Fans of the Office? Bigger fan of the UK version? Then you already are a fan of Ricky Gervais. A good friend of mine last night directed me to some rather funny clips of this show called Extras. As usual, we are coming to the table late, as it seems this show is already over.
BBC.co.uk describes its origins:
After the international success of The Office the pressure was on for Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant to come up with a successful successor. Wonderfully, they succeeded. Extras was another naturalistic show that mined the theatre of embarrassment for its laughs and – particularly in the second series – reached real comedy peaks.
This is an incredible concept for a television show that twists reality enough to make it all work.
You see, the “stars” in the show are extras, and the Extras are the stars. Did you follow that? Neither did I.
The show is based on a number of collegues who are themselves aspiring actors and for the most part only get roles as extras. The guest stars on the show play themselves. We meet these big name celebrities on the show are the stars of the show the characters aspire to get a job with. In a way that makes them the extras, as the story doesn’t revolve around them, but rather our stars, the Extras.
Its confusing to explain. From the clips I have seen, this looks to be a riot. I need to see this show. Other celebs that make appearances are Dan Radcliffe, Orlando Bloom, Samuel Jackson, and Sir Ian McLellan. Check out this clip featuring Patrick Stewart:
LOL – I LOVE this show. I’m sad it’s over, but I catch the reruns on HBO all the time.
LOL
LOL< you live in a closet Rodney. By the way, while there will be no 3rd season, there will be a two part Christmas special, similar to The Office one, that will wrap the series up. Nord
Great show indeed, both series 1 and 2 are available on dvd here in the UK and are well worth picking up, loads of clips on youtube to wet your appetite too.
The Kate Winslet one is great! I actually saw it here on this site a while back. The Ian McKellan one is AWESOME, too.
I have only seen a few episodes of this show, but it really is funny. You should see the one with Kate Winslet, I was laughing so hard I could breath!
I totally agree that we missed this one entirely. I am surprised that it managed to stay under our radar for so long.
being late to the party is OK so long as you actually still get to party. I heartily reccommend renting/buying/recording off HBO the whole series.
I love series 1 but was deeply disappointed by series two. They just threw believability right out the window, and that completely ruined it for me. It turned into a ridiculous farce rather than a sharp satire.
It comes on HBO all the time as well. The David Bowie episode KILLS!
“See his pug-nosed face!”
I ve seen every episode about 7 times i love extras. Its simply the best thing in TV at the moment. wondeful. I love the orlando bloom episode genius
Actually Rodney, Extras aired on CH all last summer. Not sure about this summer though.
Ricky is one funny bloke (check out his podcast series, best thing he’s ever done and yes, that includes the office).
Extras is not really my cup of tea though.
But the cameos are hilarious, easily the best part of this show.
The best cameo is David Bowie, I actually fell off my chair laughing.
Orlando Bloom bitching about Johnny Depp, Ian McKellen giving acting lessons and Daniel Radclife chasing older pussey are also hilarious.
But you can see them all on YouTube, no need to actually watch entire episodes.
The second season is just as good with the David Bowie ep being amazing.
Exactly John,
Its a BBC series, and being that we are from Canada, we dont get all the shows aired there. This is one of them.
So as soon as I found out about it, I realize its too late. Pity, looks amazing!
dear god..you guys are seriously late. extras has been on for damn good while now. and yes it is fucking hi-larious.