Ricky Gervais defends his controversial comedy: 'It seems worse than it is'

Ricky Gervais has backed his often controversial stand-up routines, stating that he can provide a rationale for all the "forbidden" subjects he covers.

The comedian has made waves on Netflix with his latest specials, Armageddon and SuperNature. He is recognized for his edgy humor, which may not resonate with everyone, as it often addresses sensitive topics and marginalized groups in society.

In a recent conversation on the Stick to Football podcast, he emphasized that he thinks through his jokes thoroughly before sharing them with others. He makes sure he’s prepared to handle any criticism that might arise.

"I don't just blurt out the first thought that pops into my mind without considering the consequences," he elaborated.

"I avoid doing that, so I need to have a good reason for my choices. For everything I engage in, I must be able to explain, 'This is why it's acceptable.'"

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Gervais went on to say, "Many of my jokes touch on sensitive topics, which makes them seem more shocking than they really are. If you break them down, they're not that offensive. It's just that they involve controversial themes and popular phrases that elicit strong reactions. However, when you examine the humor closely, you'll see that it’s actually pretty acceptable."

He expressed his enjoyment in addressing sensitive topics in his work, likening his job to that of a guide leading people "by the hand through a frightening forest" to help them discover "a place they’ve never visited before."

The actor, famous for his comedic roles in The Office (UK), Extras, and After Life, mentioned that he doesn't worry about being "canceled" since "you really need to do something illegal to get truly canceled."

Gervais is currently on tour showcasing his new stand-up show called Mortality, with upcoming performances scheduled in Cardiff, Manchester, Birmingham, and several other cities.

The tour is set to be available on Netflix as a comedy special in the future, but a release date hasn’t been revealed yet.

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David Craig is the lead drama writer for Radio Times, where he writes about the newest and best scripted dramas and comedies on TV and streaming platforms. Before this, he was at Starburst Magazine, hosted The Winter King Podcast for ITVX, and earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Sheffield.