Attracting yet more star names, while wisely moving the narrative on, the second series of Extras really finds the show maturing nicely, and unsurprisingly, cleaned up more awards in the process.

That said, it remains a far more divisive programme than its forerunner, The Office. Written by, directed and featuring Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais, its appeal is more concentrated and less broad, following Andy Millman on his progression from background artist to his own TV show. At times, for a programme frequently billed as a comedy, there???s a melancholy tone, although that???s not to say it doesn???t deliver its fair share of laughs in the process.

Many of those laughs are oiled by the seemingly never-ending conveyor belt of big names who take part in the show. Extras???s first season attracted the likes of Kate Winslet and Samuel L Jackson, but this time, the likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Sir Ian McKellen and David Bowie are quick to join in. There???s, er, Barry from EastEnders, too, who adds to the fun.

And fun is, ultimately, what Extras serves up, albeit laced with a depth and occasional bout on introspectiveness. As with the first season, it???s Ashley Jensen who steals the show from underneath Extras??? cavalcade of star names, with a terrific portrayal of Maggie Jacobs.

Yet this second series feels and is superior to the first, and already, its creators have announced that they???re putting the brakes on the show, save for one final special to sign off with. And it???ll be sad when it all ends. For while Extras takes a little time to get to love, it???s likely to be held in similar regard to the aforementioned The Office in the years to come. --Jon Foster

The office was good, this isn't. Of course, with Stephen Merchant on writing duty, there are some funny moments (such as Keith Chegwin's homophobic rant), but there are many excruciating moments that I just couldn't watch. Character ineptitude, presented so exquisitely in the Office, has lost it's subtlety here. 2 stars because, for me, it's not worth wading through the pain and boredom for the few amusing moments. With so many other great comedies out there, this isn't worth iit.

Unlike O Khan, I totally get this and it's quality entertainment. Keep 'em coming Ricky.

The second series of Extras is brilliant, playing on embarrassing situations very well. The only bad side is that you do see that Ricky Gervais has only one trick up his sleeve. Great though!

I am a huge fan of Ricky Gervais's work including the Office, his live shows and of course the Extras. Series 1 was brilliant, the great thing with the Office and Extras is, unlike most comedy prgrammes, they can be watched over again.

It's intelligent in the way it plays different dynamics with the characters with certain people of higher or lower status, the extrememly awkward moments Rickys character Andy Millman gets himself into are hilarious, and how he makes it so much worse for himself by back tracking. Ricky's acting in these situations and the way he presents himself is genius. The celebrity guest stars in the programme are shown as bizarre self indulgent individuals which adds a real charm to the show.

Does have a good special features second disc, including "The Taping Of Nigel 2: The Gimpening" An addition the Extras series 1 special feature " The Taping Of Nigel" Which shows the programmes editor being tormented by a surprisingly nasty side to Ricky as he sellotapes the poor guys face into different animal appearences. Although i did feel sorry for "Nigel" i have to admit i did laugh at loud a few times. But the way Ricky presents it, it is sort of in good taste, also Nigel does say that part of him is proud of being apart of it.

Really is worth a watch even if you didnt pariculary like the office.

Ricky Gervais owes the whole Nation an Apology. Not for his comedy, but for the abusive way that he treats his fellow worker as evident in the "Special Features" of Extras 2nd series. I am suprised that the constant physical and verbal abuse that both he and on occasions Jonathan Ross exhibit on the said man are included as "Entertainment"? This behaviour demonsrates the worst qualities in human beings. You will notice in the scenes that staff and co-actors are standing in shock in the background, frozen to the spot, fearing for their own jobs, knowing that if they interfere they may not get a scene or be in the next series. They don`t want to upset Ricky. Pitiful. They should be ashamed of themselves. Just like the Bullies in School playgrounds and workplaces.
I was looking forward to watching Extras having been a fan of the Office and being impressed by the first series of Extras on TV.
I had believed that Ricky Gervais to be a humble man but having witnessed his true colours I will never be able to picture him as that guy who is the doormat and life`s underdog that he so keenly displays. Instead I will just see the Rich, abusive, Bully that he really is.