Ricky Gervais is calling time on three of his most high-profile television programmes in order to focus on new projects.


Animated series The Ricky Gervais Show will not get a fourth season, Sky1 show An Idiot Abroad will end after two more specials and BBC2 series Life’s Too Short, which ran for seven episodes in late 2011 and early 2012, will conclude with a one-off finale next Easter.

“I don’t think I’m going to do a fourth series of The Ricky Gervais Show,” wrote Gervais on his blog. “39 episodes is more than I’ve ever done for any other project (Yes. I know that’s pathetic but trust me.) and I don’t want to push my luck.

“Karl and I have also decided to end An Idiot Abroad after the two specials we’re recording at the moment. Again, I think these could be the funniest adventures yet and I’d hate to outstay our welcome.

“And finally… (or finale-ly… what?) we’ve just finished writing the finale special of Life’s Too Short. We’ll film it after xmas ready for broadcast around Easter. It’s got lots and lots of Les, Shaun and Cheggars!”

Gervais said he was freeing up time to work on a number of new projects, including a new set of filmed audiobooks which he describes as “a bit different” and “beautifully simple”, and a number of stand-up gigs in the UK, US and Europe.


However, Gervais admitted that Channel 4 comedy drama Derek had become “his new baby”, concluding: “I’ve never been so in love with a project or character.”