Ricky Gervais Returns to Adult Animation with ‘Alley Cats’ on Netflix
Ricky Gervais is returning to the world of adult animation. His latest project, Alley Cats, is a new series slated for a 2026 debut on Netflix. Moving away from the live-action tone of After Life, Gervais is shifting his focus to a “slacker sitcom” that trades human struggle for the lives of feral felines.
The series follows a group of feral British cats from diverse backgrounds who navigate the hardships of everyday life. While seeking companionship, the characters engage in ruminations on social struggles, blending Gervais’ signature biting wit with heartfelt moments of connection.
The Creative Vision and Voice Cast
Gervais serves as the creator, star, executive producer, and co-director of the series under his Derek Productions banner. He voices one of the lead characters, describing the role as a “fat, lazy, rude, opinionated creature with fangs, who’s not as smart or brave as he thinks he is.”
The project reunites Gervais with several frequent collaborators, bringing back much of the ensemble from After Life. The voice cast includes:
- Diane Morgan
- Tom Basden
- Kerry Godliman
- Andrew Brooke
- David Earl
- Jo Hartley
- Natalie Cassidy
- Tony Way
Production and Technical Details
Alley Cats is a concise production, consisting of six episodes with each running approximately 15 minutes. The series is co-directed by Elliot Dear, with animation provided by the award-winning UK studio Blink Industries. Blink Industries brings a pedigree of experimental and acclaimed work, having previously contributed to Love, Death & Robots and Dead End: Paranormal Park.
The visual identity of the display is being shaped by production designer Tang Heng, known for his work on the Kung Fu Panda franchise. Steven Hamilton Shaw of Shush Creative serves as an executive producer alongside Gervais.
A Return to Animation
This project marks Gervais’ first major foray into adult animation in over a decade. It follows the conclusion of The Ricky Gervais Show, the HBO and Channel 4 series that animated his popular podcast with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington. While that series relied on a Hanna-Barbera-inspired aesthetic to mirror podcast conversations, Alley Cats is structured as a narrative sitcom with a specific thematic focus on social commentary.
- Release Date: Scheduled for 2026 on Netflix.
- Format: 6 episodes, 15 minutes each.
- Genre: Adult animated “slacker sitcom.”
- Core Cast: Features Diane Morgan, Tom Basden, and the After Life ensemble.
- Production: Produced by Derek Productions and Blink Industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Alley Cats be released?
The series is officially slated to premiere on Netflix in 2026.
Who is in the cast of Alley Cats?
The cast features Ricky Gervais and a group of British comics including Diane Morgan, Tom Basden, Kerry Godliman, Andrew Brooke, David Earl, Jo Hartley, Natalie Cassidy, and Tony Way.
What is the show about?
It is an adult animated comedy about a group of feral British cats who seek companionship while commenting on the struggles of everyday life.
Who is animating the series?
The animation is being handled by the UK-based studio Blink Industries.
As Netflix continues to expand its adult animation slate, Alley Cats represents a strategic return for Gervais, leveraging his ability to blend cynical humor with genuine emotion. Fans can expect the series to arrive in 2026.
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