Comedian Ricky Gervais is set to star in a new television series dedicated to celebrating classic British sitcoms. The upcoming show, titled Joe And David’s Magical Sitcom Tour, is a unique blend of travelogue and retrospective, featuring comedians Joe Wilkinson and David Earl. Each episode will centre around a themed day out, inspired by iconic sitcoms such as The Office, Porridge, and Fawlty Towers.
Gervais, known for co-creating and starring in The Office as the regional manager David Brent, will appear in the episode dedicated to this landmark series. In a special segment, he will perform the beloved David Brent song “Freelove Freeway,” adding a musical highlight to the tribute. The original BBC Office series, which aired between 2001 and 2003, gained critical acclaim for its innovative mockumentary style and spawned a successful American adaptation.
Wilkinson and Earl, both longtime enthusiasts of British comedy, will visit significant filming locations, reenact memorable scenes, and share behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Their appreciation for the genre is clear: Wilkinson said that he has been “obsessed with sitcoms since [he] was a lad,” describing the project as a dream come true and noting he refused to take a fee for his involvement. Earl echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude to broadcaster UKTV for bringing the series to life, calling it akin to stepping through the TV screen into favourite sitcom worlds.
Both Wilkinson and Earl have previous connections to Gervais’ work, having appeared in his Netflix hit After Life. Earl also featured in Gervais’ sitcom Derek as Kev and acted in the 2010 film Cemetery Junction, set in Gervais’ hometown of Reading, further underscoring the close collaborative ties between the comedians.
Executive producer Peter Holmes described the series as a “passion project,” highlighting the affection Wilkinson and Earl have for sitcoms and for each other, positioning them perfectly to guide audiences on a nostalgic tour through these comedy classics.
Joe And David’s Magical Sitcom Tour is scheduled to air on the U&Gold channel in 2026, promising a heartfelt, humorous, and insightful exploration of British television’s most cherished sitcoms. Fans of British comedy can look forward to this celebratory journey through the shows that have shaped the nation’s comedic landscape.
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Source: Noah Wire Services