Why Comedians Are Obsessed With Death - Ricky Gervais Explains

Stephen talks to Ricky Gervais about how the pandemic put Ricky's stage show on hold for a while, but didn't really change the jokes because he loves talking about evergreen subjects like life and death. Stick around more with Ricky Gervais, and check out his new standup comedy special, "SuperNature," premiering May 24th on Netflix. #Colbert #SuperNature #RickyGervais

Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS.

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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via Paramount+, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[zyzzyvacation]

Ricky once famously said: "Just because you're offended, doesn't mean you're right."

[Dysiode]

2:40 I absolutely adore that explanation of irony: when you laugh at the wrong thing because you know what the right thing is

[MaidenHelll]

I love Ricky’s laugh
It’s so genuine and somehow a little cutting cuz he laughs at wrong things😅

[NewMessage]

Not to mention that it's respectful to the audience to trust them to be smart enough to get it. And he does. Good on 'im.

[alphajava]

"We create our own heros and villains as role playing for the soul and that's what makes us stronger". Ricky's depth is as great as his humor.

[letzgo]

The man is a genius 👏 After life both seasons are brilliant.

[JuiceMyRandomness]

I love when these two have great chats. They are so different but in the best way.

[Tanavids]

Ricky Gervais is always so refreshing and interesting. After Life is one of the best shows I've seen - i watch it whenever I need the right kind of crying, release. But also I'm a lot like Ricky (from what I've seen) and the cynicism and fedupedness I feel I get to vicariously experience through his character.

[tonamiller]

"We're all idiots so it's OK!" Wish more people realized this. FUNNY!

[anatasiabeaverhausen]

Again, Ricky delivers. “Humour, role play for the soul” 🔥

[jonathanmccoll]

Ricky's point of surviving bad things with humour is exemplified by the whole Ukrainian tractor/Russian tank meme.

[PurpScurpington]

Man I love when two comedians, even if they're extremely different in their beliefs, can relate through the art of comedy. It's always beautiful and touching,

[LORGSW]

I could never get enough of Ricky Gervais!

[saulshennan]

Ricky Gervais, the atheist who hates _Lord of the Rings._ Colbert's dream guest!

[LeoDragon]

I love watching these two ‘sparring’. Two very intelligent guys who, despite their differences of beliefs, respect each other. It’s refreshing, if increasingly rare nowadays.

[eponymousIme]

Brilliant observation by Gervais at 3:39: ". . .in fiction, we create our own heroes and villains as role-playing for the soul."

[scottcarlass]

Absolutely adore this piece of, let's say, explanation. Not often enough do I find that people truly appreciate the art of irony.

[Debbie]

I have always loved Ricky’s laugh. It’s contagious.

[joshuacaldwell]

Lately I’ve been getting sad feelings about how one day my mum and dad will pass away and it’s been really heavy on my mind. The other day I told my mum about it and that it’s been making me really sad and she turned around and looked at me and started laughing. Instantaneous I felt better. I love that attitude

[suzannefarrington]

Love that Stephen references a first century Roman public intellectual in a discussion about comedy. These deep AND silly juxtapositions are what keep me coming back.