Ricky Gervais Says No AN IDIOT ABROAD 3

Despite stellar ratings, Ricky Gervais says there will be no be third season of An Idiot Abroad, sadly meaning no more of Karl Pilkington exploring the globe and not really enjoying any minute of it. Gervais updated his blog with the news;

It's the end of An Idiot Abroad I'm afraid. There won't be a third series but we might do a special. Not sure yet, but working on it.

Gervais & his writing/directing partner Stephen Merchant both decided to end The Office and Extras after just two seasons and a Christmas special (presumably 2012), so it does look like that formula extends to his non-fiction shows too. Although it has to be said that The Ricky Gervais Show on HBO featuring Ricky, Steve but mainly Karl's views on life has ran for more. So where does this leave Karl Pilkington now? Well at the end of An Idiot Abroad Season 1, Gervais suggested that his idea for a follow-up would be 'Fool's Gold', where he would give Pilkington £1 million with the challenge of trying to double his money in a year. Personally I thought that was a great idea to see "Pilkington the entrepreneur" (maybe he would put the money into his Pilko pump pants) but instead they stuck with a direct sequel to the first series. Fool's Gold would make a great follow-up but if it's not that, I can't imagine we have seen the last of Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant torturing Karl Pilkington on Sky 1 for our viewing pleasure. It's simply a formula that works too well to let it die. Meanwhile, Gervais has also updated his blog regarding his return to host The Golden Globes;

It was a tough decision to be honest. There were many pros and cons. I loved doing it, but I was worried that I couldn't improve on last year. I'm in LA anyway as I'm launching Life's Too Short on HBO. But then I didn't want the Globes to overshadow the series. I knew some people would be uncomfortable with me being host. (This was a pro by the way.) What actually tipped the balance and made me say yes, was the fact that it would shut up all those fucking idiots who said that I'd never be invited back. Is that the wrong reason to do something? Ha ha. I think it is. Now here's the thing. The outrage I caused was of course, as usual, totally out of proportion to the things I said. I don't think anyone had any right to be offended but they were. This year I'm going to make sure their offence is completely justified. The best thing about it is writing the gags. I love writing one liners. Particularly when they can't be used in any other context. It gives them a special weight on the night if you know what I mean.

Don't forget to catch episode 2 of Life's Too Short tonight at 9.30pm on BBC 2. Regarding the somewhat loud backlash against the show... the first episode of Extras wasn't all that great either and felt a little awkward as Gervais eased us into his new concept, so don't rule out the show from succeeding just yet. That sketch with Liam Neeson and Warwick Davis' ability to play such a prick was compelling viewing!