Comic actor Ricky Gervais says he feels responsible for a rise in 'cynical' comedy shows.
The 52-year-old actor said that he has tried to leave "cynicism and irony" behind with his Channel 4 series 'Derek', reported Daily Mirror.
"I think what makes Derek a different type of sitcom - if it is even a sitcom - is the sincerity. Certainly in the last few years - and I'm responsible for a lot of it - there's been this comedy of cynicism and irony and I've tried to leave that behind," he said.
Gervais compared the modern comedy landscape to "a student's bedroom" with "ironic" posters.
"Just say what you do like. I think people are afraid to do that."
The second series of 'Derek' begins from April 23 on Channel 4 and will be available to US residents via Netflix from May 30.
