Ricky Gervais, co-creator and star of the BBC sitcom The Office, is marking the show's 25th anniversary with a special YouTube broadcast. The special, set to air on July 8, 2026, will see Gervais revisit 25 of his favourite moments from the series and share previously untold stories from the set.
The Legacy of The Office
The Office debuted in 2001 and ran for two seasons plus a two-part Christmas special, ending in 2003. Created by Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the show followed the lives of office workers at Slough paper merchant Wernham Hogg. Gervais played the lead role of David Brent, the cringeworthy office manager, alongside Martin Freeman as Tim Canterbury and other cast members.
The series won six BAFTA TV Awards during its run and spawned numerous international adaptations, most notably the Emmy-winning US version starring Steve Carell, which aired for eight seasons. Gervais and Merchant served as executive producers on the US adaptation.
The Anniversary Special Content
In the trailer for the special, Gervais promises to discuss his memories of the show, his favourite bits, and more. The special will be hosted on his YouTube channel, which will also become a repository for 25 years of archival content from his career, including material from The Office, his Netflix series After Life, and his stand-up shows.
Gervais, now 65, deliberately chose to end The Office at its peak after just two seasons and a Christmas special. The show's impact has endured, with the American version becoming a cultural phenomenon and featuring guest stars such as Will Ferrell, Kathy Bates, Idris Elba, and Catherine Tate.
Gervais' Career Beyond The Office
Following The Office, Gervais created and starred in other BBC comedies including Extras, which ran for 12 episodes, as well as Life's Too Short, An Idiot Abroad, and Derek. His work has consistently drawn critical acclaim and a global audience.
The 25th anniversary special will be available to watch on Gervais' YouTube channel on July 8, 2026, at 6pm.
