Ricky Gervais up for Emmy for ‘Derek’ comedy set in nursing home

Update 8:44 p.m.: Jim Parsons of "The Big Bang Theory" won in this category.

Long-Term Living first brought the Netflix comedy “Derek” to your attention almost a year ago as the Internet streaming service introduced the program in the United States (it already had been broadcast in the United Kingdom). Ricky Gervais writes, directs and stars in the series, set in an English retirement home.

Now Gervais is up for an Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comdey Series Emmy Award tonight, for his role as a caregiver. His character, Derek, is “the loveliest representation of a person I think ever in a sitcom,” he told the Boston Herald in an interview earlier this month.

His competition for the Emmy includes:

• Matt LeBlanc for Showtime’s “Episodes,”
• Don Cheadle for Showtime’s “House of Lies,”
• Louis C.K. for FX’s “Louie,”
• William H. Macy for Showtime’s “Shameless,” and
• Jim Parsons for CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory.”

The editors at GoldDerby.com favor Gervais for the Emmy “by a wide margain,” but they add that their experts and users rank Gervais second, behind Parsons, as likely to pick up the trophy. Gervais himself favors Louis C.K. for the award in the catergory, he told The Wrap.

In about a year's time, two seasons of "Derek" have been released, and the second season finale (Episode 6) was the episode submitted for Emmy consideration. “I picked that because I think it's got a bit of everything,” Gervais told The Wrap. “I think it’s the most standalone. There is a beginning, middle and end to it.”

“Derek” can be watched online via the Netflix website or on DVD.

Comedian Ricky Gervais attends the screening of the Netflix series “Derek” Season 2 at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre on May 27 in North Hollywood, Calif. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)

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