been meticulously rehearsed for months, if not years.&nbsp;

But Gervais here perhaps wants to say that his material is a product of this persona, and that he is not as obnoxious in reality. This, however, doesn't absolve the material of its one major shortcoming. The jokes still fall flat.

While Gervais has built a career on pushing boundaries and being genuinely clever while doing that, Armageddon lacks the finesse required to infuse this "edginess" with genuine insight. I'd say avoid, and watch The Office (UK; it's the better one) or Extras instead.&nbsp; 
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Ricky Gervais, the British comedic luminary once renowned for his pioneering contributions to television and stand-up comedy, has had quite a fall of late. His latest Netflix special, Armageddon, showcases a once-great comedian grappling with the complexities of the current cultural climate.

Ricky Gervais, the British comedic luminary once renowned for his pioneering contributions to television and stand-up comedy, has had quite a fall of late. His latest Netflix special, Armageddon, showcases a once-great comedian grappling with the complexities of the current cultural climate. As a fan, this has been disheartening to witness. Armageddon has Gervais exploring imminent threats to humanity, a premise which, for me anyway, initially promised a rich canvas for incisive and thought-provoking commentary. However, it swiftly devolved into a relentless assault on "wokeness", whatever that means (I am serious — I am yet to see a coherent definition beyond impassioned rants from those miffed by any progress whatsoever in the world). Even worse, the special is peppered with recycled material and outdated references. It leans heavily on tired jabs at cultural figures like Greta Thunberg, which is only one of the many choices that feel out of touch. And by that, I do not mean that we cannot or should not joke about Thunberg. We most definitely can and should, but there must be a joke somewhere, but Gervais only resorts to predictable, stale punchlines. The pitfalls of Armageddon are most glaring in Gervais's penchant for shock value. Attempting to recapture the provocative essence of his earlier work, the comedian delves into topics such as paedophilia, disability, and racism. These all are contentious topics, and a comedian at the top of their game would indeed be able to navigate such sensitive terrain with finesse. However, the execution here lacks the nuance and sharp commentary that once set Gervais apart. They come off as desperate attempts to offend rather than offer something clever. I am all for comedy that goes against my politics. In my view, there is no such thing as conservative or liberal comedy — it's merely comedy. The sole transgression it can commit is failing to make you laugh. Save for a few exceptions, Armageddon is distressingly devoid of humour. Gervais has insisted earlier that he plays a character on stage, and does mention this throughout the special. This should not be news to anyone who watches stand-up comedy. Comedians are rarely as interesting or charming in real world as they are on the stage. Unless it's improvisational, everything they say and do in the duration of their routine has been meticulously rehearsed for months, if not years. But Gervais here perhaps wants to say that his material is a product of this persona, and that he is not as obnoxious in reality. This, however, doesn't absolve the material of its one major shortcoming. The jokes still fall flat. While Gervais has built a career on pushing boundaries and being genuinely clever while doing that, Armageddon lacks the finesse required to infuse this "edginess" with genuine insight. I'd say avoid, and watch The Office (UK; it's the better one) or Extras instead.

Ricky Gervais Armageddon review: A comedic apocalypse you can safely skip

Comedian and TV presenter James Corden is in news again for the wrong reason. The TV presenter delivered a monologue on Monday's episode of 'The Late Late Show' where he addressed Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter. Viewers pointed out a gag during the monologue which seemed similar to one from comedian Ricky Gervais's 2015 standup show 'Humanity'.&nbsp; 
 
Days later Corden responded to the criticism stating he delivered it "obviously not knowing it came from him." 
 
In the joke, Corden says, “When you see Elon Musk talk about Twitter he does this thing where he goes, ‘Well, it’s the town square’.&nbsp; 
 
“But it isn’t. Because if someone puts up a poster in a town square that says ‘guitar lessons available’, you don’t get people in the town going, 'I don’t want to play the guitar! I want to play the piano, you piece of s**t!’Well that sign wasn’t for you, it was for someone else. You don’t have to get mad about all of it!” 
 
On Tuesday, Corden responded to the criticism and said,"Inadvertently told a brilliant Ricky Gervais joke on the show last night, obviously not knowing it came from him. It’s brilliant because it’s a Ricky Gervais joke. You can watch all Ricky’s excellent specials on Netflix. J x."

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Inadvertently told a brilliant Ricky Gervais joke on the show last night, obviously not knowing it came from him. It’s brilliant, because it’s a Ricky Gervais joke. You can watch all Ricky’s excellent specials on Netflix. J x
— The Late Late Show with James Corden (@latelateshow) <a href="https://twitter.com/latelateshow/status/1587487965462155265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Gervais, on his part, too drew attention to the similarities between his joke and that of Corden's but later deleted the tweet. But the veteran comedian seems to have taken it in good spirits and even defended Corden when a fan asked on Twitter if he had taken permission before using his joke. 
 
He replied, “No. I reckon one of the writers ‘came up with it’ for him. I doubt he would knowingly just copy such a famous stand-up routine word for word like that.”

