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Extras is a British television comedy series that aired on HBO from 2005 to 2007, consisting of two seasons totalling 13 episodes. The show was written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who also co-starred alongside Ashley Jensen, Shaun Williamson and Shaun Pye.

The show follows the life of Andy Millman (Gervais), an aspiring actor who is currently working as an extra on film and television sets. Each episode follows a different production that Andy is working on, with celebrity cameos and references to the world of entertainment littered throughout the show.

Andy's best friend and fellow extra is Maggie Jacobs (Jensen), who shares his passion for acting but struggles to find consistent work due to her appearance. Along the way, Andy's career takes a number of twists and turns, as he attempts to make it as an actor whilst also maintaining his integrity.

The show was praised for its sharp writing, humour and frequent use of celebrity cameos. Throughout the series, a number of high-profile actors make appearances as exaggerated versions of themselves, including Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet, Patrick Stewart and Orlando Bloom.

One of the most memorable episodes sees David Bowie appearing as himself, offering Andy some sage advice on his acting career whilst performing a song in the background. The show's ability to attract such famous faces was a testament to Gervais and Merchant's growing reputation within the entertainment industry.

Despite its comedic tone, the show also tackled some more serious topics in a sensitive manner. One episode sees Andy debating whether to take a role in a sitcom that he feels is offensive, which leads to a discussion on the morality of comedy and the balance between making people laugh and pushing boundaries too far.

The final episode of the show is often cited as a standout moment, as Andy achieves his dream of fame and fortune, but at a cost to his personal relationships and sense of self. The episode is a fitting ending to the show, which frequently examined the sacrifices that actors have to make in order to achieve their goals.

Overall, Extras is a hilarious and thought-provoking comedy series that examines the world of entertainment from a unique perspective. With a talented cast, sharp writing and numerous celebrity cameos, the show is a must-watch for fans of British comedy and anyone with an interest in the entertainment industry.

Extras is a series that ran for 2 seasons (13 episodes) between July 21, 2005 and on HBO