Ricky Gervais podcasts

[Blue Velvet]

For all you Office & Extras fans out there with iPods, this may be of some interest to you. :)


Starting Monday December 5 2005: Ricky Gervais on Guardian Unlimited, an exclusive series of podcasts that will tackle, finally, the big questions.

Such as: "Jellyfish - do we need them"? And: "Why do you never see an old bloke eating a Twix"?

The brand-new series of 30-minute audio programmes will see Gervais joined by writing partner Stephen Merchant and the man Gervais calls "the funniest man alive", Karl Pilkington. "The trouble is," adds Gervais, "he doesn't know he's being funny".

"I want to do a radio show where I can say what I want, when I want, for as long as I want and that's free for anybody who can be bothered to listen, anywhere in the world," Gervais says. "We didn't want it to just be the best bits of a radio programme you'd missed so this is a show that is straight-to-podcast.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/rickygervais

[3rdpath]

count me in.

he's absolutely brilliant...even when he's just doing a guest shot. his last appearance on letterman had me in tears.

[Laslo Panaflex]

Awsome. Bookmarked, I'm going back there on Monday

[Flowbee]

This will be the first podcast I'm actually interested in listening to. Thanks for the link.

[MattG]

Thanks BV!

[joepunk]

Thanks for posting this. Should be good just to bad that it starts during finals week.

[EGT]

Hmmm, I'll defiantly give it a try. Are you going to be listening in BV?

[Blue Velvet]

Hmmm, I'll defiantly give it a try. Are you going to be listening in BV?

Possibly. Haven't even updated iTunes from 4.8 and my iPod is full. Wonder if I can put them onto my Shuffle instead?

Even though I like Ricky Gervais, I posted this more as a heads-up to everybody out there in radio-land.

[Loge]

Sounds like the excuse I needed to finally see what these podcasts are all about. Thanks. :)

[BakedBeans]

Good find BV!!!!!!


count me in!

[XIII]

Possibly. Haven't even updated iTunes from 4.8 and my iPod is full. Wonder if I can put them onto my Shuffle instead?

Even though I like Ricky Gervais, I posted this more as a heads-up to everybody out there in radio-land.

By default, your shuffle won't put podcasts on. However, if you drag and drop it onto the shuffle, it should add it. :)

Out of interest, why havn't you upgraded your iTunes?

[Blue Velvet]

...Out of interest, why havn't you upgraded your iTunes?

Because it hasn't added the functionality I'm looking for and I have some iTunes scripts that I haven't updated yet.

4.8 still does exactly what I use it for... namely, playing music.

Anyway, don't want to drag this thread too far off-topic. ;)

[Blue Velvet]

Just listening to the first one now... it's really the Karl Pilkington show so far, much like some of the XFM shows.

S'ok.

'mixing concrete in a pelican' :D

[shadowmoses]

Just hit up the first episode and i found it hilarious, definatly one of my fave podcasts around....

Shadow

[MattG]

Good show...I found a new 'tar! :D

[EGT]

He's at the top of the list of most popular podcasts in iTunes. ITV had him on the news 2 or 3 times last night talking about them so I'm not surprised.

On another note, the New Scientist podcast is a good listen. I look forward to their future podcasts. I recommend it for anyone else interested in science stuff.

[.Andy]

I finally got around to listening to it today and it is fantstic. I love them talking about the banana dispenser on the spacecraft :D. I also like how when they are talking about bodcasts that they change the album art to start to show a picture of Bod in the album art window. Very clever ;).

[johnnyjibbs]

I think this is probably just what I need to kickstart my podcast listening... Haven't got into them yet.

[belair]

Uh…yeah…Ah. Love all that.

It's the second podcast I have downloaded and it's the only one I kept on listening till the end.
Looking forward for the next ones.

[3rdpath]

"you know the Flinstones is only partly based on fact..."

was at the gym and damn near fell off the eliptical after hearing that...so f'n funny. had to turn on something else cause there was absolutely no way to work out while listening...ntm, the stares is was getting because of my laughter.

thanks again for the link.

