Ricky Gervais to mark The Office’s 25th anniversary with David Brent YouTube special

Ricky Gervais is set to mark the 25th anniversary of The Office by revisiting 25 of his favorite David Brent moments in a new YouTube special.

The comedian and co-creator will count down standout scenes from the BBC sitcom on his YouTube channel, featuring behind-the-scenes stories, the inspiration behind some of Brent’s most memorable lines, and anecdotes about scenes that were nearly derailed by cast members laughing on set.

The special is due to premiere on July 8, a day before the show turns 25.

First broadcast on BBC Two in July 2001, The Office was created by Gervais and Stephen Merchant and ran for two six-episode series, followed by two Christmas specials.

Set in the Slough branch of fictional paper company Wernham Hogg, the mockumentary centered on Gervais’ cringe-inducing middle manager David Brent, alongside Martin Freeman’s Tim Canterbury and Mackenzie Crook’s Gareth Keenan.

Despite modest ratings during its initial run, The Office went on to become one of the most influential British comedies of the 21st century, spawning adaptations around the world, including the long-running US remake starring Steve Carell. Gervais later reprised Brent in the 2016 film David Brent: Life on the Road. 

The anniversary special also forms part of a wider push around Gervais’ YouTube channel, which has increasingly become home to archive clips, livestreams and material linked to his past work.

Alongside The Office, the channel is also set to feature content tied to projects including After Life and Gervais’ stand-up catalogue.

Check out the trailer for the Brent special: