The Real Issue with Ricky Gervais Isn’t About Whether He’s Woke or Not—It’s That His Once-Cutting-Edge Comedy Has Grown Stale, Relying on Recycled Shock Tactics and Predictable Controversy Instead of the Genuine Wit and Inventiveness That Made Him a Star in the First Place
Ricky Gervais has long been a polarizing figure in comedy. To some, he’s a fearless truth-teller who isn’t afraid to offend the overly sensitive; to others, he’s an outdated provocateur whose material has become repetitive and reliant on tired culture-war debates. With his latest stand-up tour, Mortality, the debate over Gervais’s brand of comedy has reignited. But while much of the discussion centers on whether he’s “too woke” or “not woke enough,” this completely misses the real issue: the problem with Ricky Gervais isn’t his politics—it’s that he simply isn’t funny anymore.
The Evolution (or Decline) of Ricky Gervais’s Comedy
There was a time when Ricky Gervais was widely regarded as one of the most brilliant comedic voices of his generation. His work on The Office (UK) redefined modern sitcoms, introducing a painfully awkward, documentary-style realism that would later influence shows like Parks and Recreation and the U.S. version of The Office. His follow-up, Extras, was another sharp, self-aware satire that skewered celebrity culture while offering moments of surprising emotional depth.
But as Gervais transitioned into stand-up comedy, his material began shifting away from the subtle brilliance that made his early work so compelling. His stand-up routines, particularly in recent years, have leaned heavily on shock humor, anti-“woke” rants, and punching down at easy targets rather than constructing genuinely clever or insightful jokes.
In Humanity, his 2018 Netflix special, he spent a significant portion of his set defending himself against accusations of transphobia, seemingly more interested in debating his critics than actually crafting strong comedic material. By the time he released SuperNature in 2022, the pattern had fully solidified: less focus on fresh observations, more focus on mocking progressive movements and positioning himself as the brave warrior against cancel culture.
Why “Anti-Woke” Comedy Alone Doesn’t Make for Good Comedy
One of the biggest criticisms of modern Ricky Gervais is that he’s fallen into a trap that has ensnared many comedians before him—mistaking “saying the thing you’re not supposed to say” for inherently being funny. This is a common problem in contemporary stand-up, where some comedians believe that simply mocking progressive ideals or making “edgy” jokes about sensitive topics is enough to carry an entire routine.
But true comedy requires more than just provocation. The greatest comedians—whether they push boundaries or not—offer insightful, clever, and well-constructed humor. They expose hypocrisy, subvert expectations, and craft observations that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Gervais, however, often falls back on the easiest form of humor: the contrarian take for its own sake.
Consider some of his most infamous jokes from SuperNature, where he ridicules trans people by setting up a strawman argument about gender identity. The problem isn’t that the topic is off-limits—many comedians have successfully tackled controversial subjects in ways that are actually smart and unexpected—but that Gervais’s jokes on the subject feel tired and predictable. He’s not offering a fresh take; he’s just repeating the same tired culture-war talking points that have been regurgitated across social media.
Gervais’s Best Work Came From Punching Up, Not Down
One of the biggest contradictions in Gervais’s comedy is how it has shifted from satirizing the powerful to taking aim at marginalized groups. In his early career, he excelled at exposing the arrogance and hypocrisy of those in power. David Brent, his iconic character from The Office, was a satirical masterstroke—a self-absorbed, painfully insecure middle manager who constantly sought approval while revealing his own deep-seated ignorance.
Likewise, Extras was a brilliant takedown of celebrity culture, showcasing the absurd egos and insecurities of Hollywood stars. Even his Golden Globes hosting gigs, where he famously roasted A-listers, worked because he was skewering the elite—people who could afford to be the butt of the joke.
But as his stand-up has evolved, Gervais has shifted away from satirizing the powerful and instead chosen to focus his mockery on groups with far less power—trans people, non-binary individuals, and activists pushing for social change. The idea that he’s “punching up” at a progressive establishment simply doesn’t hold water when you consider the immense influence and reach he still enjoys compared to the people he’s making fun of.
This shift has alienated many of the fans who once admired his work for its wit and social commentary. Instead of the brilliant observational comedy that once defined him, he now seems obsessed with proving a point—one that’s less about humor and more about pushing back against criticism.
The “Victim Complex” in Modern Comedy
Another significant issue with Gervais’s recent stand-up work is the heavy reliance on the “victim complex” narrative that has become common among comedians who complain about cancel culture. Much of his material in SuperNature and even in his promotional interviews for Mortality revolves around the idea that comedians are being silenced, that the world has become too sensitive, and that he’s simply standing up for free speech.
But here’s the reality: Ricky Gervais is not being silenced. He’s one of the most successful comedians in the world, with multiple Netflix specials, sold-out tours, and a massive global audience. He is, by all definitions, thriving.
The irony is that, for someone who constantly mocks people for playing the victim, he spends an enormous amount of time positioning himself as a victim of “cancel culture.” The truth is, comedians aren’t being canceled; they’re simply facing criticism, which is something any public figure should expect. Instead of adapting and evolving, Gervais seems fixated on fighting a battle that doesn’t really exist.
What Made Gervais Great—and What Could Save His Comedy
Despite his recent shortcomings, Ricky Gervais remains an incredibly talented writer and performer. His work on After Life—though divisive—demonstrated that he still has the ability to craft meaningful, emotional storytelling. His ability to create compelling, complex characters is undeniable.
The question is whether he can apply that same level of depth to his stand-up once again. If Gervais wants to reclaim his place as one of the greats, he needs to move beyond his current formula. Here’s how:
- Focus on Fresh, Insightful Observations
- Instead of relying on tired culture-war debates, Gervais should return to his roots—sharp social satire that cuts through the noise rather than adding to it.
- Stop the “Anti-Woke” Schtick for the Sake of It
- Being “anti-woke” isn’t a personality or a comedic style. Gervais needs to recognize that simply mocking progressive ideas doesn’t automatically make for good material.
- Challenge Himself Creatively
- Some of the best comedians evolve with time. Dave Chappelle, for instance, has shifted from pure stand-up to thought-provoking storytelling. Gervais has the ability to do the same if he chooses to push himself.
- Stop Complaining About Cancel Culture
- Audiences want comedy, not a TED Talk on why comedians have it hard. Gervais should let the jokes do the talking rather than spending half his set explaining why people are offended.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for Gervais
Ricky Gervais has nothing left to prove in terms of his success. But in terms of his comedy, he faces a crossroads: does he continue down the path of reactionary, low-effort stand-up, or does he reinvent himself and reclaim his reputation as one of comedy’s sharpest voices?
The answer will determine whether he remains a relevant force in comedy or becomes yet another comedian who mistook controversy for creativity. If he chooses the latter path, he may still have some of his best work ahead of him. But if he keeps doing what he’s been doing, he risks fading into irrelevance—not because he’s too controversial, but because he simply isn’t as funny as he used to be.