[pknz]

Banana dispenser, class.

[Lacero]

My 2G 20GB iPod isn't able to play these podcasts. It skips right over them. Maybe some sort of new and funkily encoded MP3 file?

p.s. funkily is a made-up word.

Here's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)

[rickvanr]

These are hysterical. So extremely funny. Words can't describe how funny they are.

[pknz]

Lacero: Have you tried both the MP3 and MP4 file on your iPod?

Download the MP3 file here
(suitable for playing directly on your PC or copy it to your portable player)

Download the MP4 file here
(enhanced for iTunes and photo iPods)

[MattG]

This week's episode was particularly funny...that Karl sure is an interesting guy ;)

[rickvanr]

This week's episode was particularly funny...that Karl sure is an interesting guy ;)

Interesting sure is a good descriptive word.. I'd probably usually use something a little more harsh..

I loved the line "two bits radio's gain was secondary schools loss" At least I think that's what was said.

[pknz]

Yes, I would have to agree, Karl Pilkington is rather odd.

[.Andy]

I think Karl is fantastic. He is certainly very clever and a great agonist for Ricky and Steve.

If for nothing else I can personally thank Karl for adding "knocking about" to my vocabulary. It's amazing how often that can be used in a sentence :p.

[rickvanr]

I think Karl is fantastic. He is certainly very clever and a great agonist for Ricky and Steve.

If for nothing else I can personally thank Karl for adding "knocking about" to my vocabulary. It's amazing how often that can be used in a sentence :p.

Yeah he's fantastic in that way, absolutely brilliant. I just wasn't sure after the first few whether or not he was being serious. I also give him large props for being able to stand the verbal thrashing he gets from Rick and Steve.

[MattG]

If for nothing else I can personally thank Karl for adding "knocking about" to my vocabulary.

Yes and don't forget about the phrase "bungled in" ;)

[wasimyaqoob]

haha, I'm a huge fan of The Office and Extras of Ricky Gervais, so Podcasts coming onto the iPod is awesome - His podcasts are awesome, gives me the giggles on the way to work - Hope he does it for along time.

[pknz]

4 of 12 Podcasts, hopefully they will continue after 12.

[pknz]

The 5th Podcast is out folks, said to be extra long New Years special. Only 4 minutes longer than last weeks.
This week; Karl combats facial prejudice; An anthropodological travelogue on Papua New Guinea; Medical applications of the unicycle; Ricky visits his local branch of Icons 'R' Us; Cetacean militia; The Mammoth Cometh; monkey news; I Could Eat A Knob At Night

[MattG]

lol

Someone actually took Karl's "I could eat a knob at night" sound-byte and made a song out of it. Brilliant

[jimN]

Am I alone in feeling that this could be the show where Gervais jumps the shark. They seem to be under too much pressure to be funny and often fall a long way from the mark. On top of this it is quickly becoming apparent that aside from sitting at the back cackling like a hyaena Gervais doesn't have that much to say for himself.

My opinion

[pknz]

You havent found any of the Podcasts funny? Not even Karls revolutionary ideas? I may agree with Gervais not saying as much as Karl or Steve.

[hob]

This podcast is the most un-indie podcast I listen to, and the whole promotional thing really shows through.

I don't know why, but Gervais seems to have sold himself away to The Guardian.

The Guardians little jingly music seems to chime in every time Gervais hits critical mass...

And the whole thing seems to be missing the soul that every other podcast I listen to contains. I don't mind the fact that it sounds just like the old XFM show, which I loved - it's just that there's no link between the content and the website. I would love some shownotes (http://www.shownotes.info)... but somehow I doubt Rick, Steve or Karl would know what they are... :o

[ascender]

Hi,

Does anyone have a link to Episode 1 as I've just found this but its been taken down.

Thanks,


Mike.

[pknz]

Episode 7 is out:D

We are now past halfway:(

Can't seem to find Episode 1 on rickgervais.com or guardian.co.uk

Try Google it

[Dafke]

Hi,

Does anyone have a link to Episode 1 as I've just found this but its been taken down.