Earlier in April this year, Corden said he would be stepping down as host of 'The Late Late Show.'

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/james-corden-apologizes-to-new-york-restaurant-owner-hours-after-being-banned-from-the-eatery-526326">&nbsp;James Corden apologizes to New York restaurant owner hours after being banned from the eatery</a> 
 
Corden was also in news last month for his rude behaviour with the staff of a popular NYC eatery. The owner had momentarily banned the comedian from his eatery but later revoked it when Corden personally called him and apologized.&nbsp;

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Comedian and TV presenter James Corden is in news again for the wrong reason. The TV presenter delivered a monologue on Monday's episode of 'The Late Late Show' where he addressed Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter.

Comedian and TV presenter James Corden is in news again for the wrong reason. The TV presenter delivered a monologue on Monday's episode of 'The Late Late Show' where he addressed Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter. Viewers pointed out a gag during the monologue which seemed similar to one from comedian Ricky Gervais's 2015 standup show 'Humanity'. Days later Corden responded to the criticism stating he delivered it "obviously not knowing it came from him." In the joke, Corden says, “When you see Elon Musk talk about Twitter he does this thing where he goes, ‘Well, it’s the town square’. “But it isn’t. Because if someone puts up a poster in a town square that says ‘guitar lessons available’, you don’t get people in the town going, 'I don’t want to play the guitar! I want to play the piano, you piece of s**t!’Well that sign wasn’t for you, it was for someone else. You don’t have to get mad about all of it!” On Tuesday, Corden responded to the criticism and said,"Inadvertently told a brilliant Ricky Gervais joke on the show last night, obviously not knowing it came from him. It’s brilliant because it’s a Ricky Gervais joke. You can watch all Ricky’s excellent specials on Netflix. J x." Inadvertently told a brilliant Ricky Gervais joke on the show last night, obviously not knowing it came from him. It’s brilliant, because it’s a Ricky Gervais joke. You can watch all Ricky’s excellent specials on Netflix. J x — The Late Late Show with James Corden (@latelateshow) November 1, 2022 × Gervais, on his part, too drew attention to the similarities between his joke and that of Corden's but later deleted the tweet. But the veteran comedian seems to have taken it in good spirits and even defended Corden when a fan asked on Twitter if he had taken permission before using his joke. He replied, “No. I reckon one of the writers ‘came up with it’ for him. I doubt he would knowingly just copy such a famous stand-up routine word for word like that.” Earlier in April this year, Corden said he would be stepping down as host of 'The Late Late Show.' Also read: James Corden apologizes to New York restaurant owner hours after being banned from the eatery Corden was also in news last month for his rude behaviour with the staff of a popular NYC eatery. The owner had momentarily banned the comedian from his eatery but later revoked it when Corden personally called him and apologized.

James Corden now slammed for copying Ricky Gervais' joke on his show

Comedian and host Ricky Gervais is speaking out about his frequent collaborator and 'After Life' producer Charlie Hanson sexual assault allegations.&nbsp;

Hanson was accused of sexual misconduct by 11 women, according to a report in the UK&nbsp;newspaper The Times. 
 
In a statement, Gervais said, “I am shocked and appalled to learn of the historical allegations made by a number of women against Charlie Hanson. The decision was made to immediately remove him from production and I am confident the matter is being handled thoroughly,” 
 
Recently, television producer Charlie has been removed from the Netflix series 'After Life' following an anonymous email containing historical allegations about a producer. 
 
“On Monday, we received an anonymous email containing historical allegations about a producer on one of our titles,” a rep for the streamer said in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. “Whilst the allegations are unrelated to his time on the show, we immediately removed him from the production and referred the matter to the police.” 
 
Hanson, whose producing credits include two seasons of Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s BBC and HBO comedy 'Extras' as well as 'Cemetery Junction', denies the allegations. 
 
“Our client is shocked and appalled by these historical and false allegations of improper conduct towards women. He maintains that he has never acted inappropriately on any production, or at all, and has never had any complaints made about his conduct over the course of many decades in the media industry.” His solicitor said in a statement.&nbsp;

Comedian and host Ricky Gervais is speaking out about his frequent collaborator and 'After Life' producer Charlie Hanson sexual assault allegations. Hanson was accused of sexual misconduct by 11 women, according to a report in the UK newspaper The Times.

Comedian and host Ricky Gervais is speaking out about his frequent collaborator and 'After Life' producer Charlie Hanson sexual assault allegations. Hanson was accused of sexual misconduct by 11 women, according to a report in the UK newspaper The Times. In a statement, Gervais said, “I am shocked and appalled to learn of the historical allegations made by a number of women against Charlie Hanson. The decision was made to immediately remove him from production and I am confident the matter is being handled thoroughly,” Recently, television producer Charlie has been removed from the Netflix series 'After Life' following an anonymous email containing historical allegations about a producer. “On Monday, we received an anonymous email containing historical allegations about a producer on one of our titles,” a rep for the streamer said in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. “Whilst the allegations are unrelated to his time on the show, we immediately removed him from the production and referred the matter to the police.” Hanson, whose producing credits include two seasons of Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s BBC and HBO comedy 'Extras' as well as 'Cemetery Junction', denies the allegations. “Our client is shocked and appalled by these historical and false allegations of improper conduct towards women. He maintains that he has never acted inappropriately on any production, or at all, and has never had any complaints made about his conduct over the course of many decades in the media industry.” His solicitor said in a statement.

