HBO Unveils New Comedy Series from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, "Life's Too Short," on February 19th

Stephen Merchant, Warwick Davis, Ricky Gervais; photo by: Ray Burmiston

HBO is unveiling its new comedy series, Life’s Too Short, on Sunday, February 19 at 10:30 pm ET/PT. It’s a seven-episode series for the faux documentary that deals with the trials and tribulations of Warwick Davis (Willow, the Harry Potter and Star Wars movies), a little person as he struggles to make his way back to the top. Life’s Too Short follows the season three premiere of HBO’s successful hit comedy, Eastbound & Down, about a burned-out major league ballplayer.

From HBO’s press release today:

He’s a self-aggrandizing actor who’s appeared in some of Hollywood’s biggest hits. But now his career is on the wane, and he’ll do anything to reverse his fortunes.

From Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, LIFE’S TOO SHORT is a faux documentary starring Warwick Davis (“Willow,” the “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” films) as a fictionalized version of himself: a little person who’s down on his luck, desperately trying to hustle and connive his way back into the spotlight. The comedy series kicks off its seven-episode season SUNDAY, FEB. 19 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), following the third-season debut of the comedy series “Eastbound & Down,” with other episodes debuting subsequent Sundays at the same time, exclusively on HBO.

In LIFE’S TOO SHORT, actor Warwick Davis is struggling to jumpstart his fading career and maintain his status as Britain’s “go-to” little person. He runs a talent agency for fellow showbiz little people called “Dwarves for Hire,” though he often takes the best roles for himself, and serves as vice chairman of a society for small people, though he’d rather be chairman. Davis also seeks advice from his old pals Gervais and Merchant (playing versions of themselves) in hopes that their A-list celebrity connections will aid his career.

Each episode features cameos by top stars, including Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson, Sting, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Carell and Kat Deeley. Other cast regulars include Jo Enright as Davis’ soon to be ex-wife Sue, Rosamund Hanson as his dim-witted assistant Cheryl, Steve Brody as his incompetent accountant and “EastEnders” actor Shaun Williamson as himself.

February’s episodes:

Episode #1

Debut: SUNDAY, FEB. 19 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates: Feb. 19 (12:30 a.m.), 20 (11:00 p.m.) and 23 (9:30 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Feb. 20 (9:30 p.m.), 21 (1:25 a.m.), 22 (12:10 a.m.) and 24 (8:30 p.m.)

For more than two decades, Warwick Davis was Britain’s “go-to dwarf.” Now, with his career on the slide, a massive tax bill caused by his useless accountant and a wife who’s divorcing him, he decides to open his doors to a reality TV film crew. After interviewing a new assistant, he drops by unannounced to see old pals Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, but Liam Neeson already has an appointment to pitch himself as a serious actor who is serious about breaking into comedy.

Written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Episode #2

Debut: SUNDAY, FEB. 26 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)

Other HBO playdates: Feb. 26 (12:30 a.m.) and 27 (11:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Feb. 27 (9:30 p.m.), 28 (1:25 a.m.) and 29 (11:30 p.m.)

While selling autographs at a sci-fi convention, Davis agrees to be the special guest at a “Star Wars”-themed wedding. His fortunes appear to rise when Johnny Depp hires him to help research a new movie role, but Depp ends up having a bone to pick with Ricky Gervais.

Written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are the creators of the Golden Globe-winning BBC comedy series “The Office” and the HBO series “Extras” and “The Ricky Gervais Show.” In addition to his feature film credits, Warwick Davis guest-starred on the series “Extras.”

LIFE’S TOO SHORT was created by Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant & Warwick Davis; executive producers, Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant; producer, Charlie Hanson.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!