HBO Renews The Ricky Gervais Show

LOS ANGELES: HBO has renewed the animated comedy The Ricky Gervais Show for a second season, with production on the new episodes to begin later this year for a 2011 debut.

Based on the comedians podcast, the series launched February 19 on HBO with new episodes currently airing on Friday nights. The show is voiced by Gervais, his longtime collaborator Stephen Merchant and colleague and friend Karl Pilkington. The show is produced for HBO Entertainment by Media Rights Capital in association with Wildbrain Entertainment.

“Ricky’s hilarious show has sparked a loyal and enthusiastic following that is growing steadily, and we’re happy to bring the show back for another season,” said Michael Lombardo, the president of the programming group and West Coast operations at HBO. “It will be fun to see what new insights Karl has next time.”

Added Gervais, “I am absolutely thrilled to get a second season and continue the partnership with the best channel in the world. I couldn’t wait to tell Karl.” Responds Pilkington, “Makes no difference to me. I haven’t seen any money from the first season yet!”