Ricky Gervais 'shocked & appalled' following misconduct allegations against Charlie Hanson

It was a fine episode with Trevor Noah and Ricky Gervais on The Daily Social Distancing Show, during which the comedian discussed his Netflix series ‘After Life’, dealing with coronavirus and his love and appreciation for the medical professionals who are working tirelessly.&nbsp;

On how he is dealing with the pandemic, Ricky told Trevor, “evenings literally haven’t changed” as he still plays badminton and drinks in the evening. He added apart from his own tour being postponed, the shelter in place orders caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic have not impacted his daily routine.&nbsp;

"Joking aside, you won't hear me complain. Not when there’s nurses doing 14-hour shifts risking their life. I know I've got it easy compared to most,” Ricky told Trevor Noah.

He added, "We’ve turned into kids — are we there yet, are we there yet? And no one knows. What will happen? Will it come back? We don't know. Can you get it twice? We don't know. Everyone needs someone to blame. Of course people use it. You’d think it would be like an alien invasion, humanity against this thing, but no."

"The first thing I noticed was people fighting each other for toilet rolls," Gervais continued. "This was like day one. These are the sort of people if the plane crashed they’d start eating each other and I'd go, 'We’ve got sandwiches. Don't each other yet!'"

On his Netflix series ‘After Life’, he told Trevor, "Everything I've done has been about humanity. Everything I've done has been quite existential. The Office was about being 40 and are you doing the right thing. Derek was about the end of your life and are you leaving the world in as good as a state as you found it."

Watch the interview below:

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It was a fine episode with Trevor Noah and Ricky Gervais on The Daily Social Distancing Show, during which the comedian discussed his Netflix series ‘After Life’, dealing with coronavirus and his love and appreciation for the medical professionals who are working tirelessly.

It was a fine episode with Trevor Noah and Ricky Gervais on The Daily Social Distancing Show, during which the comedian discussed his Netflix series ‘After Life’, dealing with coronavirus and his love and appreciation for the medical professionals who are working tirelessly. On how he is dealing with the pandemic, Ricky told Trevor, “evenings literally haven’t changed” as he still plays badminton and drinks in the evening. He added apart from his own tour being postponed, the shelter in place orders caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic have not impacted his daily routine. "Joking aside, you won't hear me complain. Not when there’s nurses doing 14-hour shifts risking their life. I know I've got it easy compared to most,” Ricky told Trevor Noah. He added, "We’ve turned into kids — are we there yet, are we there yet? And no one knows. What will happen? Will it come back? We don't know. Can you get it twice? We don't know. Everyone needs someone to blame. Of course people use it. You’d think it would be like an alien invasion, humanity against this thing, but no." "The first thing I noticed was people fighting each other for toilet rolls," Gervais continued. "This was like day one. These are the sort of people if the plane crashed they’d start eating each other and I'd go, 'We’ve got sandwiches. Don't each other yet!'" On his Netflix series ‘After Life’, he told Trevor, "Everything I've done has been about humanity. Everything I've done has been quite existential. The Office was about being 40 and are you doing the right thing. Derek was about the end of your life and are you leaving the world in as good as a state as you found it." Watch the interview below:

Ricky Gervais opens up to Trevor Noah on pandemic, Netflix show 'After Life'

A week after comedian<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/golden-globes-2020-ricky-gervais-back-to-roast-hollywood-in-final-hosting-role-272202"> Ricky Gervais</a> revealed during the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/2020-golden-globes-awards-the-complete-list-of-winners-272377"> 77th Golden Globe Awards</a> that he will not be hosting the prestigious event from next year, NBC Entertainment announced that actors Amy Poehler and Tina Fey will host the ceremony in 2021. 
 
The announcement came through the Chairman of NBC Entertainment, Paul Telegdy at the Television Critics Association Tour in Pasadena, Calif, reported a news agency

<img alt="golden globe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a955827-b27e-4752-b62a-f70ce5eab9bb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-12T125236.468.jpg" /> 
 
"NBC has long been the home to two of the funniest people on the planet - Tina Fey and Amy Poehler - and we didn't want to wait any longer to share the great news that they'll be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-to-martin-scorsese-host-ricky-gervais-spares-no-one-at-golden-globes-272469">hosting the Globes </a>once again," the news agency quoted Paul Telegdy as saying. 
 
"There's no denying that Tina and Amy's comedic chemistry is infectious. We can't wait to see the dynamic duo return to the Golden Globes stage,"&nbsp; news agency quoted Lorenzo Soria, President of Hollywood Foreign Press Association as saying. 
 
