Ricky Gervais Wages ‘Armageddon’ Against Stupidity

‘100 Funniest Comedy Albums’ Book Excerpt

Frank Mastropolo

Netflix

Before the Christmas Day 2023 release of his Netflix special Armageddon, Ricky Gervais posted a tweet that served as a warning:

“In this show, I talk about sex, death, pedophilia, race, religion, disability, free speech, global warming, the holocaust, and Elton John. If you don’t approve of jokes about any of these things, then please don’t watch. You won’t enjoy it, and you’ll get upset.”

The Premise of Armageddon

So this show is called Armageddon, and it’s all about how I think humanity might end. There’s a long list of possibilities. It could be anything from global warming, the rise of the pandemic, nuclear war, or our own stupidity. Basically, we are getting more stupid as a species. No doubt about that.

You can now do a university degree course in Taylor Swift. How low can you go, academically?

There’s an institute in London called the School of Flower Arranging. I went past it and couldn’t believe my eyes. I looked in, and there were people having lectures. Flower arranging! My mum used to pick flowers every day from the garden. She’d cut them and put them in vases around the house. At no point did anyone come around and say, “What unqualified person did these?”

Controversy Surrounding the Special

Armageddon was controversial even before its release. Gervais shared a routine from the show’s trailer that stirred up quite a bit of discussion.

On a serious note, I’ve been doing a lot of video messages recently for terminally-ill children. Only if they request it, obviously. I don’t burst into hospitals and go, “Wake up, Baldy. Look, me twerking on TikTok. Look.”

It’s through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They’re fantastic, and they grant these dying kids their one wish. If it’s me, I always say yes. I start the video the same way every time. I go, “Why didn’t you wish to get better? What, you’re not thinking clearly?”

These are all jokes, okay? In fact, I don’t even use that word in real life—the r-word. “You just used it. Rick.” “Yeah, in a joke. That’s not real life, is it? I’m playing a role.” “You sounded pretty convincing.” “Yeah, ’cause I’m good.”

I’m good, and that’s why I do things well. Imagine if I came out and did things not very well, so you knew I was joking. That’d be absurd.

The Response to Gervais

Thousands of people signed a Change.org petition demanding Netflix remove the routine from the special. However, the streaming service refused.

“I can play to a million people, and I won’t get a complaint,” Gervais told BBC Radio 5. “As soon as it goes on Netflix or someone writes up a joke that says this is offensive, people go, ‘Oh, that’s offensive.’ They haven’t even heard the joke. They weren’t there. Ignore them. They don’t count. They have no effect on me. They’re hecklers.”

“They’re allowed to hate it. They’re allowed to not come to the show, but it’s not going to stop me from doing what I love. I’m not going to stop it at the expense of all the other people who love it. No one has to watch this.”

The Grammy Nomination

Armageddon was nominated by the Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album. “Some people think that a joke is a window to the comedian’s true soul,” Gervais said. “It’s just not true. It’s a joke.”

Frank Mastropolo is the author of 100 Funniest Comedy Albums, part of the Greatest Performances series. For more on our latest projects, visit Edgar Street Books.

The Legacy of Comedy Albums

Comedy albums have a unique place in the entertainment industry. They capture the essence of a moment in time, reflecting societal norms, issues, and humor. From the early days of vinyl records to the digital age, these albums tell stories that resonate with audiences.

The Evolution of Humor

Humor evolves. What was funny a decade ago may not hold the same weight today. Comedians like Gervais push boundaries, challenging us to think critically about what we find humorous. They make us question our beliefs and the world around us.

Why We Laugh

Laughter is a universal language. It connects us, breaks down barriers, and allows us to cope with life's challenges. Comedy albums serve as a reminder of our shared experiences, offering a moment of relief in our busy lives.

The Importance of Free Speech in Comedy

Free speech is vital in comedy. It allows comedians to tackle tough subjects and engage in meaningful conversations. Gervais exemplifies this, using humor to address controversial topics. His approach sparks dialogue and encourages us to reflect on our values.

Conclusion

In the world of comedy, Gervais stands out. His work challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths while making us laugh. As we look forward to more of his performances, we can appreciate the art of comedy and its power to provoke thought.

So, whether you love him or hate him, one thing is clear: Ricky Gervais knows how to make an impact. And that’s what comedy is all about.