The Office Mastermind Back on Netflix: Co-Creator Unveils New Special!
Ricky Gervais combines his love for cats and comedy in his new animated Netflix series, "Alley Cats," premiering August 7. This article also features a Collider exclusive quiz to determine your Hogwarts house based on core values, alongside a comprehensive list of other Netflix Original series releasing throughout August.
Ricky Gervais, a celebrated voice in comedy, is known for his multiple interests, particularly his fascination with cats and his strong relationship with the comedic medium. His love for cats is frequently showcased on his social media, while his comedic genius is evident through his creations. Gervais gained prominence for creating the British version of The Office, which inspired numerous global remakes, including the highly popular American version of the 2000s and 2010s. Beyond The Office, he has developed and starred in various other shows and is a renowned stand-up comedian.
Gervais maintains an ongoing deal with Netflix, under which he writes, produces, and stars in projects for the streaming platform. His Netflix portfolio includes several stand-up specials such as Humanity, SuperNature, Armageddon, and Mortality. He also created the wildly popular Netflix comedy series After Life, which delves into a man's transformation after experiencing the loss of his wife. Now, Gervais is returning with a new animated series titled Alley Cats, which marks a departure from his usual live-action work but remains true to his core interests by combining cats and comedy.
Alley Cats is infused with Gervais's distinct DNA, as he serves as both writer and voice actor for the character Gus. The series focuses on numerous feral British cats from diverse backgrounds, offering a comedic commentary on life's often funny and absurd aspects through its main characters. The cast also features Tom Basden (Ponce), Andrew Brooke (Fang), David Earl (Puke), Kelly Godliman (Lara), Jo Hartley (Kitten), Diane Morgan (Olive), Natalie Cassidy (Samantha, Mum), and Tony Way, who voices multiple characters. Alley Cats is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on August 7.
In addition to new series from comedic talents, Collider also presents an exclusive "Sorting Hat Awaits" quiz for fans of the wizarding world. This interactive quiz helps individuals discover their true Hogwarts House—Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw—by answering questions honestly about personal values, conflict resolution, ambition, fears, morality, and friendship. The Sorting Hat carefully considers each answer to determine where one truly belongs at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
For those destined for Gryffindor, the house embodies nerve and deep, quiet courage. Gryffindors are characterized by their willingness to act even when afraid, prioritizing what is right over what is safe. They stand up for others and charge towards justice, much like the iconic heroes Harry, Hermione, and Ron, who all hailed from the scarlet and gold tower.
Slytherin, often misunderstood, is described as the house for the driven, sharp, and clear-eyed individuals who know what they want and how to achieve it. Slytherins are resourceful, strategic, and capable of playing the long game, refusing to accept limits imposed by others. They possess a strong sense of self-worth and fiercely protect their own, residing in the dungeon common room overlooking the Black Lake.
Hufflepuff is presented as the house of those with the greatest heart and unwavering integrity, making the world genuinely better through their presence. Hufflepuffs are loyal, hardworking, and act on what is right without needing glory or recognition. Their loyalty remains steadfast even when challenged, joining the ranks of wizarding world luminaries like Nymphadora Tonks, Cedric Diggory, and Newt Scamander.
Ravenclaw appeals to those for whom their mind is their greatest gift. Ravenclaws are the thinkers, questioners, and those who find puzzles irresistible, valuing a good book over most company. This house celebrates the love of learning, the pursuit of truth, and the courage to admit when one doesn't yet know something. They see the world with unusual clarity and depth, following in the footsteps of Luna Lovegood, Filius Flitwick, and Rowena Ravenclaw herself.
Beyond Ricky Gervais's Alley Cats, Netflix is rolling out a variety of other original series in August. The second and final chapter of One Hundred Years of Solitude arrives on August 5, followed by the third season of the teen drama My Life With the Walter Boys on August 6. August 7 will also see the return of the Spanish comedy Death Inc. for Season 4 and the premiere of the K-Drama Our Sticky Love. Later in the month, the documentary Mourinho premieres on August 11, Shane Gillis's comedy Tires returns for Season 3 on August 13, and the documentary Moria, featuring Moria Casán, debuts on August 14. August 20 marks the conclusion of Outer Banks after five seasons. Leanne Morgan's comedy Leanne is back for Season 2 on August 27, while the Turkish detective drama Graveyard and the Spanish comedy All the Truth in My Lies both release on August 28, completing Netflix's August original content lineup.