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October 26th, 2009
03:54 PM ET
Ricky Gervais: the new Golden boy?Not since 1995 has the Golden Globe Awards had a host. That's about to change. The producers have tapped Ricky Gervais for the 67th annual awards show, to be broadcast on NBC January 17th, 2010. The Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning actor/comedian may be best known for his work in the BBC's "The Office." In addition to executive producing the American version of the hit British show, Gervais recently co-wrote, co-directed, and starred in the film "The Invention of Lying" with Jennifer Garner. His brand of humor may be just what the ailing telecast needs. NBC's Executive Vice President of Alternative Programming thinks "Ricky is certainly one of the funniest people on the planet and has provided some of the most hilarious and memorable awards show moments in recent memory." You may recall Gervais' Golden Globe acceptance speech that began with, "I'm from a little place called England - we used to run the world before you." Gervais says he feels like hosting the Globes will offer him "an environment where I feel I can get free reign [sic] as a host." We can't wait to see what that "free reign" looks like. What about you? Are you more likely to watch?
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Love Ricky Gervais. EXTRAs is the funniest thing he's ever done apart from his standup. I do happen to despise awards shows, but I'll watch a highlights reel of his best comments later.
Anyone ever see EXTRAS? the man IS pure brilliance. Though I once had someone say to me they didn't "understand" it and gave up watching...But I guess in our nation of Bill Engvals we can only expect so much...
I haven't watch an award show in a long time, (they got too predicable and boring). I will definately come back with Rich Gervais. I can't wait. I loved him in Ghost Town. I agree one of the most underrated movies.
I will definitely watch!
I love Ricky!! It's a little funny–such a small percentage of people posting do not know him–I'd be a little embarrassed to admit I didn't know who he was. Those people need to understand there is more on tv than "2 and a Half Men".
I will be watching, even though I hadn't in a while. I really like Ricky Gervais!
Who the heck is Ricky Gervais? I have NEVER heard of him. Other than maybe the Academy Awards, the rest of these award shows are nothing but filler. Grout between tiles has more purpose.
Excellent choice!
I had no interest in watching until I heard that Ricky is hosting.
I love Ricky! I can watch him all day! Of course I will be watching!
Ricky, Steve, and Karl should host the show together! Triple hosts-it's be groundbreaking! And really flippin' funny.
I will be watching. He is the perfect choice.
I love him, but awards shows in general...meh.
I loved Ricky Gervais in Ghost Town, which is quite possibly my favorite movie. However, The Invention of Lying was a HORRIBLE movie and since he wrote it and directed it, my opinion of him has majorly changed.
Ricky is the funniest import from the UK in a long time, I will definitely be tuning in if he is hosting – excellent choice!!!
I've never seen one of his movies, or stand-up routine..so don't know how 'funny' he is. I'll probably tune in for a few minutes to decide it its worth waching. I usually just watch the pre=show to see who is
'best' and 'worst' dressed entering the ceremony.
Vat? I thought Bruno was slated for this gig.
If I met me doppelgänger, how would I know which one I was?
the golden clown would be more like it and to think he gets a trophy for it come on another overpaid actor the athletes actually have to work for their money.
Absolutely! Ricky Gervais is one of the most talented entertainers of today. He will put a fresh face on the Golden Globe Awards!
Stoked for Gervais to host. I will never forget the Emmy moment where Steve Carell took his Emmy and then came back the next year yelling at him to give it back. Happy days are here again. 😛
I'll watch if, and only if, Stephen Merchant, his BBC Office and American Office partner, participates.
Good choice. He was so darn good in "Ghost Town" from last year–one of the best & most underrated films of this decade. He's so smooth, but really funny & his humor makes you think.
I don't understand why everyone is so Ricky Gervais crazy. He's not funny, he's half dimensional at best, his comedy is as predictable as anything Vince Vaughn or Will Farrell can do and it is just boring. Besides, who really watches awards shows anymore?
I have seen "The Office" from England with Ricky, and are you guys in for a treat.
He is a fantastic actor and comedian. Once America gets to really see him, not just short interviews, they will never let him go.
Enjoy,
Marg
LOVE LOVE LOVE Ricky Gervais....he's is absolutely hilarious. But, you have to understand British humor to get it. I can see how some people on this side of the pond wouldn't understand.
I'm more likely to watch this than any other awards show. Gervais' working-class hustle he brings to everything from his podcasts to stand-up shows is great.
...and yes, Karl Pilkington has a head like a ing orange.
Haven't usually watched in the past – but with Ricky Gervais hosting – I'm in!
There is no such thing as "free reign" in America since America has so much censorship on TV and American's have gone way overboard with "Political Correctness".
No reason for a "sic" there.
Although "free reign" has become accepted usage by many people, the original expression, "free rein," is still considered correct. The [sic] is to indicate that the first spelling is how it was rendered in the press release quoted in our blog.
Ricky G is the funniest guy alive. Will definitely watch it!
Ricky Gervais is the best!!! Smart, smart, funny, and smart. Yea!!
I'll watch if Pilkington is co-host
Of course I will watch, I always watch the Golden Globes. Now that Ricky is hosting I will tell everyone who will listen to watch. He is delightfully entertaining. MMA
Karl P and Steve M should do some schtick with Ricky at the awards show. I'm definitely watching. Loved the podcasts.
Rickiy Gervais is brillliant. I will be watching with bells on 🙂
Count me in. Finally, a funny host!!!
Definitely!!!
Ricky is the best!
They just got another viewer.
wow! ricky is the hotest thing in hollywood now....and he is halarious and loveable. excellent news!!!
If his hosting is anything like the latest movie he did, the invention of lying, I will not be watching. I left halfway through the movie it was so bad!
Sophisticated, dry, fast, funny versus Soupy Sales slapstick pie in the face? No contest!
I'm def down for a Karl Pilkington cameo. I love Ricky.
i would watch for sure. ricky is a genius.
i have never watched the golden globes before, but with ricky gervais hosting, i definately will!
good choice.This guy is funny and worh watching! I will be watching the golden globes this year instead of flipping channels
I'll watch in hopes of a cameo by Karl Pilkington, the man with a head like an orange.
although the golden globes are usually more relaxed and cool than the other awards shows, they've all gotten a bit sickening. obviously they're self-indulgent, but the celebrities who show up at these things seem to buy into it so much more than they used to. ricky gervais could be the perfect antidote to that trend, since he is so good at making fun of all the celebrity nonsense (i.e. the finale of 'extras'), and his own place among it. i will definitely not miss it with ricky hosting. to me, he is the funniest man on the planet.
I will definitely watch it if Ricky Gervais is hosting. I love him!
I'd be more likely to watch if they got Soupy Sales.