Golden Years (TV programme)
"Golden Years" is the sixth episode of the second series of British comedy anthology series Comedy Lab. It first aired on 8 September 1999 on Channel 4. Written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, it stars Gervais as the co-owner of a video rental company who has a David Bowie obsession. The episode follows him as he prepares for his appearance on the talent show Stars In Their Eyes.[1][2][3][4]
| "Golden Years" | |
|---|---|
| Comedy Lab episode | |
 Gervais in character impersonating David Bowie | |
| Episode no. | Series 2 Episode 6 |
| Directed by | Blake Bedford |
| Written by | Ricky Gervais Stephen Merchant |
| Original air date | 8 September 1999 |
| Running time | 23 minutes |
Production
Plot
Gervais plays Clive Meadows, the main character who has a David Bowie obsession. Clive Meadows is the 32 (or 37, he is somewhat unclear) year old co-owner of 'Video Zone', a video rental company based in Reading. The show follows Clive as he prepares for his appearance on the ITV talent show Stars In Their Eyes.
Reception
Legacy
The documentary style of the show and in particular the behaviour of Gervais' character present like prototypes for The Office and its lead character David Brent.
References
- Guidry, Ken (18 July 2013). "Watch: Ricky Gervais Is A David Bowie Impersonator In 1999 Comedy Pilot 'Golden Years'". Indiewire. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved 27 May 2016.
- Haas, Rachel (19 July 2013). "Unearthed Clip Shows Ricky Gervais as Bowie Impersonator in 1999 Comedy Pilot". Paste. Wolfgang's Vault. Retrieved 27 May 2016.
- Mellor, Louisa (26 June 2011). "Top 10 on-screen David Bowie impressions". Den of Geek. Dennis Publishing. Retrieved 27 May 2016.
- Heatley, Michael (2006). Ricky Gervais: The Story So Far. London, UK: Michael O'Mara Books. ISBN 978-1843172376.