Derek (Seasons 1–2)

Derek (2013) is Ricky Gervais's BBC Two mockumentary series — written, directed, and starring Gervais as Derek Noakes, a care worker at a small English nursing home who approaches every day with unguarded warmth and zero cynicism. You can watch it online on iFILM.

The supporting cast is what makes it: Kerry Godliman as the exhausted, decent manager Hannah; David Earl as the oddball janitor Kev; and Karl Pilkington as the bizarre, unwilling housemate Dougie. Two seasons and a Christmas special. The series plays as a comedy, but Gervais isn't laughing at Derek — he's genuinely interested in what it looks like when someone just chooses to be kind, every day, without making a speech about it. It lands harder than it should. Stream Derek (2013) online on iFILM.