Ricky Gervais expresses concern over a perceived decline in people’s understanding of sarcasm and irony, noting a rise in individuals who seem to lack these abilities. Responding to a fan query during a Q&A session, the acclaimed actor addressed the topic of viewers reacting negatively to a scene from his popular series “After Life,” where he portrays a grieving widower dealing with loss.

The award-winning show, which delves into themes of grief and depression, has amassed a global audience of over 100 million viewers on Netflix. Despite blending serious subject matter with humor, Gervais acknowledges that his style may not resonate with everyone.

In an interview, Gervais shared that his partner, novelist Jane Fallon, inspired the creation of “After Life.” Reflecting on the emotional depth of the series, he emphasized the importance of imagination in portraying characters like Tony, the protagonist struggling with profound loss.

Addressing the issue of misinterpretation of his humor, Gervais lamented a perceived decline in society’s grasp of satire and irony over the past decade. He highlighted the challenge of navigating jokes in a culture where some individuals misconstrue his comedic approach and take offense unnecessarily.

Gervais emphasized that while some may not appreciate his humor, the majority of his audience understands and enjoys the intended comedic elements of his work.