The pilot episode aired on 12 April 2012 on Channel 4. Ricky Gervais revealed on his blog, just after the pilot had aired, that he was writing 6 more episodes. Filmed in a mockumentary style, the show stars, and was written and directed by, Ricky Gervais. It is set in a nursing home and centres on a helper at the home, Derek, played by Gervais.[8] The title character is based on one who first appeared in Gervais' stand-up show "Rubbernecker" at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2001.[9] The show portrays the home's workers and residents as outsiders who struggle in life due to being disadvantaged, excluded from, and unwanted by, mainstream society.
Gervais' character, Derek, goes beyond his job description to help the residents that he cares for. The character's quirky, goofy, and often hare-brained personality is tempered by a tender, honest, and brave spirit.
