The 2026 Annecy International Film Festival is underway in the French Alps, running from June 21 through June 27, and the event is already delivering major reveals from across the animation world, including Genndy Tartakovsky’s upcoming ‘Conan the Barbarian‘ animated series. In other noteworthy news, we’ve learned that comedian Ricky Gervais used the festival to debut his new adult animated series Alley Cats, set to stream on Netflix later this summer.
The series is described as a slacker-style sitcom that follows a group of street cats trying to survive in a tough urban setting. Each cat brings a distinct personality to the group, creating a mix of humor and conflict that drives the story. Early footage shows a bold 2D animation style that leans into exaggerated expressions and visual gags. Check out the trailer below.
Ricky Gervais' Alley Cats | Official Trailer | Netflix
Gervais created, directed, and co-produced Alley Cats, marking his first time leading a scripted adult animated series on his own. He also voices the main character Gus, a blunt and lazy cat with sharp opinions. The cast includes several familiar names from his Netflix hit After Life, including Diane Morgan, David Earl, Tom Basden, Kerry Godliman, Andrew Brooke, and Jo Harley.
In an interview with Movieweb, Netflix Head of Animation Series John Derderian said the show stands out because of its cast and tone. He pointed to Gervais bringing together what he called “the Avengers of British comedy,” adding that the series blends crude humor with deeper commentary about life and survival.
Derderian also confirmed that Gervais will host a masterclass at Annecy, where attendees will get a first look at the show through a screening of its opening episodes. The move signals strong backing from Netflix as it continues to invest in adult animation with recognizable talent.
Gervais has made it clear he is eager to share the project with audiences, saying he cannot wait for viewers to meet the characters. While the format is new for him, the tone remains familiar. The series keeps his signature style intact, using sharp humor and existential themes, but this time told through animals instead of people.
The debut comes as Annecy continues to spotlight major animation projects, including recent news around Genndy Tartakovsky’s upcoming Conan the Barbarian series. Still, Alley Cats is already drawing attention as a standout, with early reactions suggesting it could be a strong addition to Netflix’s lineup.
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