Radio Times

Episode 1/1

Andy Millman's transformation from bit-part stand-in to household name is now complete. Unfortunately, his hit sitcom has suffered so many changes that it bears no resemblance to his original idea. Will he make a fresh bid for artistic credibility? Guest stars include George Michael, dodging paparazzi on Hampstead Heath, Clive Owen, throwing a movie-star strop, David Tennant and Gordon Ramsay.

RT Choice (David Butcher, 27 December 2007)

When Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant wound up The Office, they sent David Brent out on a high, a rare-as-hens'-teeth achievement in the sitcom world. So can they repeat the trick with Andy Millman and Extras?

There are half a dozen hilarious moments in this finale, including a painfully funny scene where Maggie has to pretend to be Andy's PA.

But the mood is strangely dark at times and heavy with pathos, as Andy becomes embittered at the success of When the Whistle Blows, while Maggie's life collapses. Jensen is wonderful and Gervais manages a moving climax, but in the end a series that began as a witty skit on failure turns into a sermon on the perils of fame.