Thanks,


Mike.

did you subscribe to the podcast? i thought iTunes would download all the episodes automatical once you've done that. (it did with me.)

i think it's a great podcast by the way.

[MattG]

Okay so...they're funny, but does anyone else feel like they focus too much on Karl? As the podcasts progress, it seems like there's less and less conversation, and more just Karl yammering on about something and the other guys pointing out how weird he is. Again, it's funny, but sometimes it seems like they might as well just call it the "Karl Pilkington Show."

[mpw]

Just got round to listening to Episode 6 at lunch and it again made me look a fool. Walking down the street laughing out load to my iPod.

Oh and just to back Karl up a bit an octopus does do that 'using six legs to disguise himself and two to run away' thing as a defence.

[raggedjimmi]

Maybe I'm bored of the dull old Gervais and Merchant, but Karl is sending me into laughing fits. hes a bloody legend! to me now, Ricky Gervais's role in this whole podcast is to provide a reaction to Karl.

in a nutshell... only Karl is making me laugh. and Ricky's laugh. but he shouldn't have his own show, he needs someone to spark him off.

just started listening a few days ago, and yes! on the bus I'm smiling my bum off. bet I look a right plank :)

[MattG]

You've got to wonder if Karl is really like that or if it's just a put-on.

[raggedjimmi]

As a fellow Mancunian I can safely assure you there are people like that.

tangent: I love the creativity and humour of Manchester folk. I grew up in Saddleworth which is the very end of the Greater Manchester boundary. It takes me just over an hour to get into the town centre. I used to never really like the city but since starting my course up and learning about its history and its insane success with music and comedy I just became addicted. yea.

[Stella]

Monday's are now great - which is when the podcasts are released.

Karl plays his part really well too. He also used to be their producer for Steve Merchant and Ricky's radio show. Shame their aren't any free downloadable archives of their shows - would be really good to listen to.

In this picture ( at the top of the page ) http://www.guardian.co.uk/rickygervais Steve M looks really kind of Odd! :-)

[MattG]

From rickygervais.com, about Karl:

[Karl believes] Issac Newton did not contribute much to human civilization as discovering gravity did not affect us as it had always been there. Had everyone been floating about then he would rightfully deserve the amount of credit he receives. Einstein's contribution to humanity is similarly unimpressive as Pilkington has never had to use the theory of relativity, whereas, in contrast, whoever invented the video recorder has received no recognition despite the fact that he watches one a week.

[sreedy]

I can't find episode 1 or 2, anyone got it somewhere I can download?

1,2 and 3 aren't available via the podcast or guardian.co.uk but I found 3 online at another site.....

Anyone help?

[rickvanr]

I could put them up on rapidshare if you'd like. Let me know.

[HiRez]

I can't find episode 1 or 2, anyone got it somewhere I can download?

1,2 and 3 aren't available via the podcast or guardian.co.uk but I found 3 online at another site.....I found episode 1, but it seems to be no longer available. However, I cannot find episode 2 anywhere, noy even on the GuardianUK site which I think is the show'd "master" vault. Blah.

[geese]

Karl plays his part really well too. He also used to be their producer for Steve Merchant and Ricky's radio show. Shame their aren't any free downloadable archives of their shows - would be really good to listen to.


Oh yes there are:http://www.xfm.co.uk/sectional.asp?id=4604

enjoy!

[sreedy]

I could put them up on rapidshare if you'd like. Let me know.

Yes Please!

[Lunja]

I'm just wondering what non-uk nationals think of the podcast - does it make us brits seem a bit... well, odd? :)

It's a fantastic podcast though, and deserves it's number one status, although I must say I'm suprised it's so popular all over the world. Have other countries seen the UK version of The Office?

[pknz]

Yep, here in NZ we have seen the UK series. Its great podcast is is great too. It just makes Mancs more laughable.:p

[geese]

The one thing that struck me when listening to the Riicky Gervais archives on the XFM website here: http://www.xfm.co.uk/sectional.asp?id=4604 is that Karl didnt sound as stupid as he does now. In season 1 of the shows (back in 2002- you;ve got to dig around a little for the early ones).

