British Comedian Ricky Gervais Slams Hollywood in Golden Globes Opening Monologue
except for one industry giant, Netflix.
“No one is watching TV. Everyone is watching Netflix. This show should just be me coming out, going, “Well done Netflix. You win everything. Good night.”
In his stinging opening monologue at the 77th Golden Globes Awards, British comedian, Ricky Gervais, roasted Hollywood actors and production houses alike. Everyone was fair game, except for the streaming giant, Netflix.
Netflix reportedly paid the award show host $40 million to create two comedy specials for the streaming service. The US-based streaming giant also hosts the comedian’s current show, Afterlife and could seemingly do no wrong.
On more than one occasion, Gervais mentioned just how impressive and dominant Netflix has become: “No one is watching TV. Everyone is watching Netflix. This show should just be me coming out, going, "Well done Netflix. You win everything. Good night."
The host directed his sharp tongue towards Netflix competitors Apple, Amazon and Disney, whilst lamenting actors’ double-standards. “Well, you say you're woke but… If ISIS started a streaming service, you'd call your agent, wouldn't you?”
Ricky Gervais keeping Netflix happy is understandable, the streaming service’s influence in the UK film & television industry is sizeable and growing.
Consultancy 3Vision reported that for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019, British TV generated over 1.4 billion GBP in export revenue. Within that period, Netflix made over 40 shows in the UK and the streaming service has an estimated 10 million strong UK audience.
Having just signed a 10-year lease guaranteeing access to the world-famous Pinewood studios, Netflix is firmly embedded in the UK film & television industry for years to come.
