The Ricky Gervais Show: Season 1

After explaining the intentions of the show in their live-action guises, Ricky and Stephen morph into animated versions of themselves and debate the merits of 20th century inventions with Karl, who feels that pretty much everything people need was invented before the turn of that century. As for new discoveries he would like to see, Karl favors a "non-traditional," if impractical, approach to having kids. He also argues that people have "more than six senses"; intimates that cavemen and dinosaurs co-existed; and recalls a story about a pub tankard that killed anyone who touched it. The guys introduce the recurring "Monkey News" segment, in which Karl describes how banana trained monkeys launched and piloted space vehicles before humans.

Stephen shares a news story about 42 midget warriors who were mutilated by a single lion in a Cambodian ring fight, as well as an e-mail from fan Paul "The Party Animal" Parker, about a Serbian man who invented a sex machine for women. Karl ponders how to avoid being conned into donating to charities, which segues into a discussion of sex. A dialogue about America's first nudist organization leads Ricky to critique naked gym jocks, inspiring a revelation from Karl. The guys debate if there is ever a good time to eat the penis of a kangaroo.

Topics include Karl's theory on a reverse-aging process; Charitable gifts for families in need; The merits of space travel; A choice of superpowers; Personal mottoes. Also: a "Monkey News" segment about a Moscow TV station.

Karl defends facials as more reasonable than enemas, and the friends discuss the customs of tribes in Papua New Guinea. Fan email raises the specter of armed dolphins and, in Monkey News, Karl relays the tale of a lonely monkey brought home by a zookeeper.

Ricky and Stephen challenge Karl's interpretations of famous sayings such as, "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." Stephen questions Karl on what he's learned since his New Year's resolution to learn something new every day.

A fan asks Karl which body part he could live without; Fan mail questions for Karl; "Monkey News."

Karl is back from holiday where he decided to start a diary. Ricky begs to read some of it, revealing a new invention Karl has come up with: A watch that counts down the days and time to one's death.

Responding to fan emails, Karl is put on the spot about whether he would choose Ricky or Stephen to rescue from a sinking ship. Other topics include: face transplants, Karl's lessons for children and suggestions for redesigning various creatures.

In "Questions for Karl," the anointed pundit discusses time travel and adult diapers. Stephen reads entries from Karl's diary, which entertain Ricky immensely. In Monkey News: A 1950s gangster was duped into using a monkey as jockey in an important race.

Karl discusses his unusual approach to teaching. Examples of discussion topics include a dishwasher being found on Mars and dinosaurs as a form of population control. In Monkey News: A man with failing eye sight who ends up at a chimp doctor.

Topics include Karl's Valentine's Day advice, interpreting Wittgenstein and the rights of fish. Stephen and Ricky explain Kafka's 'Metamorphosis,' and Karl ponders life as a beetle. In Monkey News: Karl announces this will be the final segment.

Stephen and Ricky have Karl complete the 'Inside the Actor's Studio' questionnaire which leads to lively discussion about worm and flower cognition. Karl ponders organ donation in light of the possibility of an afterlife. Stephen reads from Karl's Diary.

Karl ponders his entry interview with God at the Pearly Gates. Stephen reads from Karl's Diary hi-lighting alien mind reading and whether having one's head on backwards is harder than having one's hands reversed. Karl offers his top five list of freaks.