He said some daft things (the GCSE exam results revelation is particularly brilliant) but he was more articulate. He didn't sound quite so much like a divvy.

Which makes me think- he's either exaggerating his stupidity or he is actually getting stupid. Yet he *was* the head of production at XFM, so he cant be that thick.

Anyways, do check out the archives. Annoyingly, they are in Windows media format whcih seems to stream in that stupid XFM player. Even worse, each show is broken up into little 5 minute segments. Still worth it though.

[mjacobi]

I appreciate the link to the XFM files, but I am hoping someone can help me out with the RGS podcasts #1-4. Guardian deletes them after 4 weeks, and I just discovered podcasting and when I subscribed I only had access to #5-9.

Cheers, Michael
michael@spidershoppe.com

[MattG]

This week's was hilarious. I'm really enjoying the entries from Karl's diary.

[mjacobi]

I'm just wondering what non-uk nationals think of the podcast - does it make us brits seem a bit... well, odd? :)

Aren't you odd? ;) I grew up with Brit humor and it remains my favorite. In my teens I didn't miss Python, Dave Allen, Two Ronnies, etc., later Fawlty Towers, which I still consider the best 12 episodes of television ever. The only Brit comedy I didn't like was Benny Hill. As an adult I have enjoyed everything from Young Ones to Ab Fab to Graham Norton and consider both The Office and Coupling absolutely brilliant. I have yet to see Extras. I don't have live "telly" (i.e., cable) and watch everything when it comes out on DVD.

Cheers, Michael

[geese]

I appreciate the link to the XFM files, but I am hoping someone can help me out with the RGS podcasts #1-4. Guardian deletes them after 4 weeks, and I just discovered podcasting and when I subscribed I only had access to #5-9.

Cheers, Michael
michael@spidershoppe.com

I've got all the episodes, but i'm not sure where to upload them. At 14mb each they're a bit big to e-mail.

[Ugg]

I'm just wondering what non-uk nationals think of the podcast - does it make us brits seem a bit... well, odd? :)

It's a fantastic podcast though, and deserves it's number one status, although I must say I'm suprised it's so popular all over the world. Have other countries seen the UK version of The Office?

It makes me smile but rarely makes me laugh. The Office was the same way, it tried so hard to be funny but was just embarrassing. Father Ted is better by far and little Britain is excellent. I just can't figure out why Ricky Gervais gets the attention he does. Can someone explain why he's so popular?

[pknz]

The Office isn't meant to be "ha-ha" funny. Its a niche humour market that makes you squirm in your seat and make you feel uncomfortable and embarrased and that is whats funny about it.

[plinden]

... Fawlty Towers, which I still consider the best 12 episodes of television ever ...
What's this thing brits have about 12 episodes? 12 episodes of the Office, Fawlty Towers, the Ricky Gervais podcast. Can't they learn to milk things till they're old, boring and decrepit, like the Americans do?

Although Cliff Richards was the exception to the rule - is he still alive? Still churning out Christmas #1s?

[Ugg]

The Office isn't meant to be "ha-ha" funny. Its a niche humour market that makes you squirm in your seat and make you feel uncomfortable and embarrased and that is whats funny about it.

Then it shouldn't really be classified as comedy then should it?

To me it just seemed sort of pointless, most people see the same thing at work every single day. But then I rarely see the point of a lot of American TV either.

[MattG]

Then it shouldn't really be classified as comedy then should it?

To me it just seemed sort of pointless, most people see the same thing at work every single day. But then I rarely see the point of a lot of American TV either.

Well I find the show funny. If this (http://homepage.mac.com/elliottday/theoffice/thedance.html) doesn't make you laugh then I don't know what will...

[balamw]

Then it shouldn't really be classified as comedy then should it?

Different people find different things funny, and there are many types of comedy. I personally tend to gravitate to darker, more subtle humor over slapstick, but that's just me. That doesn't mean that good slapstick won't make me laugh too.

For example I find Harry Shearer's "Le Show" (also available as a podcast through iTunes) quite enjoyable most of the time, but it is the same kind of make you uneasy rather than laugh out loud funny.

