Ricky Gervais to create and star in new adult animated show on Netflix

Ricky Gervais, the creator and star of the original The Office, is venturing into animated television with a brand-new sitcom for Netflix. The adult animated series, titled Alley Cats, is set to premiere in 2026.

Gervais will star in the series, which has been ordered for six 15-minute episodes, alongside a talented cast including Tom Basden, Andrew Brooke, David Earl, Kerry Godliman, Jo Hartley, Diane Morgan, as well as Natalie Cassidy and Tony Way. Gervais will also co-direct the show with Elliot Dear.

The series will feature a 2D animation style crafted by Blink Industries, the studio behind Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared and Dead End: Paranormal Park.

Alley Cats will follow a group of feral British cats from various walks of life, each navigating the challenges of companionship while reflecting on the struggles of everyday existence. True to Gervais' style, the show will combine humor with social commentary, offering the “heart and wit” audiences have come to expect from his work.

Describing his character, Gervais said, “I play a fat, lazy, rude, opinionated creature with fangs, who’s not as smart or brave as he thinks he is. So, quite a stretch.”

Alongside the announcement, Netflix revealed a first-look image from the series, showing the scruffy cats lounging in front of a TV.

While an exact release date hasn't been confirmed, Alley Cats is expected to arrive on Netflix sometime in 2026.