Ricky Gervais latest special Mortality is streaming on Netflix.
Ricky Gervais' latest Netflix comedy special, Mortality, landed on the streaming service on December 30, and it wasn't long before the naysayers were out in force. Filmed in the London Palladium during his epic, record-breaking tour of the same name, it sees 64-year-old Ricky tackle controversial subjects such as disability, paedophilia, racism, and even child killers in his own irreverent and inimitable fashion. He also uses it as an oportunity to call out what he described as the "middle-class" and "elitist" critics of his work. "It's always these sort of educated, middle-class, privileged, elitist, sort of people telling ordinary working-class people what they can and can't do and say and laugh, not realising how important comedy is to ordinary people," he told the audience.
Not everyone was amused by the offering, with fans taking to Reddit to express their disappointment. "At some point, people will realise he's not really that funny. His act is basically him alternating between punching down and being mad that people don't like him punching down," one wrote. "It's sad because his comedy wasn't always like this (Extras, for example, was both hilarious and really heartfelt and sweet at times). Maybe he just got lazy with time and relies on this same schtick now," another added. Meanwhile, a third said: "I'm more than tired of his bullying act."
If you're curious to see what all the outrage is about, it is available to watch on now, but we have also found some other amazing comedy specials you can stream to tickle your funny bone.
Bob Monkhouse: The Last Stand - BBC iPlayer
In the summer of 2003, just months before he died of prostate cancer at the age of 75, comedy legend Bob Monkhouse played a gig to a room full of fellow comedians featuring stand-up, chat and a comedy masterclass. It became the stuff of legend among comedians but was not transmitted until much later. It proves old school never goes out of fashion and is a wonderful testament to a much-missed talent.
Jenny Slate: Seasoned Professional - Prime Video
Although she has been kept busy with acting work in recent years, Oscar-nominated Jenny Slate still found time to return to the stage for this hour-long stand-up special. Focusing on her love life, she insists being brave for love is worth it- even when it involves stalking your therapist or conquering your biggest fears.
Sean Lock: Lockipedia - Netflix
This 2010 special from Sean Lock serves as a reminder of why he was regarded as one of the funniest comedians on the circuit. Filmed 11 years before his 2021 death at London's Hammersmith Apollo during his sell-out tour, no topic is safe as he riffs from reusable grocery bags to the lost art of hiding dirty magazines.
Greg Davies: The Back of My Mum's Head - Channel 4
Recorded in the Salford, Lowry during The Taskmaster alums 2012/2013 tour, this sees Greg, stung by his mum's suggestion he's 'not normal', put everyone else under the microscope instead.
Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All - Netflix
This is Taylor's third Netflix special, and as the title suggests, she tries to answer the age-old question: "Can you really have it all?" In an attempt to figure it out, she discusses dream jobs, finding a perfect partner and dealing with anxiety.
Kevin Bridges: The Brand New Tour - Netflix
Recorded in 2018 during his UK and Ireland tour, this sees Scottish comic Kevin Bridges give his take on the modern world, social media, anxiety and religion as only he can. As an arena-filling act, his shows are uproariously funny, and this is the closest you will get to experiencing it without physically attending one.
Fern Brady: Power and Chaos - Prime Video
Filmed live in Glasgow in 2021, Scottish comedian Fern tells all about the time a politician tried to cancel her, dealing with being bisexual, internet creeps, drunk teachers and also offers up her unique method for practising gratitude. One of the funniest women on the circuit at the moment, this is insightful and hilarious.
-
Pro Wrestling League: Maharashtra Kesari tops the points table, know the condition of other teams

-
Indian Army marks Girl Child Day with events in Manipur and Assam

-
EC to roll out Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls nationwide

-
AIMIM corporator apologises for ‘make Mumbra green’ remark: Somaiya

-
Speeding jeep runs over motorcyclist in Jaipur, one dead; driver held
