Ricky Gervais' new Netflix animated series 'Alley Cats' has been met with widespread criticism following the release of its trailer on June 22, 2026. Fans and viewers have described the show as 'appalling' and 'unfunny,' echoing sentiments that Gervais' recent work has declined in quality.
Trailer Sparks Backlash
The trailer for 'Alley Cats,' which follows a clowder of cats surviving on city streets while commenting on modern life, has drawn negative reactions on social media and YouTube. On YouTube, @bodjac89 commented: 'Genuinely the least funny trailer I've ever seen, Jesus wept.' @davidbroadhurst6958 added: 'Ricky Gervais has become everything that he used to mock. This looks abysmal.'
Criticism also came from Reddit's r/RickyGervais community, where user Downtown-Ad-311 remarked: '“Life is a gift” – Does Ricky base all his writing these days on the kind of things you read embroidered on old women's cushions?' Inevitable-Zone261 added: 'I was expecting it to be bad, but Jesus. Gervais sounds like he recorded this as fast as he could whilst lying down.'
Gervais' Recent Work Under Fire
Deputy TV editor Tom Percival notes that Gervais has not written anything critically acclaimed in a decade, with shows like 'Derek' and 'After Life' relying on sentimentality and swearing rather than sharp wit. Percival writes: 'Watching After Life feels like you're watching someone winning old arguments in the shower, but to an audience of millions.'
The article highlights that 'Alley Cats' features Gervais' usual collaborators—Diane Morgan, Tom Basden, and David Earl—playing similar archetypes. Percival argues that the show appears to reheat old formulas rather than innovate.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Despite the backlash, some viewers expressed cautious optimism. On X, @Miss_Muthoni_ wrote: 'Will definitely be seated for this, looks funny and I love cats.' @GAVIN00006 agreed: 'I'm sceptical but hopeful, the emotional scene towards the middle gives me hope that this could maybe have a strong emotional core.'
Percival concludes that while Gervais has been funny in the past, particularly with help from co-writer Stephen Merchant, 'Alley Cats' does not appear to break his recent pattern of weak observations. The show is set to premiere on Netflix on August 7, 2026.
