Ricky Gervais said the show was inspired by his mum, sister and sister-in-law who were all care workers.
Ricky Gervais has said that with Derek, it was the first time on his career that he thought about doing a third season of a show, instead of his usual two seasons and a special. He finally decided not to jinx it and follow his tradition.
Karl Pilkington shot all of his scenes for the first series in 12 days.
Gervais had actually come up with the character of Derek some 15 years before this program was made. In his first incarnation, Derek was simply a nerdy autograph hunter. This was referenced by having Kev be an autograph hunter.