Ricky Gervais' 'Alley Cats' Animated Comedy Draws Scathing First Review

Ricky Gervais' new animated series 'Alley Cats' hits Netflix on Friday, August 7, but it's already generating controversy. The Guardian published a harsh review on August 1, calling the show 'boorish, sweary' and 'lazy, dated and far too pleased with itself,' with the critic admitting they didn't laugh once. Netflix's own promo describes it simply as 'brand new adult animation,' and an exclusive 4-minute clip was released on July 30.

The show centers on a gang of stray cats who mostly lounge on a sofa watching TV in a derelict house. Gervais voices Gus, a fat ginger tom who 'bellows ignorant or misanthropic' remarks, according to the review. The Guardian critic argues the comedy leans on transgression without the craft to back it up, while acknowledging that some of Gervais' defenders blame 'woke' culture for shifting standards—a claim the reviewer disputes, noting that Gervais remains 'a wealthy, highly platformed man'.

This is Gervais' latest venture into adult animation, following his previous stand-up specials and TV work. The Guardian review traces a personal arc: the critic was once a fan but now finds the material dated. The Futon Critic's promo confirms the release date and platform, noting all episodes arrive August 7. There is no contradiction between the two sources on the basic facts—both agree it's an animated series on Netflix with a recurring cast of cats—but they differ wildly on quality, with Netflix's promo offering no critical assessment.

The split reaction likely signals how 'Alley Cats' will be received: a polarizing addition to Netflix's adult animation catalog. For viewers, the key question is whether they'll find Gervais' humor transgressive and funny, as his fans hope, or tired and offensive, as the Guardian suggests. With the premiere days away, early reviews and the sneak peek will shape whether 'Alley Cats' becomes a hit or a cautionary tale.