Poehler and Fey had earlier hosted the Globes award for two years from 2013 to 2015 for which they were highly appreciated by actors and critics. This year's award ceremony was hosted by Ricky Gervais who received wide appreciation for his fiery opening monologue during the ceremony.

A week after comedian Ricky Gervais revealed during the 77th Golden Globe Awards that he will not be hosting the prestigious event from next year, NBC Entertainment announced that actors Amy Poehler and Tina Fey will host the ceremony in 2021.

A week after comedian Ricky Gervais revealed during the 77th Golden Globe Awards that he will not be hosting the prestigious event from next year, NBC Entertainment announced that actors Amy Poehler and Tina Fey will host the ceremony in 2021. The announcement came through the Chairman of NBC Entertainment, Paul Telegdy at the Television Critics Association Tour in Pasadena, Calif, reported a news agency "NBC has long been the home to two of the funniest people on the planet - Tina Fey and Amy Poehler - and we didn't want to wait any longer to share the great news that they'll be hosting the Globes once again," the news agency quoted Paul Telegdy as saying. "There's no denying that Tina and Amy's comedic chemistry is infectious. We can't wait to see the dynamic duo return to the Golden Globes stage," news agency quoted Lorenzo Soria, President of Hollywood Foreign Press Association as saying. Poehler and Fey had earlier hosted the Globes award for two years from 2013 to 2015 for which they were highly appreciated by actors and critics. This year's award ceremony was hosted by Ricky Gervais who received wide appreciation for his fiery opening monologue during the ceremony.

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey to host Golden Globes 2021, replacing Ricky Gervais

Nothing was off the table for British comedian and actor Ricky Gervais as he took the role of a host at the Golden Globe awards on Sunday. This was his fifth time hosting the awards and he cracked scathing jokes about Hollywood's elite that got both laughs and disapproving looks from the A-list audience.

Gervais, known for his no-holds-barred style of comedy, joked about Hollywood's lack of diversity, film producer Harvey Weinstein, who has been accused by more than 80 women of sexual misconduct, and the suicide of financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

"Let's have a laugh at your expense," Gervais said at the start of his opening monologue, in which he vowed that the ceremony would be his last time hosting. "Remember we're all gonna die soon. And there's no sequel."

Gervais last hosted the Globes four years ago, before the #MeToo and #OscarsSoWhite movements shined a spotlight on the underrepresentation of women and minorities in Hollywood.

He said the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hands out the Golden Globes, had planned to have a segment honoring celebrities who died in 2019, "but when I saw the list of people who died, it wasn't diverse enough."

Gervais also called out Hollywood actors as hypocrites for giving impassioned political speeches at awards shows while working in movies or television series produced by major tech and media corporations.

"You say you're woke, but the companies you work for - I mean, unbelievable - Apple, Amazon, Disney. If ISIS started a streaming service, you'd call your agent, wouldn't ya?," he asked.&nbsp;

"So if you do win an award tonight, don't use it as a platform to make a political speech. You are in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg.

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. <a href="https://twitter.com/rickygervais?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rickygervais</a> just made a Jeffrey Epstein didn't kill himself joke at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldenGlobes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldenGlobes</a> and the audience groaned. 
 
He instantly responds: "Shut up, I know he's your friend, but I don't care." 
 
Their faces in the audience are EVERYTHING. <a href="https://t.co/p1FbYznSVE">pic.twitter.com/p1FbYznSVE</a>
— Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalebJHull/status/1213995987783634949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ricky Gervais just murdered Tim Cook and Apple. <a href="https://t.co/qdPZsEnDJ4">pic.twitter.com/qdPZsEnDJ4</a>
— Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalebJHull/status/1213997422193627138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"So if you win, right? Come up, accept your little award, thank your agent and your God" and leave the stage, he concluded, using an expletive.

Gervais' jokes prompted nervous laughter from the audience at the Beverly Hilton hotel. Actor Tom Hanks, who received a lifetime achievement award at the ceremony, was caught giving a disapproving look during Gervais' monologue that went viral on Twitter.

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When Ricky Gervais is going around the room obliterating everyone and then he looks at you: <a href="https://t.co/KdwFDNAtC1">pic.twitter.com/KdwFDNAtC1</a>
— Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalebJHull/status/1214002063455199237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Safer subjects, such as the US college admissions scandal and long movies, also provided Gervais with irresistible fodder.

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Here's all the awkward Hollywood faces during Ricky Gervais' opening monologue at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldenGlobes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldenGlobes</a>. You're welcome. <a href="https://t.co/H4AwpRV2ZA">pic.twitter.com/H4AwpRV2ZA</a>
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimRunsHisMouth/status/1214016668717989888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Gervais said he "came here in a limo tonight and the license plate was made by Felicity Huffman," referring to the 'Desperate Housewives' actress, who served nearly all of a 14-day prison sentence last year for her role in the admissions scandal.

