# Ricky Gervais' Netflix animated series rollout

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ricky-gervais-netflix-animated-series-rollout
> Updated: 2026-08-02T16:59:28.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, a promotional video on Ricky Gervais' YouTube channel unveiled the first look at Netflix’s upcoming adult‑animation comedy *Alley Cats*, confirming Netflix as the exclusive distributor. Gervais expressed a desire for the show to run indefinitely, noting the characters would never age.

A few days later, Netflix issued a second teaser and announced that the six‑episode series will premiere on 7 August 2026. While Gervais praised the new trailer as the most exciting preview he has seen, early critical reaction was mixed, with some reviewers describing the humor as stale and reminiscent of his earlier work.

The two snapshots together trace the series’ promotional buildup, the creator’s long‑term ambitions, the confirmed release date, and the initial split in critical opinion.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Ricky Gervais' Netflix Adult Animation 'Alley Cats' Debuts August 7

Netflix's adult animated series 'Alley Cats' by Ricky Gervais premieres Aug 7; a teaser highlighted its humor while a Guardian review called it lazy and outdated.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ricky-gervais-netflix-adult-animation-alley-cats-debuts-august-7

### 2026-07-29: Ricky Gervais pushes Netflix animated series Alley Cats with new teaser and plans to keep it running forever

Ricky Gervais released a teaser for Netflix’s animated comedy *Alley Cats* and said he intends to make the show run forever, with the series debuting August 7.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ricky-gervais-pushes-netflix-animated-series-alley-cats-with-new-teaser-and-plans-to-keep-it-running

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Cite as: Ricky Gervais' Netflix animated series rollout. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ricky-gervais-netflix-animated-series-rollout