Ricky Gervais' 'Derek' coming to Netflix

A British series by the creator of the original “Office” is coming to Netflix in 2013.

“Derek” is written and directed by Ricky Gervais. Netflix acquired the rights after the show’s recent run on Britain’s Channel 4.

Gervais, 51, stars as a simple middle-aged man working in a nursing home.

Karl Pinkington, star of travel series “An Idiot Abroad” and a Gervais regular, is also featured.

The pilot drew about 2 million viewers , which led to a full series order.

Gervais has hosted the Golden Globe Awards three times and who did the series “Extras.” American fans may have also seen him in appearances on “The Simpsons,” NBC’s “The Office,” HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and on “Late Night With David Letterman,” where he has appeared 18 times.

The show had faced concerns that it was mocking the disabled with one character appearing in the pilot, but Gervais said the character was not disabled.

When asked why the show will be on the streaming service, Gervais said, “Netflix is the future” Gervais said in a statement. “TV habits have already changed drastically over the last 10 years and this is the next phase. People want their favorite shows on demand whether they are homegrown or not.”