The master of offensive comedy, Ricky Gervais, has provided a first look at his upcoming animated world while simultaneously warning fans that the content may not be for everyone. This new footage signals a return to his roots in dark social satire, packaged in a gritty format that challenges the boundaries of traditional television.

The comedian continues to build anticipation for his future projects by maintaining his signature unfiltered approach to humor.

Ricky Gervais is set to debut an adult animated series called Alley Cats on Netflix in 2026, and a clip has been posted by him on his X account to tease the release. According to the post, his latest stand-up special, Mortality, will premiere on Netflix on December 30, 2025, and he has issued content/trigger warnings for his specials.

"Trigger warning: Bad Words,", Ricky Gervais shared an exclusive clip of his new special, Mortality, on X, noting it arrives December 30 on Netflix with a cheeky trigger warning for bad words.

  In his Mortality Act, Gervais notes the backlash Rosie Jones received for using the "retarded" word in her documentary title, Rosie Jones: Am I a Retard? even as a person with cerebral palsy. His routine makes a distinction between using a pejorative word to describe someone and using it in the context of reporting on its use or examining ableism, as Jones did in her documentary.  

Ricky Gervais continues his tradition of addressing taboo subjects with a humorous style that often requires advance notice for sensitive viewers. He frequently issues his own content warnings via social media to prepare audiences for his jokes regarding contentious topics.

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A new creative direction will see the comedian lend his voice to a gritty animated world.

The six-episode adult animated series titled Alley Cats is set for a 2026 release. Ricky Gervais serves as the creator and co-director while also voicing the main character, described as a rude and opinionated creature with fangs. 

Gervais humorously suggested that playing a creature that is not as brave as it believes itself to be was a major creative challenge for him. The series promises to deliver the same sharp-witted humor that has defined his legendary career on the platform, adding to Netflix's sitcom slate.

“So quite a stretch,” the comedian joked in a press release of Netflix, as mentioned by What's on Netflix regarding his role in the biting social commentary.

Gervais reunites with his talented After Life collaborators, including Diane Morgan and David Earl, to bring this animated world to life. The cast also features veteran performers Kerry Godliman and Tony Way, many of whom have worked with the creator across multiple hit series like Derek. Natalie Cassidy joins the established ensemble to round out the group of voices for this highly anticipated 2026 debut.

The project marks a significant shift for the creator as he explores the freedom and absurdity that the animation medium provides. 

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