As far as Ricky Gervais goes I think the UK Office is quite funny, and I found Extras truly brilliant, funny and touching at the same time. Very human. I'm also enjoying the US Office, but it is quite a bit more conventional in its humor, which is appropriate for US network TV.

The podcasts have given me a good laugh on the way to work each Monday and I'll miss them for that once this run is done in a few weeks. So, thanks for the XFM links, they'll help fill the void.

Here's hoping that the next series of Extras is as good as the first.

B

[Ugg]

Well I find the show funny. If this (http://homepage.mac.com/elliottday/theoffice/thedance.html) doesn't make you laugh then I don't know what will...

It's moderately humorous, but not funny. Sorry, I just don't see the point of The Office...:(

I'll try listening to more of his podcasts.

[rickvanr]

Well I find the show funny. If this (http://homepage.mac.com/elliottday/theoffice/thedance.html) doesn't make you laugh then I don't know what will...

That part kills me, but especially it's the lead up with the faces he makes when Neil and Rachel dance, and then after his dance.. "I sorta fused flashdance with MC Hammer sh*t"

Then he's like 'my was impromptu, but I don't think you should get extra points for that.... necessarily'

The Office is the funniest show, with the exception of perhaps Arrested Development I've probably every seen, but it certainly not a comedy that would appeal to the average joe.

[MattG]

That part kills me, but especially it's the lead up with the faces he makes when Neil and Rachel dance, and then after his dance.. "I sorta fused flashdance with MC Hammer sh*t"

Then he's like 'my was impromptu, but I don't think you should get extra points for that.... necessarily'

The Office is the funniest show, with the exception of perhaps Arrested Development I've probably every seen, but it certainly not a comedy that would appeal to the average joe.

And the American version of The Office has gotten so much better since the first few episodes. I don't particularly like Steve Carell's version of the office manager, at least not as much as Ricky's; I think the interaction between other characters is great though, particularly Dwight, Pam and Jim.

[rickvanr]

And the American version of The Office has gotten so much better since the first few episodes. I don't particularly like Steve Carell's version of the office manager, at least not as much as Ricky's; I think the interaction between other characters is great though, particularly Dwight, Pam and Jim.

Have you watched Extras? It's pretty funny at times.

[MattG]

Have you watched Extras? It's pretty funny at times.

Yes -- I'm looking forward to that coming back. Now that show, in all fairness, I would say is a bit dry, at least compared to "The Office." Still funny though.

[rickvanr]

Yes -- I'm looking forward to that coming back. Now that show, in all fairness, I would say is a bit dry, at least compared to "The Office." Still funny though.

Yeah, its not as funny. I really enjoyed episode six however, with Patrick Stewart. That episode was good. The one with Kate Winslet was pretty funny too.

[MattG]

Gotta love the Internet :D
http://www.cafepress.com/flippedlid.45037370

[EGT]

It's a bit short notice but Ricky Gervais is on Richard & Judy in a few minutes talking about Podcasting.

[MattG]

They could just make "Karl's Diary" take the entire half hour, and it wouldn't get old. It's the most brilliant thing I've ever heard. "Mr. Dilkington"...lol. Seriously, they should make him keep a diary for a year, then have Stephen and Ricky read it out loud and sell an audiobook of it. I'd buy it :)

[munkle]

For fans of Karl here's clip of Ricky Gervais interviewing Karl Pilkington (http://tauquil.com/archives/2006/02/13/ricky-gervais-interviews-karl-pilkington/) from his DVD "Politics".

Pilkington is fast turning into a legend in my eyes!

[raggedjimmi]

Karl is a god.

I liked the Office. back when I first saw it I absolutely loved it. Very British, the connection with the characters was just perfect. when I first saw it on TV i actually thought it was as documentary (sorta solidified by the care taker who looks at the camera in one episode). didn't really pay much attention too it. but I always do that. Phoenix Nights (my all time, unparalleled and unsurpassed favourite comedy) was the same. good good shows by very funny people.

