Ricky Gervais is returning to animated comedy with his upcoming Netflix series Alley Cats, which features an ensemble cast and marks his first adult animation project since The Ricky Gervais Show. The debut trailer, released earlier this week, showcases the provocative humour Gervais is known for, with the comedian likening the series to 'like Only Fools and Horses mixed with four legs bad, two legs good,' where characters are constantly 'rallying against a cruel world' with danger around every corner.
What Is Alley Cats About?
The adult animated sitcom, created by Gervais, follows a band of stray British cats from diverse social backgrounds as they pursue friendship and navigate everyday life. Gervais describes the show as brimming with warmth and social observation, but early images suggest it will also include emotionally poignant moments reminiscent of his earlier work. Gervais serves as creator, lead voice actor, and co-director, alongside animation director Elliot Dear, whose credits include the All Through The House episode of Netflix's Love, Death + Robots and the John Lewis Bear and the Hare advertisement. This is Dear's first multi-part series.
Who Is in the Cast of Alley Cats?
The voice cast reunites several stars from Gervais' previous projects. Kerry Godliman, who played his on-screen wife in After Life, returns, along with BAFTA-nominated Tom Basden (creator of Here We Go), Diane Morgan, and Tony Way. David Earle, known as Kev in Derek, voices the character Puke, while EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy takes on multiple roles. The confirmed cast includes Ricky Gervais as Gus, Tom Basden as Ponce, Andrew Brooke as Fang, David Earl as Puke, Kerry Godliman as Lara, Jo Hartley as Kitten, Diane Morgan as Olive, Natalie Cassidy as Samantha and Mum, and Tony Way as Butch, Jeff, Lance, Shane, Dealer Cate, Ralf, and Old Pete.
Alley Cats Release Date and Episode Count
According to its IMDb page, the debut season of Alley Cats will consist of six episodes. Netflix has confirmed the series will premiere on August 7.
