The Larry Sanders show is 'how good television could be', according to Ricky Gervais. The man who rose to fame playing the awkward David Brent in The Office has clearly been inspired by Gary Shandling's unique HBO series. Shandling plays neurotic late-night talk show host Larry Sanders, a man who is constantly battling his producer, side-kick and even his own guests. The series is a brilliant behind-the-scenes satire of Hollywood where egos are out of control and nobody is how they seem on stage. The show's style of humour served as inspiration for Curb Your Enthusiasm and Gervais' The Office and Extras. You don't have to be a Hollywood insider to understand the references and jokes but you may cringe at some of the more awkward moments.