I think i said here before. but I'm glad Karl exists. my mind works like his, I think of little inventions, little observations that spiral out of control. my parents always said I had a hyper mind. I think Karls the same. super hyper mind held back by his slow voice, an act too I think.

Anywho. I'm really glad for shows like the Office, Extras, Phoenix Nights, Likely Lads etc. If somebody said, right, we're going to burn all the non-factual film footage from all over the world except for British comedies, and some australian stuff. I wouldn't cry that night. the only non-UK comedy show I'm enjoying right now is Lost. but that's a given. on Friday The IT Crowd is on again with a Mighty Boosh/Nathan Barley guy in it which will be very good. and the Green Wing. *smiles internally*

[pknz]

Karl is definitly becoming a cult hero. I loved those bootlegged shirts. Anyone else think that Monkey News™ is not as good as it once was, maybe just the whole show isn't as funny as it was at first.

Still I will be sad at the end of the 12th.

[munkle]

Sorry I know this is a bit off topic but could anybody (preferably on a windows machine) tells me if the link I gave for the Karl video works? Just that I've had a few emails saying the video won't load.

(link (http://tauquil.com/archives/2006/02/13/ricky-gervais-interviews-karl-pilkington/))

[MattG]

Sorry I know this is a bit off topic but could anybody (preferably on a windows machine) tells me if the link I gave for the Karl video works? Just that I've had a few emails saying the video won't load.

(link (http://tauquil.com/archives/2006/02/13/ricky-gervais-interviews-karl-pilkington/))

Works for me...

Maybe they're not running QT7?

[raggedjimmi]

I had problems with it and I'm using registered QT7. I had to view source and copy the url for the .mov into the address bar and play that way. then save to disk ;)

I agree, Monkey News has lost some goodness. its all about monkey jobs now. you can sorta tell where its going, only made funny by Karl's voice. Karl's Diary however has just got me laughing my head off. best part of the podcast I reckon.

Don't like those Channel 4 advert bits. First they had Karl doing them (OK) then a range of characters (no... just no).

[Piarco]

Karl is a (slightly scary) genius! His mind is just...phenomenal:D
I'm still laughing at the 78 year old with a child growing in her like an apple to speing forth when she dies.......:eek: :D :D

They have lost some of their shine, but are still great. And I agree with you raggedjimmi, the C4 adds are annoying... I take it they must now co-sponsor the show?

[Chundles]

In which episode did Karl let fly the "knob at night" quote?

EDIT: Found it, Ep 3.

[munkle]

Last episode in the series tomorrow...I'll be wearing this t-shirt in memory:

(well not really but I will be sad)

[MattG]

I really hope they continue it past the 12 episodes...they've had such a huge response, maybe they will

[raggedjimmi]

They definitely will. especially with these Channel 4 adverts they've been having so they're getting a bit of money.

[andysmith]

Looks like they're continuing, for a fee of $6.95/£4.50..
http://rickygervais.com/newseries.php

[MattG]

Looks like they're continuing, for a fee of $6.95/£4.50..
http://rickygervais.com/newseries.php

$6.95 for four shows...not too bad I suppose.

[balamw]

Looks like they're continuing, for a fee of $6.95/£4.50..
http://rickygervais.com/newseries.php
especially with these Channel 4 adverts they've been having so they're getting a bit of money.
I would hope that the paid subscription would not include any Channel 4 ads.

This does make you wonder though... How are they going to handle the mechanics of this? Audible content on iTMS has been limited to Audiobooks, and the subscription material still handled by Audible directly. Will this change next Tuesday?

Wish they had made it a wee bit cheaper. I'd gladly pay $0.99/episode, but $1.75 is almost as much as a TV show on iTMS.

B

[pknz]

Dude, suckful. I guess I saw that coming.

[Loge]

The good thing about the free ones is that you never really worry about whether or not you get around to listening to them. I've enjoyed the parts I have listened to, but I wouldn't consider it worth a paid subscription.

[andysmith]

I've subscribed to it via Audible - I think it's well worth it.

I'll miss the automation, though - I don't think they'll be able use the Podcasts section any more, or any enhanced features like images.