The comedian also said Leonardo DiCaprio, the star of Quentin Tarantino's two-hour-and-40-minute-long film 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,' "attended the premier and by the end his date was too old for him."

Nothing was off the table for British comedian and actor Ricky Gervais as he took the role of a host at the Golden Globe awards on Sunday. This was his fifth time hosting the awards and he cracked scathing jokes about Hollywood's elite that got both laughs and disapproving looks from the A-list audience.

Nothing was off the table for British comedian and actor Ricky Gervais as he took the role of a host at the Golden Globe awards on Sunday. This was his fifth time hosting the awards and he cracked scathing jokes about Hollywood's elite that got both laughs and disapproving looks from the A-list audience. Gervais, known for his no-holds-barred style of comedy, joked about Hollywood's lack of diversity, film producer Harvey Weinstein, who has been accused by more than 80 women of sexual misconduct, and the suicide of financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "Let's have a laugh at your expense," Gervais said at the start of his opening monologue, in which he vowed that the ceremony would be his last time hosting. "Remember we're all gonna die soon. And there's no sequel." Gervais last hosted the Globes four years ago, before the #MeToo and #OscarsSoWhite movements shined a spotlight on the underrepresentation of women and minorities in Hollywood. He said the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hands out the Golden Globes, had planned to have a segment honoring celebrities who died in 2019, "but when I saw the list of people who died, it wasn't diverse enough." Gervais also called out Hollywood actors as hypocrites for giving impassioned political speeches at awards shows while working in movies or television series produced by major tech and media corporations. "You say you're woke, but the companies you work for - I mean, unbelievable - Apple, Amazon, Disney. If ISIS started a streaming service, you'd call your agent, wouldn't ya?," he asked. "So if you do win an award tonight, don't use it as a platform to make a political speech. You are in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg. . @rickygervais just made a Jeffrey Epstein didn't kill himself joke at the #GoldenGlobes and the audience groaned. He instantly responds: "Shut up, I know he's your friend, but I don't care." Their faces in the audience are EVERYTHING. pic.twitter.com/p1FbYznSVE — Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) January 6, 2020 × Ricky Gervais just murdered Tim Cook and Apple. pic.twitter.com/qdPZsEnDJ4 — Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) January 6, 2020 × "So if you win, right? Come up, accept your little award, thank your agent and your God" and leave the stage, he concluded, using an expletive. Gervais' jokes prompted nervous laughter from the audience at the Beverly Hilton hotel. Actor Tom Hanks, who received a lifetime achievement award at the ceremony, was caught giving a disapproving look during Gervais' monologue that went viral on Twitter. When Ricky Gervais is going around the room obliterating everyone and then he looks at you: pic.twitter.com/KdwFDNAtC1 — Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) January 6, 2020 × Safer subjects, such as the US college admissions scandal and long movies, also provided Gervais with irresistible fodder. Here's all the awkward Hollywood faces during Ricky Gervais' opening monologue at the #GoldenGlobes. You're welcome. pic.twitter.com/H4AwpRV2ZA — Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) January 6, 2020 × Gervais said he "came here in a limo tonight and the license plate was made by Felicity Huffman," referring to the 'Desperate Housewives' actress, who served nearly all of a 14-day prison sentence last year for her role in the admissions scandal. The comedian also said Leonardo DiCaprio, the star of Quentin Tarantino's two-hour-and-40-minute-long film 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,' "attended the premier and by the end his date was too old for him."

Harvey Weinstein to Martin Scorsese, host Ricky Gervais spares no one at Golden Globes

"Shut up, you disgusting, pill-popping deviant scum!"

Those were the words Ricky Gervais used to open the star-studded Golden Globes in 2016 -- the last time he hosted Hollywood's most free-wheeling award show.

So A-listers in the audience will be on their guard Sunday for Golden Globes 2020 when the provocative British comic returns to oversee the boozy prize-giving gala for "the very last time." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/golden-globes-2020-hollywood-prepares-to-toast-winners-of-the-years-first-awards-ceremony-272197">Also read:&nbsp;Hollywood prepares to toast winners of the year's first awards ceremony</a>

Gervais' no-holds-barred humor has drawn praise and criticism in previous years, with everyone from Caitlyn Jenner to Roman Polanski considered fair targets for his sharp barbs.

"She didn't do a lot for women drivers, but you can't have everything, can you?" he once joked of Jenner.

Jenner was in a car crash that killed a 69-year-old woman months before the former Olympic champion came out as a transgender woman.

"Roman Polanski called it the best date movie ever," he said of 'Spotlight,'&nbsp;which tackled sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/golden-globes-2020-predictions-joaquin-phoenix-and-scorseses-the-irishman-are-the-favourites-in-drama-categories-272117">Also read:&nbsp;Golden Globes 2020 predictions: Joaquin Phoenix and Scorsese's 'The Irishman' are the favourites in drama categories</a>

The French-Polish film director has been a fugitive from US justice since 1978 when he admitted to statutory rape of a 13-year-old.

