Netflix rolled out a new broadcast spot featuring Ricky Gervais to promote its original series during the Emmy’s last night (for which Netflix original series were nominated for 31 awards). It’s unclear at the moment which agency is responsible for the 60-second “Superfan,” but we can confirm that it was not Deutsch, who have worked with Netflix in the past.
UPDATE: We hear that Ignition Creative, which handled the promos for last year’s Arrested Development relaunch, also created this spot.
In the spot, Gervais asks “You know when you’re watching your favorite Netflix show and after five straight episodes, you want to be in it?” He then imagines himself in starring roles of Netflix original series including House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Lilyhammer. Gervais interacts with other actors from the shows, on real sets, adding to the feeling that he’s actually leaped into each show’s respective universe. It’s a fun premise, and with Gervais, himself a star of Netflix original Derek, it should be a recipe for success. But somehow the spot never finds its comic footing and falls kind of flat.
Outtakes after the jump, including, of course, Gervais laughing uncontrollably.