

The Ricky Gervais Show
Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington
For years, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington entertained listeners with their nonsense on XFM. In 2005, they launched a podcast with The Guardian, delivering five series of absurdity over three years and over 300 million downloads by 2011. Join the famously ridiculous trio every Thursday as they discuss everything from horses in houses, paper rounds, and fat babies to Karl’s diary, poetry, Aunty Nora, man moths, hairy Chinese kids, and of course, monkey news.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 22, 2025 • 37min
S03 E06 - Me Ward
In this engaging discussion, Karl discovers a surprising fan in actor Warwick Davis. The hosts dive into the quirks of human uniqueness, sharing hilarious stories that highlight the charm of being different. They tackle philosophical ideas about equality while exploring the absurdities of fate and determinism, especially during a kidney stone hospital visit. Additionally, they humorously unravel the village's peculiar drinking traditions and the strange origins of local beverages, making for a delightful blend of humor and insights.

8 snips
May 15, 2025 • 34min
S03 E05 - Busy Countin'
Karl celebrates his new book, diving into the quirks of literature and the absurdity of what gets preserved in libraries. The gang hilariously contrasts serious historical texts with their own silly narratives, while sharing nightclub mishaps and dating blunders. There’s a comedic discussion on a monkey acting as a toll booth and a tongue-in-cheek reflection on the struggles of less-loved creatures like slugs. Plus, enjoy wild ideas about bizarre scientific experiments, wrapped in playful banter that keeps the laughs coming.

10 snips
May 8, 2025 • 32min
S03 E04 - Clippable Mat
Ricky and Steve hilariously tackle Karl's notorious laziness and his latest museum visit. A lively debate emerges over aging, technology, and the absurd notion of aging backwards. The trio dives into whimsical musings about inventions, from frisbees to quirky household items like clippable mats. They also reflect on the striking behaviors of flies and the philosophical implications of simple ideas. Laughter abounds as they navigate the complexities of work-life balance and the quirks of growing older.

12 snips
May 1, 2025 • 30min
S03 E03 - His Lips Fell Off
Karl hilariously shares his recent kidney stone experience, leading to a comical chat about self-care. The trio dives into whimsical tales of survival, touching on everything from ant behavior to jellyfish evolution. They also ponder the ethics of relocating alpacas, while Karl expresses his guilt over flies. Along the way, bizarre sea creatures spark laughter as they debate the absurdity of caring for an alien pet versus a simple kitten. It's a playful exploration of life, nature, and unexpected stories!

7 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 34min
S03 E02 - Webbage
Karl shares his painful yet funny experiences with kidney stones, sparking a hilarious conversation about hospital antics. The gang dives into absurd matchups between insects and animals, contemplating the quirks of size in nature. They explore whimsical marine life dynamics, revealing the playful yet serious aspects of survival. Amusing tales of wasp encounters and everyday mishaps add to the laughter, alongside Karl’s frustrating challenges with wallpapering and his poetic musings, leaving a promise of more giggles to come.

5 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 28min
S03 E01 - If Moths Had Eyes…
The hosts return with amusing anecdotes about a London heatwave and quirky insect encounters. They delve into the whimsical idea of what life would be like if moths had eyes, exploring body image and societal issues along the way. A humorous debate about the word 'dictionary' leads to insights on language learning. The chaos of new species discoveries ties into relatable experiences, and Karl delivers a comical poem inspired by the conversation. The blend of nature and creativity sparks laughter and reflection throughout.

Apr 3, 2025 • 31min
S02 E06 - ONION
In the final show of the season, the hosts dive into hilarious discussions about time travel and the world’s oldest tortoise. They ponder the absurdity of the moon landing and the quirks of self-awareness, all while contemplating if a giant mirror would serve a purpose on the lunar surface. Karl’s thoughts on philosophy lead to some laughable mispronunciations, and favorites in language spark playful debates. Finally, they wrap things up with their iconic Rock Busters quiz and tease future projects.

Mar 27, 2025 • 31min
S02 E05 - Suzanne's Trip To The Cotswolds
Delve into the quirky world of Freud and the absurdities of popular sayings with lighthearted banter. Enjoy a comical debate on the logistics of Noah's Ark, where practicality meets biblical tales. Hear hilarious tales from a whimsical trip to the Cotswolds, featuring amusing shopping escapades and relationship advice. Plus, laugh along with awkward gym stories and a playful Christmas quiz, ensuring a fun time filled with camaraderie and wit!

Mar 20, 2025 • 34min
S02 E04 - Public Information for Chameleons
The hosts dive into the quirky world of angry frogs and whistling turkeys, sparking laughter. They explore the colorful adaptations of chameleons and propose a tongue-in-cheek public safety campaign for these creatures. Discussions on parallel dimensions lead to humorous personal anecdotes, revealing the absurdities of daily life. The chaotic game of Rockbusters returns, featuring delightfully cryptic clues and playful confusion, making for an entertaining mix of trivia, laughs, and absurdities.

Mar 13, 2025 • 34min
S02 E03 - The Pig Headed Woman
Join a hilarious discussion that dives into celestial wonders and the ethics of saving endangered animals. Enjoy a whimsical take on rising shark attacks and quirky tales of a pig-headed woman. Discover the wild behaviors of intoxicated bees and their uncanny similarities to humans. The banter continues with a playful challenge in deciphering cryptic music clues, showcasing absurd humor paired with clever observations about life. It's a delightful mix of comedy, curiosity, and unexpected insights!