Billboards carrying Gervais' image along with the slogan "Frankly, Hollywood..." have sprung up across Los Angeles, while broadcaster NBC's commercials claim "as usual, we have no idea what he's going to do."

- 'Expect the unexpected' -

Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, has warned stars in attendance to once again "expect the unexpected."

That was certainly the case in 2004 when Gervais was catapulted to global fame with shock Globe wins for British mockumentary 'The Office,'&nbsp;then airing on the little-seen BBC America cable channel.

"I'm from a little place called England. We used to run the world before you," a clearly off-guard Gervais blurted out as he collected gongs for best comedy and best actor.

But Gervais quickly made himself at home in the Beverly Hills hotel which hosts the Globes each year, taking to the podium with his trademark lager in hand for three consecutive years as host from 2010-12.

Jokes about Scientology, Mel Gibson's anti-Semitic rant, Bill Cosby's sex abuse allegations, and Charlie Sheen's heavy drinking antics drew A-lister fury -- but generated headlines and boosted TV ratings.

Gervais, 58, has been given free rein to send up even the show and its organizers, dubbing the Globes "just like the Oscars, but without all that esteem."

"The Golden Globes are to the Oscars what Kim Kardashian is to Kate Middleton," he said in 2012. "Bit louder, bit trashier, bit drunker, and more easily bought."

Born in Reading, England in 1961, Gervais was a late-comer to the top echelons of the entertainment industry.&nbsp;

After a failed bid to become a pop singer, Gervais joined London radio station XFM in the late 1990s, where he met future 'The Office'&nbsp;and 'Extras'&nbsp;collaborator Stephen Merchant.

Thanks to 'The Office,'&nbsp;released in 2001 and earning a lucrative US remake from 2005, Gervais is now one of the world's wealthiest and most successful comedians.

He continues to court accusations of transphobia, last month wading into a Twitter row about a woman who lost her job after saying people cannot change their biological sex.

"Shut up, you disgusting, pill-popping deviant scum!" Those were the words Ricky Gervais used to open the star-studded Golden Globes in 2016 -- the last time he hosted Hollywood's most free-wheeling award show.

"Shut up, you disgusting, pill-popping deviant scum!" Those were the words Ricky Gervais used to open the star-studded Golden Globes in 2016 -- the last time he hosted Hollywood's most free-wheeling award show. So A-listers in the audience will be on their guard Sunday for Golden Globes 2020 when the provocative British comic returns to oversee the boozy prize-giving gala for "the very last time." Also read: Hollywood prepares to toast winners of the year's first awards ceremony Gervais' no-holds-barred humor has drawn praise and criticism in previous years, with everyone from Caitlyn Jenner to Roman Polanski considered fair targets for his sharp barbs. "She didn't do a lot for women drivers, but you can't have everything, can you?" he once joked of Jenner. Jenner was in a car crash that killed a 69-year-old woman months before the former Olympic champion came out as a transgender woman. "Roman Polanski called it the best date movie ever," he said of 'Spotlight,' which tackled sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests. Also read: Golden Globes 2020 predictions: Joaquin Phoenix and Scorsese's 'The Irishman' are the favourites in drama categories The French-Polish film director has been a fugitive from US justice since 1978 when he admitted to statutory rape of a 13-year-old. Billboards carrying Gervais' image along with the slogan "Frankly, Hollywood..." have sprung up across Los Angeles, while broadcaster NBC's commercials claim "as usual, we have no idea what he's going to do." - 'Expect the unexpected' - Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, has warned stars in attendance to once again "expect the unexpected." That was certainly the case in 2004 when Gervais was catapulted to global fame with shock Globe wins for British mockumentary 'The Office,' then airing on the little-seen BBC America cable channel. "I'm from a little place called England. We used to run the world before you," a clearly off-guard Gervais blurted out as he collected gongs for best comedy and best actor. But Gervais quickly made himself at home in the Beverly Hills hotel which hosts the Globes each year, taking to the podium with his trademark lager in hand for three consecutive years as host from 2010-12. Jokes about Scientology, Mel Gibson's anti-Semitic rant, Bill Cosby's sex abuse allegations, and Charlie Sheen's heavy drinking antics drew A-lister fury -- but generated headlines and boosted TV ratings. Gervais, 58, has been given free rein to send up even the show and its organizers, dubbing the Globes "just like the Oscars, but without all that esteem." "The Golden Globes are to the Oscars what Kim Kardashian is to Kate Middleton," he said in 2012. "Bit louder, bit trashier, bit drunker, and more easily bought." Born in Reading, England in 1961, Gervais was a late-comer to the top echelons of the entertainment industry. After a failed bid to become a pop singer, Gervais joined London radio station XFM in the late 1990s, where he met future 'The Office' and 'Extras' collaborator Stephen Merchant. Thanks to 'The Office,' released in 2001 and earning a lucrative US remake from 2005, Gervais is now one of the world's wealthiest and most successful comedians. He continues to court accusations of transphobia, last month wading into a Twitter row about a woman who lost her job after saying people cannot change their biological sex.

