Ricky Gervais: Mortality (review)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 9 January 2026

Ricky takes on what he calls his “most honest and confessional show so far” in his fourth Netflix and tenth overall stand-up special.

Despite the dark title, the performance is more about life and growing older.

As always, there is no topic off limits and no joke too controversial for him to dare tell. After all, his near-the-knuckle remarks are what his audience have come to expect and his carefree attitude forms part of his persona, once again joking how complaints have ironically shot his previous specials to number one. If there is to be any criticism, it is the excessive use of the C word and some jokes feel a tad harsh or vulgar when weighed against their comedic value.

Edgy or not, Gervais’ material, delivery and timing is undoubtedly funny, which is the main tickbox for a stand-up special, and there’s some real belly laugh moments within his amusing anecdotes.

If you like his other Netflix specials, you’ll like this one as the style and quality of his comedy is very similar, which is in no way a negative.

Gervais is an impressively unique comedian and a clever one too. His skill and talent is clear throughout as he not only memorises an hour’s worth of comedy, but masterfully meanders through the content so it naturally flows, all the while ensuring it is truly hilarious.

8/10