[MattG]

I've subscribed to it via Audible - I think it's well worth it.

I'll miss the automation, though - I don't think they'll be able use the Podcasts section any more, or any enhanced features like images.

Count me in too. Only thing I don't like though (and maybe it'll be better in the paid ones compared to the free preview they're offering) is that the sound quality doesn't seem to be as good as the Podcasts.

[aricher]

Dude, suckful. I guess I saw that coming.

I guess I don't understand what is so "suckful." These guys have been taking the time out of their busy schedules to provide everyone with 12 FREE podcasts. I see nothing wrong with paying a nominal fee for something that brings me so much joy.

[nbs2]

I guess I don't understand what is so "suckful." These guys have been taking the time out of their busy schedules to provide everyone with 12 FREE podcasts. I see nothing wrong with paying a nominal fee for something that brings me so much joy.
I highly doubt that they were providing free podcasts as an onerous time out fro mtheir overwhelmingly busy schedules. Remember, they were being downloaded by 250,000 people every week. I doubt they were paying for the distribution - I'm sure Guardian Unlimited took care of that. The C4 subsidy was putting plenty of money in their pockets. I can't remember the name of their hosts, but everytime if think of that podcast, the first thing in my mind is "You're listening to the Ricky Gervais Show on Guardian Unlimited."

With this, even if they lose 60% of their audience, they are going to make $695,000 gross, before sponsorships are taken into account. For what will be a few hours worth of work, I think they will do VERY well.

[balamw]

I highly doubt that they were providing free podcasts as an onerous time out fro mtheir overwhelmingly busy schedules. Remember, they were being downloaded by 250,000 people every week. I doubt they were paying for the distribution - I'm sure Guardian Unlimited took care of that. The C4 subsidy was putting plenty of money in their pockets. I can't remember the name of their hosts, but everytime if think of that podcast, the first thing in my mind is "You're listening to the Ricky Gervais Show on Guardian Unlimited."

With this, even if they lose 60% of their audience, they are going to make $695,000 gross, before sponsorships are taken into account. For what will be a few hours worth of work, I think they will do VERY well.
For one thing they probably didn't expect listenership to be so big. This probably led to the C4 sponsorship to offset the hosting costs.

In the earlier eps it was clear that this was a self-promoting effort. Plugging Extras on DVD and Ricky's Flanimals books. BTW their hosts were Positive Internet ;)

B

[Kernow]

In the earlier eps it was clear that this was a self-promoting effort. Plugging Extras on DVD and Ricky's Flanimals books. BTW their hosts were Positive Internet ;)


This certainly appears to be the case - the adverts for Channel 4 TV shows only started appearing towards the end of the run when it was obvious that the listnership was large.

[mpw]

...Positive Internet...
Ah yes, those great guys.

[Blue Velvet]

Heads up, Gervais fans. Another three free special shows from Mr. Pilkington and his assistants. ;)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/rickygervais/0,,1652674,00.html

[Jesus]

Heads up, Gervais fans. Another three free special shows from Mr. Pilkington and his assistants. ;)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/rickygervais/0,,1652674,00.html

Thanks, listening now. Great stuff. It's wonderful to hear the old connections between 'chapters'. Ah, nostalgia.

[MattG]

Heads up, Gervais fans. Another three free special shows from Mr. Pilkington and his assistants. ;)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/rickygervais/0,,1652674,00.html

Cool. I've been re-listening to the old ones lately. Still very funny :-)

I think my favorite moment ever has to be the episode where they're trying to explain to Karl that if we ever moved to a different planet, that the length of a "day" as we know it would have to change because of orbits and whatnot, and he just doesn't get it.

Thanks, listening now. Great stuff. It's wonderful to hear the old connections between 'chapters'. Ah, nostalgia.

Yes -- and the sound quality is so much better on these than on the audible ones.

[pivo6]

Heads up, Gervais fans. Another three free special shows from Mr. Pilkington and his assistants. ;)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/rickygervais/0,,1652674,00.html

According to iTunes, the three specials will be for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.