Golden Globes 2020: Ricky Gervais back to roast Hollywood in 'final' hosting role

The Golden Globes kick off the Hollywood awards season on Sunday, but the most talked-about attraction at the customarily boozy dinner in Beverly Hills may be the wicked tongue of host Ricky Gervais. 
 
Gervais, the no-holds-barred British comedian, returns for the fifth time and is already promising to let the barbs fly. "Take a drink every time a celebrity looks like they want to punch me in the face," he suggests to viewers in a video promotion for the ceremony. Whether Hollywood's A-listers and American television audiences will still embrace him four years after his last stint remains to be seen. 
 
"This is a different moment in Hollywood than when Ricky Gervais last hosted the show," said Matthew Belloni, editorial director of the Hollywood Reporter. 
 
"We are in the middle of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-faces-justice-two-years-after-scandal-erupted-271766">#MeToo</a> movement, the push for diversity, the backlash to a lot of the Trump stuff. He is in many ways a throwback host to a time before we had all of these concerns," Belloni said. 
 
Gervais, the creator and star of the British TV comedy 'The Office',&nbsp;last hosted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/2020-golden-globes-the-complete-nominations-list-267269">Golden Globes </a>in January 2016 - long before the election and impeachment of President Donald Trump, the sexual misconduct scandal that has roiled the entertainment industry, and the #OscarsSoWhite controversies. 
 
Four years ago his targets included cosmetic surgery, Mel Gibson, Bill Cosby, newly transitioned Caitlyn Jenner and bawdy jokes about using his own Golden Globe statuette as a sex toy. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/golden-globes-2020-best-actor-nominations-271661">Meet the best actor nominees of Golden Globes 2020</a> 
 
"It's life, so anything can happen. The stars are there. I will insult them, if that's what you like," Gervais said in the video ahead of Sunday's show. 
 
Celebrities attending the event are expected to include Golden Globe nominees Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Eddie Murphy and Al Pacino for movies and television shows that range from 'The Irishman'&nbsp;and 'Two Popes'&nbsp;to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bombshell-review-charlize-theron-margot-robbie-feature-in-a-timely-film-in-the-post-metoo-era-271878">Bombshell</a>' and 'The Crown'. 
 
"We will see how he&nbsp;handles it. Is there a place for that kind of sarcastic and insult-oriented comedy in Hollywood 2020? We'll see," said Belloni.

Sunday's ceremony also takes place one day before the start of jury selection in the trial in New York of disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein on rape and sexual assault charges. Weinstein has denied the charges. 
 
Gervais says he has free rein to say whatever he likes at the dinner - an informal affair where champagne flows and the comedian swigged beer onstage throughout the 2016 show. 
 
He also says he has never had to cut any jokes from his Golden Globes routines.&nbsp; 
 
"I do have to tell a lawyer about it just before I go on," Gervais told talk show host Graham Norton in an appearance in London in November. 
 
"I know what I can get away with," he added. "I don't libel anyone. And I've never had a complaint upheld."

The Golden Globes kick off the Hollywood awards season on Sunday, but the most talked-about attraction at the customarily boozy dinner in Beverly Hills may be the wicked tongue of host Ricky Gervais.

The Golden Globes kick off the Hollywood awards season on Sunday, but the most talked-about attraction at the customarily boozy dinner in Beverly Hills may be the wicked tongue of host Ricky Gervais. Gervais, the no-holds-barred British comedian, returns for the fifth time and is already promising to let the barbs fly. "Take a drink every time a celebrity looks like they want to punch me in the face," he suggests to viewers in a video promotion for the ceremony. Whether Hollywood's A-listers and American television audiences will still embrace him four years after his last stint remains to be seen. "This is a different moment in Hollywood than when Ricky Gervais last hosted the show," said Matthew Belloni, editorial director of the Hollywood Reporter. "We are in the middle of the #MeToo movement, the push for diversity, the backlash to a lot of the Trump stuff. He is in many ways a throwback host to a time before we had all of these concerns," Belloni said. Gervais, the creator and star of the British TV comedy 'The Office', last hosted the Golden Globes in January 2016 - long before the election and impeachment of President Donald Trump, the sexual misconduct scandal that has roiled the entertainment industry, and the #OscarsSoWhite controversies. Four years ago his targets included cosmetic surgery, Mel Gibson, Bill Cosby, newly transitioned Caitlyn Jenner and bawdy jokes about using his own Golden Globe statuette as a sex toy. Meet the best actor nominees of Golden Globes 2020 "It's life, so anything can happen. The stars are there. I will insult them, if that's what you like," Gervais said in the video ahead of Sunday's show. Celebrities attending the event are expected to include Golden Globe nominees Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Eddie Murphy and Al Pacino for movies and television shows that range from 'The Irishman' and 'Two Popes' to 'Bombshell' and 'The Crown'. "We will see how he handles it. Is there a place for that kind of sarcastic and insult-oriented comedy in Hollywood 2020? We'll see," said Belloni. Sunday's ceremony also takes place one day before the start of jury selection in the trial in New York of disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein on rape and sexual assault charges. Weinstein has denied the charges. Gervais says he has free rein to say whatever he likes at the dinner - an informal affair where champagne flows and the comedian swigged beer onstage throughout the 2016 show. He also says he has never had to cut any jokes from his Golden Globes routines. "I do have to tell a lawyer about it just before I go on," Gervais told talk show host Graham Norton in an appearance in London in November. "I know what I can get away with," he added. "I don't libel anyone. And I've never had a complaint upheld."

