Gervais/Merchant series Extras set to take America by storm

Date : 27.04.2005

BBC Worldwide has secured its first ever British comedy co-production deal with the US cable channel HBO for the new Ricky Gervais/Stephen Merchant comedy series Extras.

Currently in production, Extras is the hotly anticipated new comedy series from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (creators of the Golden Globe-winning BBC comedy series The Office). The six-episode first season will debut on BBC TWO in the UK this summer, with the HBO debut to be announced soon.

"Ricky Gervais is one of the most original comic voices working today," noted Carolyn Strauss, President, HBO Entertainment. "HBO is extremely proud to join with the BBC in bringing his new show to America."

Jon Plowman, Head of Comedy Entertainment, BBC, added: "I am thrilled to be partnering with HBO, an American network renowned for the quality and originality of its programming. I'm confident that Ricky's new show will add to their superb lineup."

Ricky Gervais said: "It's an honour to be on the same channel that gave us The Sopranos and they made me an offer I couldn't refuse."

Extras stars Ricky Gervais as bitter, aspiring actor Andy Millman, who gives up his day job to pursue fame in the movies, only to find he just can't land the big parts. Each episode will have a different setting and feature cameos by top Hollywood stars, including Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet and Patrick Stewart. The cast will also feature Stephen Merchant as Millman's agent.

Extras is written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, produced by Charlie Hanson and executive produced by Jon Plowman.

Extras builds on the BBC's long standing relationship with HBO that has seen previous successful co-production partnerships which include the upcoming series "Rome," as well as the HBO Films presentations "Dirty War" and �The Gathering Storm."