Host Ricky Gervais takes on Golden Globes in Trump, #MeToo era

Provocative British comic Ricky Gervais will host the Golden Globes for a record fifth time in January, organisers announced Tuesday.

The annual film and television awards are seen by many as an important bellwether for Oscars success, but the ceremony's more informal -- and often alcohol-fueled -- tone is also a draw for stars and audiences.

Gervais' no-holds-barred humour as host has drawn praise and criticism in previous years when he took sharp digs at A-listers and the industry.&nbsp;

"Once again, they've made me an offer I can't refuse. But this is the very last time I'm doing this, which could make for a fun evening," Gervais said in a statement.

Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, said Gervais' return meant audiences should "expect the unexpected."

Gervais hosted the ceremony for three consecutive years from 2010-12, before returning in 2016.

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He takes the fifth! <a href="https://twitter.com/rickygervais?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rickygervais</a> will resume hosting duties for a record fifth time at the 77th Annual Golden Globe® Awards on Sunday, January 5, 2020 from The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California! <a href="https://t.co/ewYaHmVFyt">pic.twitter.com/ewYaHmVFyt</a>
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) <a href="https://twitter.com/goldenglobes/status/1194243474423304192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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His most recent appearance saw Gervais crack risque jokes about former Olympic athlete and transgender activist Caitlyn Jenner, and scandal-hit director Roman Polanski.

Gervais -- himself a multiple Golden Globe winner for 'The Office'&nbsp;and 'Extras'&nbsp;-- greeted the crowd with the line: "Shut up, you disgusting, pill-popping deviant scum!"

Last year, 18.6 million viewers tuned in for a ceremony hosted by comedian Andy Samberg and actress Sandra Oh.

The 77th annual ceremony will take place in Beverly Hills on January 5, with a total of 25 awards handed out for film and television across a three-hour broadcast.&nbsp;

In recent years, other major Hollywood awards such as the Oscars and Emmys have gone entirely without hosts -- but US broadcaster NBC confirmed the Globes would not follow that trend.

"There is always palpable electricity in the room when Ricky takes the Globes stage," said Paul Telegdy, chairman of NBC Entertainment.&nbsp;

"We can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve," he added.

Provocative British comic Ricky Gervais will host the Golden Globes for a record fifth time in January, organisers announced Tuesday. The annual film and television awards are seen by many as an important bellwether for Oscars success, but the ceremony's more informal -- and often alcohol-fueled -- tone is also a draw for stars and audiences.

Provocative British comic Ricky Gervais will host the Golden Globes for a record fifth time in January, organisers announced Tuesday. The annual film and television awards are seen by many as an important bellwether for Oscars success, but the ceremony's more informal -- and often alcohol-fueled -- tone is also a draw for stars and audiences. Gervais' no-holds-barred humour as host has drawn praise and criticism in previous years when he took sharp digs at A-listers and the industry. "Once again, they've made me an offer I can't refuse. But this is the very last time I'm doing this, which could make for a fun evening," Gervais said in a statement. Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, said Gervais' return meant audiences should "expect the unexpected." Gervais hosted the ceremony for three consecutive years from 2010-12, before returning in 2016. He takes the fifth! @rickygervais will resume hosting duties for a record fifth time at the 77th Annual Golden Globe® Awards on Sunday, January 5, 2020 from The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California! pic.twitter.com/ewYaHmVFyt — Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) November 12, 2019 × His most recent appearance saw Gervais crack risque jokes about former Olympic athlete and transgender activist Caitlyn Jenner, and scandal-hit director Roman Polanski. Gervais -- himself a multiple Golden Globe winner for 'The Office' and 'Extras' -- greeted the crowd with the line: "Shut up, you disgusting, pill-popping deviant scum!" Last year, 18.6 million viewers tuned in for a ceremony hosted by comedian Andy Samberg and actress Sandra Oh. The 77th annual ceremony will take place in Beverly Hills on January 5, with a total of 25 awards handed out for film and television across a three-hour broadcast. In recent years, other major Hollywood awards such as the Oscars and Emmys have gone entirely without hosts -- but US broadcaster NBC confirmed the Globes would not follow that trend. "There is always palpable electricity in the room when Ricky takes the Globes stage," said Paul Telegdy, chairman of NBC Entertainment. "We can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve," he added.

Ricky Gervais returns as Golden Globes host for a record fifth time

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